What to Know About Cremation

Cremation has been around for thousands of years.

In the U.S., the number of people choosing this form of internment has been on the rise in recent years. According to the Cremation Association of America (CANA), the national average in 2017 was 51.6% and climbing.

At Oakwood Memorial Park, we hear from people weekly asking about cremation. Most people want to know how it works, if it’s cheaper, and what to do with the ashes – especially if their deceased loved one wanted them to be scattered somewhere.

Think of cremation simply as an alternative disposition of a person’s body.

The body may still be present at the visitation and funeral service, it’s just a different way of handling the disposition afterward.

Regarding the cost, cremation can be cheaper but not always. Remember, you walked on this earth. You influenced people, had an impact on family, children, friends, coworkers, and strangers. How would you want them to remember you? How do you want them to start healing from the grief of losing you? This is where planning ahead is so important, not only so that the people you’ve impacted have the chance for a proper goodbye, but also so the expenses can be addressed ahead of time.

Once the ashes are returned, what then?

Many families display the urn somewhere in the home, but there are occasions when scattering the ashes serves to meet a final request of the deceased. There are some restrictions on this, though. In Illinois, it is illegal to scatter cremated remains on private property or in non-designated areas without express written consent of the landowner. Without that, your only other (legal) options are in cemeteries, rivers, large bodies of water, dropped from airplanes, or somewhere among nature.

Here at Oakwood Memorial Park, we have options to meet those needs.

We have a corridor of indoor niches in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, as well as outdoor options including the Garden of Tranquility – a new cremation garden accommodating above and below-ground burials.

We are honored to provide an important place for people to come and remember a loved one; a place to physically touch, reflect, and heal.

For more information or questions on what cremation options are appropriate for you or your family, visit our website or call 815-433-0313.

Oakwood Memorial Park

2405 Champlain St

Ottawa, IL 61350