Loading...

Our Cremation Process

Our Cremation Process

Cremation is not final disposition of the remains, nor is it a type of funeral service. Rather, it is a process of reducing the human body to bone fragments using high heat and flame.

Our Crematory in Romeoville, IL

Cremation Society of Illinois 9 step identification process

  1. Place wrist identification on deceased. If family is present, invite them to write name on tag.
  2. Once the deceased is brought into our care they are placed in a state required cremation container and the person’s name is written directly on the container. They also receive a unique bar code linked to their name, which is entered into our computer database. With this technology, our staff is able to monitor the cremation process every step of the way.
  3. Family signs an authorization for cremation, verifying the death of their loved one and giving us permission in writing to do the cremation.
  4. The county medical examiner or coroner acknowledges the death and verifies cause of passing or if further investigation or autopsy is necessary. The death is recorded with the county and a cremation permit is issued.
  5. The death certificate and medical examiner's permits are filed with the State. Certified copies of the death certificate are available to the family and a State permit is issued, giving us the authority to perform the cremation. Only now can the cremation be performed.
  6. Crematory operator fills out a crematory control sheet, which requires two personnel to sign off prior to the cremation being performed.
  7. The start of the cremation is time stamped via the bar code into our computer database and logged into our record book. The name of the deceased, date, time, cremation chamber and operator's name are recorded. Copies of #3, #4, #5 and #6 are attached to the outside of the cremation chamber.
  8. Certificate of Cremation and bar code labels are prepared while cremation takes place. Immediately following the cremation, the cremated remains are placed in the urn with the deceased's name and bar code label placed on the urn.
  9. The cremated remains are returned to the family. The family must show picture I.D. and sign a release stating that they are taking custody of the cremated remains.

How long does the actual cremation take?
It depends on the weight of the individual. For an average size adult, cremation takes from two to three hours at normal operating temperature between 1,500 degrees F to 2,000 degrees F.

What happens after the cremation is complete?
All organic bone fragments, which are very brittle, as well as non-consumed metal items, are "swept" into the front of the cremation chamber and into a stainless steel cooling pan. All non-consumed items, like metal from clothing, hip joints, and bridge work, are separated from the cremated remains. This separation is accomplished through visual inspection as well as using a strong magnet for smaller and minute metallic objects. Items such as dental gold and silver are non-recoverable and are commingled in with the cremated remains. Remaining bone fragments are then processed in a machine to a consistent size and placed into a permanent urn selected by the family.

What do the cremated remains look like?
Cremated remains resemble coarse sand and are whitish to light grey in color. The cremated remains of an average size adult usually weigh between four and eight pounds.

In what kind of container are the cremated remains returned?
The cremated remains are returned in whichever urn the family selects (additional fees apply). We have a large selection of permanent urns available that you may choose from or your family may supply their own.

Are all the cremated remains returned?
With the exception of minute and microscopic particles, which are impossible to remove from the cremation chamber and processing machine, all of the cremated remains are given back to the family.

What can be done with the cremated remains?
There are many options. Remains can be buried in a cemetery lot or cremation garden, inurned in a columbarium, kept at home, or scattered on private property. We also offer a Lake Michigan scattering service, an eternal reef option, or you can have a diamond created from your loved one. Our staff will be happy to discuss these options with you and make any arrangements.



Concerns About Cremation

Are there any laws governing cremation?
Cremation regulations vary from state-to-state.

Can two cremations be performed at once?
Never. Not only is it illegal to do so, most modern cremation chambers are not of sufficient size to accommodate more than one adult. Thus it would be a practical impossibility to conduct multiple cremations simultaneously.

Can the family witness the cremation?
Yes, for a nominal fee. Our state-of-the-art cremation facility is set up to allow family members to be present when the body is placed into the cremation chamber. In fact, some religious groups include this as part of their funeral custom.

How can I be sure I receive the correct remains?
We have developed the most rigorous set of operating policies and procedures in order to maximize our level of quality and minimize the potential for human error. Positive identification of the deceased is assured throughout each stage of the cremation process. We only allow certified professionals to operate our cremation equipment.

Live Chat

Aurora | (630) 820-2828
4255 Westbrook Drive, Suite 213, Aurora, IL 60504

Chicago - 55th Street | (773) 752-6400
1344 E. 55th Street, Chicago, IL 60615

Chicago - Clark Street | (773) 281-5058
3824 N Clark St., Chicago, IL 60613

Crystal Lake | (815) 444-0740
41 N. Virginia Street, Unit B, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Glen Ellyn | (630) 627-4500
1170 Roosevelt Road, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Homewood | (708) 206-2000
17859 Bretz Drive, Homewood, IL 60430

Mt. Prospect | (847) 577-6505
1030 E. Northwest Hwy., Suite 100, Mt. Prospect, IL 60056

Rockford | (815) 282-6202
6825 Weaver Road, Rockford, IL 61114

Romeoville | (815) 886-2000
795 Forestwood Drive, Romeoville, IL 60446

Chicago Funeral Service Center | (773) 774-3333
6471 N. Northwest Hwy., Chicago, IL 60631

Cremation Society of Illinois, Inc. BBB Business Review
Cremation Society of Illinois, Inc. BBB Business Review

Privacy Policy  |  Refund Policy

© Cremation Society of Illinois, Inc.
Supported by SRS Computing and TA

Privacy Policy & Terms of Use | Accessibility