Do you need to know how to arrange a dignified funeral at an affordable cost? We have compiled this guide to help you understand how to save thousands when arranging a funeral. In fact, you can arrange a simple, basic cremation for just $1,195 or a simple burial for $2,995
Why choose cremation services?
Cremation offers an inexpensive and flexible alternative to a burial service. Choosing cremation services can save you 40% to 60% (or sometimes more) on the cost of traditional burial services. This is because a casket or embalming (unless required) is not required, and there is no immediate need for a cemetery plot or burial vault. Eliminating these just these few products and services saves thousands of dollars alone.
Cremation can offer a more flexible alternative that can accommodate families who have moved from their home state or when a funeral cannot be held immediately. Cremation also offers a greater range of personalization options, with an array of ash-scattering ceremony possibilities and various cremation artifact products.
How much does a cremation cost in Kenosha?
To arrange a low-cost direct cremation for $1,195 – Call us at (262) 235-3033 now.
The cost of a cremation can vary considerably. This will depend upon the type of cremation service you opt for and the cremation services provider you select. A full-service cremation with a service will cost in the region of $3,000 – $5,000, depending upon the length of service held and what kind of casket you purchase or rent. A direct cremation will cost between $1,195 and $2,500 (depending on the funeral home used).
Wisconsin has some of the most expensive cremation permit costs in the country, and the family must cover this additional expense. The cost of a cremation permit in Kenosha is $275.
Direct cremation services in Kenosha, WI
If you are working to a budget for your funeral expenses, you may wish to consider a direct cremation. This is the most economical cremation service option. The funeral services provider does everything to take care of the immediate disposition of the deceased, but no viewing or services are held.
The deceased is cremated in a simple cremation container, and then the cremated remains are made available for the family or collection (or, if requested, delivered/mailed).
A direct cremation can be arranged online or by phone without the need to visit a funeral home. For the best price on a direct cremation, contact your DFS Memorials provider in Kenosha at (262) 235-3033. They offer a complete direct cremation package for just $1,195.
How do I choose a cremation services provider?
When there are several funeral homes to choose from, this can sometimes be a daunting task. It may help to set some clear criteria to help you select the provider that best suits your needs. The funeral services provider you select can be influenced by what facilities and services they offer or what budget you have.
As we have highlighted, costs can vary quite significantly between funeral homes for the exact same service. For this reason, we recommend that you compare some costs before making a decision.
Comparing cremation costs in Kenosha, WI
All funeral homes have a general price list (GPL), which should itemize all services and charges. Legally a funeral home must provide you with a copy of their GPL if you request cremation price information, either in person or by phone.
When comparing costs and services, check what IS included, especially with a budget direct cremation package. Is a copy of the death certificate included? Is the cremation permit an additional cash advance item or included?
Cremation permits generally run at $275 in Kenosha. What about if an out-of-hours collection is required? Is there an additional daily refrigeration charge if the cremation does not proceed after 48 hours? A death certificate costs $20.00 for the first and $3.00 for each additional copy. The funeral director will generally obtain the death certificates on your behalf.
What legally do I need to know about arranging a cremation in Kenosha?
If you are considering cremation, you need to be aware of a few legal requirements. First, the legal next-of-kin must all sign the ‘Cremation Authorization Form’ before a cremation can proceed.
In Wisconsin there is a mandatory wait period after death of 48 hours before the cremation can proceed, however, before a cremation can proceed the doctor must sign and fill out the cause of death, and the county must issue a permit to cremate. The deceased will be refrigerated during this period, and longer if required, however you should be aware that many cremation packages will only include refrigeration for up to 5 days and will charge you a daily rate thereon.
If the deceased is held at the Medical Examiners, you will need to appoint a funeral director who will liaise with the Medical Examiner’s office to arrange the release of the body to a funeral home for the funeral. The legal next of kin must sign a release form with the funeral home, which can then collect the deceased and transfer him or her into their care.
Can I preplan a cremation?
Yes, you can prearrange a cremation. Advance planning can help to ensure you get the most appropriate services provider for your needs and can save the surviving family the financial and emotional burden at the time of death. There are various options open to you to plan ahead so consult with your preferred services provider.
What can we do with the cremated remains?
As I mentioned earlier, there is versatility in what you can do with cremated remains. You can inter a cremation urn in a cemetery plot or niche, keep an urn at home, scatter the remains, or create a cremation artifact such as a cremation diamond, glass paperweight, bird bath, or memorial reef ball, to name but a few!
The deceased had no life insurance – is there any help with cremation costs?
Wisconsin does provide some financial funeral assistance for those eligible (Title 19), and further information about eligibility can be found here. Up to $4,500 can be paid for funeral costs and $1,000 for cemetery costs. This means that a simple cremation can be conducted within the bounds of what the state will pay, although the family still has to pay the cost of the cremation permit ($275).
What is “no-cost cremation”?
Some funeral homes now offer this option in Wisconsin. This refers to whole-body donation, whereby after the donation is complete, the remains are cremated (free of charge) and then returned to the family or scattered. Generally, funeral homes can get a referral fee from the whole-body donation organization, plus they sometimes charge a transportation fee. So, all in all, they do still recoup their costs. As we all know, there really is nothing that is truly free!
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.
