Do You Know How is a Body Prepared for Cremation?

Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation • February 28, 2022
cremation service in Fulton, IL

Your loved one has died, and they chose a cremation service in Fulton, IL. What happens to the body after the death? How long before the cremation takes place? What happens after the cremation? Here are all the details of how a body is prepared for a cremation.  

First, the funeral home or crematory picks up the body. After the death, the funeral home or crematory of your choice will usually pick up the body and bring it to the funeral home or crematory. Once there, it will be placed in a prep room or in refrigeration. Next comes service planning. The bereaved will then meet with a funeral director or cremation provider to plan a service, if desired, and determine the cremation details. During this time, the body is kept in a refrigeration unit between 36 and 39 degrees to slow decomposition. If the deceased or bereaved chose direct cremation, the body will stay refrigerated till the cremation. If they chose a public viewing, the body will be placed in a prep room for embalming.  

The cremation provider will then prep the body by removing all jewelry, pacemakers, or medical devices in order to prevent melting or explosions during the cremation process. Jewelry is returned to the family and medical devices are often recycled or returned to the family. If the family or deceased chose direct cremation, there is no other preparation required. If the family chose a public viewing, the body will be embalmed, bathed, dried, dressed, and put in a casket.  

Next comes identity verification. A family member or next-of-kin will complete and ID Verification form after preparation to signify that the body has been properly identified and is ready to be cremated or viewed at a service. Each facility and state have different procedures, but your funeral director or cremation provider will walk you through each step.  

Finally, there’s the cremation itself. After the body is identified and after any chosen service, the body is then placed in a cremation container. Cremation containers can be solid wood caskets designed for cremation or corrugated cardboard boxes also designed for cremations. The cremation container with the body inside is then put into the cremation chamber and heated between 1400 and 2000 degrees for about two hours. Some crematories allow family members to view the cremation itself. If you wish to view the cremation, speak with your provider.  

After the cremation, the remains are cooled for about an hour and then processed through a machine that grinds remaining bones into powder. These powdered remains are returned to the family in an urn of their choice or in another kind of container.  

That is the basics of how a body is prepared for cremation. If you want to learn more about the cremation process or Fulton, IL cremation services in general, Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation is here to help. Stop by and pay us a visit or give us a call today for more information on what we can do for you in your time of loss.  

funeral homes Morrison, IL
June 2, 2025
Honor your loved one’s legacy with dignified tributes. Explore how funeral homes Morrison, IL, offer compassionate burial services with respect and care.
cremation services Fulton, IL
May 26, 2025
Create meaningful memorial tributes with cremation services Fulton, IL. Honor your loved one’s legacy with Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation today.
funeral homes Fulton, IL
May 19, 2025
Honor a veteran’s life with meaningful traditions. Schilling Funeral Home shares insights on tributes and services from trusted funeral homes Fulton, IL.
cremation services Amboy, IL
May 12, 2025
Coping with loss? Find healing through grief support options that complement cremation services Amboy, IL families trust for comfort and guidance.
funeral homes Amboy, IL
May 5, 2025
Choose with care. See how funeral homes Amboy, IL support families in selecting meaningful casket styles and materials for a respectful farewell.
cremation services Morrison, IL
April 28, 2025
Direct cremation provides simplicity. Cremation services Morrison, IL offer a dignified farewell that allows families to plan meaningful memorials.
funeral homes Morrison, IL
April 21, 2025
Selecting a casket or vault is a meaningful choice. Funeral homes Morrison, IL offer guidance on materials, styles, and lasting tribute options.
Cremation services Fulton, IL
April 14, 2025
Aftercare provides essential support for healing after loss. Cremation services Fulton, IL offers resources and compassionate guidance to help families cope.
funeral homes Fulton, IL
April 7, 2025
Pre-planning a funeral ensures personal wishes are honored and eases the burden on loved ones. Funeral homes Fulton, IL provide compassionate guidance.
cremation services Amboy, IL
March 24, 2025
Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation supports grief resources and care. Learn how cremation services Amboy, IL can connect you with valuable support networks.
More Posts