The Cremation Process

Many families are now choosing cremation. Cremation is a process that involves reducing human remains to ashes. Cremation is one of two forms of disposition, the other being burial in the ground. Services, visitations, viewings, and celebrations usually accompany. If you are considering cremation, we encourage you to consider the following information.

Cremation takes place in a cremation chamber, where the body is exposed to intense heat and open flames. In most cases, the body is contained in a rigid cardboard container, an alternative cremation container, or a casket.

When you request cremation services with Miller Funeral Home & on-site crematory, our dedicated staff will treat you and your loved one with the utmost dignity and respect. We will cremate the body of your loved one using the following procedure:

• Once your loved one is in our care, we will bathe and dress the body in clothing provided by the family. Embalming would take place if a service were selected that requires the procedure.
• We will request one of your family members to confirm the identity of the body of the deceased.
• An identification tag is placed with the identified body.
• We will then remove any jewelry pieces and medical devices from the body.
• After that, the body is placed in a special cremation container of your choosing
• We will then place the cremation container containing the body in our cremation chamber. This chamber is computerized and is lined with fire-resistant bricks.
• We will cremate the body at very high temperatures. Calcified parts of the body such as bones are likely to remain after the cremation process.
• We will process the bone fragments using a special device to a sand-like consistency.
• We will then place the ashes in a plastic bag with the identification tag and place the cremated body into the urn selected by the family.
• Following the cremation process and services, the urn can be buried, interred in a final resting place, or released to the person indicated on the cremation authorization. This is done by appointment with a member of our staff. A photo identification and a signed release are required by the funeral home.

Types of Cremation Services

Cremation offers many options for services and our licensed professionals will help your family select an option that is right for you.

A Traditional service with the body present for viewing followed by cremation offers friends and relatives a visitation time to view the deceased and have a service with the body present.

Cremation with a memorial service involves a memorial service that takes place after the deceased is cremated. The cremated remains are usually present during the memorial service. Prior to the cremation process taking place, we encourage the immediate family to view their loved one at the funeral home. Embalming does not need to take place, and out of respect for the deceased, we will complete bathing and dressing for the private viewing.

Direct cremation does not involve services, however, prior to the cremation process, we encourage immediate family to have a private viewing. Following the cremation process, the urn is released to the individual designated on the cremation authorization. 

If you are looking for cremation services in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, contact Miller Funeral Home & on-site crematory. Our caring and attentive funeral home staff work hard to make sure the family’s wishes are honored.

Contact us today to learn more about our cremation options.