Cremation is becoming a popular funeral disposition choice for families in Des Moines, Iowa, today. The cremation rate in Iowa has shot up in recent years to match the national rate at around 60%. Gay and Ciha Funeral Home in Iowa City reports that 60% of their funerals are now cremations, and they expect this to reach 80% over the next couple of years! Why is cremation becoming so popular? And what is the cost of a cremation in Des Moines?
Low-Cost Cremation: A More Affordable Funeral Alternative in Des Moines
The principal reason why more families are choosing cremation is cost! A cremation is likely to cost half, if not a third, of the cost of a traditional burial. Today many families simply do not have the spare thousands of dollars to pay for a funeral service.
The average cost of a funeral is $7,848 [NFDA], and this does not include cemetery fees. Whereas, a complete simple cremation can be conducted in Des Moines for $895 complete – so you can see why cremation offers such a lower cost alternative!
Some families choose a more affordable cremation alternative simply because they see no reason to spend thousands of dollars on death care. There is a growing trend for simplicity and ‘no fuss’ funerals.
When a simple cremation in Des Moines can be arranged for $895, it is easy to understand why families are choosing cremation.
Contact our local provider at (515) 200-2959 to find out more about arranging a basic cremation.
Diminishing traditionalism: Let’s do something different
An associate of mine in the funeral profession recently stated that Americans are becoming less concerned with tradition. I think this declining traditionalism is another reason why cremation is becoming more popular. Baby boomers certainly want something different – whether it be simple or very unique and extraordinary!
Declining Religiosity
The fact that religious affiliation is in decline in the U.S. has also contributed to a growing acceptance of cremation as an alternative to burial. Cremation is now widely accepted by churches and faith groups.
Growing environmental concerns: cremation vs. burial
Although one could argue that cremation still has an impact on the environment because of the emissions and energy consumption, it is often viewed as less detrimental than burying heaps of steel and concrete and chemically altered corpses! A cremation proves to be a relatively efficient means by which to conduct a disposition. As it gains popularity improvements are being made to make cremation equipment more energy efficient and reduce emissions.
Basic cremation: What is the cost of a cremation in Des Moines?
A basic cremation can be conducted in Des Moines for $895. This is the lowest-cost cremation service available to families. In the funeral trade it is referred to as a direct cremation or an immediate cremation. It means that the minimal services of the funeral director are required, and a cremation is performed without any ceremony.
The deceased is collected, all the necessary paperwork and permits completed, the cremation proceeds using a basic cremation container, and the cremated remains are given back to the family in a temporary urn (unless an upgraded cremation urn is selected at an additional cost).
The cost of a cremation can differ quite significantly between different funeral providers, so it is always wise to check around more than one funeral home and compare cremation prices. The prices listed below provide a small sample of affordable cremation options in Des Moines. This sample is aimed to demonstrate how families can find a simple, low cost funeral alternative.
Disclaimer: This cremation cost information was obtained from providers in March 2024. Prices are posted to help families make informed decisions. However, periodically providers change their prices. We make every effort to ensure the prices are accurate, but prices must be verified directly with the listed funeral home.
DFS Memorials Des Moines $895
Cremation Society of Iowa $995
US Cremation Society $1,395
Hamiltons Funeral Home $2,170
Call (515) 200-2959 now to arrange a direct cremation in Des Moines for just $895.
Save money on a funeral by arranging your own memorial service
Who better to create a unique and personalized tribute than the family themselves? If you want to organize a cheap funeral that is special, then conduct your own home funeral. It is legal in all but 7 states to make all your own funeral arrangements, you do not have to employ a funeral home.
By arranging a simple cremation, family can have the ‘mechanics’ of the disposition handled, and once the cremated remains are returned a memorial tribute gathering can be held if so desired. This gives the family the flexibility to arrange a service as and when suits and not incur too many costs by acting in haste and entrusting a funeral home to oversee all aspects of the memorialization process. This article has great tips for how to conduct your own memorialization.
Is there financial assistance to help with the cost of cremation in Des Moines?
The growing demand for financial assistance for funeral costs is also leading families to consider the lowest-cost cremation option – direct cremation. There is very limited public aid to help families when they cannot afford a funeral. It is patchy at best and can vary by county, depending upon budgets and available funds. Call your local county Social Services or Human Services to find out what level of support may be available to you. If you are struggling to put together the funds to pay for a funeral, then a simple cremation is your least expensive option.
DFS Memorials Des Moines serves Polk and Warren Counties and Adel, Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant, Carlisle, Clive, Hoover, East, Lincoln, Norwalk, Roosevelt, SE Polk, Van Meter, Waukee & West Des Moines.
I have been researching and writing about the death care industry for the last fifteen years. End of life services and experiences are something most of us choose not to reflect upon until we are suddenly faced with dealing with it. I have been contributing comprehensive and independent resources for families that explain how the funeral industry operates, and the laws that govern funeral practices. Sara writes for US Funerals Online and DFS Memorials LLC, as well as contributing to other forums and publications for the death care industry. I have a BA in Cultural Studies. This helps my analysis of cultural death care rituals, alongside a career background in Business Management. The death care industry is undergoing an epoch of change and this fascinates me.
