Cremation | Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service | Grand Rapids MI funeral home and cremation (2024)

Although cremation dates back to ancient times, it has only recently become a more common choice throughout the United States. Since you are thinking about cremation, you may want to know more about the many options which are available to you.

Most families hold services, which help the bereaved cope with the loss of a loved one. Many people find that opting for cremation gives them the opportunity to create and personalize the various service options for a more meaningful experience. Cremation offers families choices for final disposition of the cremated remains. And with cremation you have the opportunity to select from a wide array of caskets and urns.

Deciding what will be done with cremated remains will help you decide what kind of urn to select. An urn can be buried in a family plot at a cemetery, placed in a niche at a columbarium, or kept in the home. Cremated remains may also be scattered over land or water. However, many local communities have laws prohibiting scattering. We can advise you of any local ordinances in this regard. When scattering, or any other form of final disposition is chosen, a portion of the cremated remains may be retained in a smaller keepsake urn.

Making any kind of arrangements involves many choices and decisions. For example, in Michigan, a cremation may not be self-directed. Permission must come from next of kin. It is helpful to consider all the options and take the time to ask questions before making a final decision about such an important event. We are here to make the experience as emotionally satisfying for you as possible. Making an informed choice can help assure peace of mind for everyone involved.

The greatest misunderstanding about cremation is the belief that there is no need for services. However, a service or memorial ceremony is an important step in helping the bereaved overcome their grief, and offers family and friends the opportunity to honor a loved one.

Gathering together for a service acknowledges the grief of relatives and friends by helping them feel included in the grieving process. Gatherings also allow loved ones to share stories, give eulogies and otherwise reaffirm the value the deceased person had in others´ lives. And most of all, these gatherings help the immediate family begin the healing process.

Services or ceremonies can precede or follow the actual cremation. Prior to cremation, there may be a gathering, which can be either public or private, with an open or closed casket.

When the service follows cremation, a receptacle (or urn) containing the cremated remains may take a place of prominence. Following the ceremony, the final disposition of the cremated remains takes place.

Ceremonies can be simple, contemporary, religious or secular. Music, readings, stories and poetry can be added to personalize the event to both reflect on and celebrate the life that was lived. Some families arrange a memorial table with personal items that reflect the personality, accomplishments and interests of the person's life, allowing others to share positive and happy memories. Most services, with the exception of some religious ceremonies, can be held in the funeral home. This enables us to assist with the many details involved.

A permanent memorial - whether through a cemetery marker, planting a tree, or keeping a decorative urn - can have important emotional value. A permanent memorial establishes a place where current and future generations can go to remember a departed loved one.

Cremation containers are available in a wide variety of styles and prices. When a service has been scheduled, some prefer the design and ornamentation of Traditional caskets.

Cremation caskets are simpler in design, built with less ornamentation and made from different materials. As a result, they are typically less expensive than traditional caskets, yet are crafted with the same quality and care. They are also appropriate when services have been scheduled.

Alternative containers are also available and typically are made of cardboard.

The urn provides both a protective and dignified receptacle for the cremated remains. It can become an important focal point at a memorial service, and can serve as a permanent memorial to the deceased. Permanent urns are crafted from various materials in a wide range of prices.