09/01/2026
Here are some of the Frequently Asked Questions when it comes to Cremation:
🖤 Burial or Cremation?
Burial in a casket is the most common method of final disposition in the United States, though entombment also occurs. Cremation is increasingly popular due to its lower cost and the flexibility it offers for scheduling a memorial service at a more convenient time.
A funeral service followed by cremation can be similar to one followed by burial. Cremated remains are typically placed in an urn and may be buried, placed in a mausoleum or columbarium, interred in an urn garden, or scattered according to state law.
🖤 Do I have to make different funeral arrangements if I choose cremation?
It really depends entirely on how you wish to commemorate a life. One of the advantages of cremation is that it provides you with increased flexibility when you make your funeral and cemetery arrangements.
You might, for example, choose to have a funeral service before the cremation; a memorial service at the time of cremation or after the cremation with the urn present; or a committal service at the final disposition of cremated remains. Funeral or memorial services can be held in a place of worship, a funeral home, or in a crematory chapel.
🖤 Where can I scatter my loved one's cremated remains? Are there any restrictions?
Generally, the government does not regulate the scattering of ashes. Public parks, including national parks, often require a formal request and may have specific restrictions. For scattering on private land, always consult the landowner first. Check for any rules beforehand and act considerately.
🖤 How can I be sure that the remains I receive are those of my loved one?
Cremation of multiple individuals simultaneously is illegal in the U.S. and many other countries, so cremation chambers are designed for one person at a time. We take this very seriously at Peterson & Patch.
Cremation is a regulated process with strict procedures to ensure the highest standards. All necessary paperwork and fees must be completed with local authorities, followed by a checklist at the crematory.
A metal disk with a unique ID number accompanies your loved one throughout the process, ensuring that you receive only your loved one’s ashes, handled with the utmost respect and care. If you want to be near as the cremation proceeds, we have a viewing window for part of the process in our crematory. This can be arranged with us.
🖤 If I am cremated, can I be buried with my spouse even if he or she was in a casket?
Depending upon the cemetery's policy, you may be able to save a grave space by having the cremains buried on top of the casketed remains of your spouse, or utilize the space provided next to him/her.
Many cemeteries allow for multiple cremated remains to be interred in a single grave space.
More frequently asked questions can be found here, and remember we never mind answering your questions and helping ease your mind while you navigate your next steps:
https://waukeganfunerals.com/resources/frequent-questions/
