Cremation Information Cremation is an option chosen by an increasing number of families. Cremation is a form of disposition of a body. Other dispositions include entombment in a mausoleum or crypt, burial at sea, and ground burial. Cremation can be the disposition of the body following any type of service, visitation, or viewing of the body. Cremation can also be a form of disposition of the body where there is no service, visitation, or viewing. The choice of viewing, service, and/or visitation is made by the next of kin of the deceased. In Michigan, a crematory cannot be operated by a funeral home. Most crematories requires either a casket or an alternative (cremation) container to contain the body for delivery to the crematory. If a casket is selected, it may be made of either wood or metal. The cremation process: Cremation is performed by placing the casket or other suitable container that contains the deceased into the cremation chamber where it is subjected to intense heat and flame. Incineration of the container and contents is accomplished and all substances are consumed, except bone fragments and metal (including dental gold and silver and any other nonhuman material). Following cremation, these skeletal bone fragments normally weigh several pounds and are mechanically processed (pulverized) and placed in an urn for return to the family or delivery to a cemetery. When cremation is the disposition selected, it is usually necessary for the responsible next of kin to specify two containers, one that the body is placed in for delivery to the crematory (casket or container) and another container (urn) that the cremated remains are placed in.

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