Cremation Services in Franklin Lakes
The heart of what we want you to come away with from reading this page on
our affordable cremation options can be conveyed in just five words: we are caring cremation experts. Let’s explore exactly what we mean, so you can fully understand what’s behind that statement. Then you’ll know why more area residents choose to turn to us for cremation services. But if you’re need is urgent, or you’d rather speak directly with one of our
licensed staff about available
cremation options, simply call 201-891-4770.
Part of making funeral arrangements on behalf of a loved one involves choosing between burial of the body, or cremation. Certainly this is a big decision, based on any number of factors: religious or spiritual beliefs, finances, or ecological awareness are just some of the reasons we've heard for choosing cremation. Before you can make the choice, you need to know exactly what it is you're considering. You can learn the basics below, however, if the content here raises additional questions for you, please give us a call at 201-891-4770. One of our cremation specialists will address any of your inquiries or concerns.
What We Mean by “Cremation Experts”
Expert: it’s certainly a word we’re all familiar with. An expert is someone with special skills or knowledge in a particular field. How long does it take to become an expert? When it comes to the exact number of hours required, research is mixed; but the consensus is expertise comes only with thousands of hours of practice.
When we describe ourselves as cremation experts, we want you to know both of our licensed funeral professionals, Jim Vander Plaat and his son Nicholas, have earned that designation through years of day-to-day experience serving families just like yours. (Read Licensed Staff to learn more about Jim, a 4th generation funeral professional and Nicholas, who is proud to represent the 5th generation of the Vander Plaat family to serve the community as licensed funeral directors.)
Our caring Franklin Lakes Funeral Homes cremation services experts promise each family we serve the highest level of:
Courteous, professional service.
Our dedicated staff will take care of all details, including prompt filing of required permits and notifications. Accurate completion of these essential documents not only ensures their acceptance by local or state agencies; it guarantees your loved one's cremation will not be delayed.
Respectful care of the deceased and timely completion of cremation process.
Your loved one will be attended to by certified crematory operators; each of whom has been trained to provide both compassionate care for the deceased, and conscientious attention to detail throughout the cremation process.
Safekeeping and prompt return of cremated remains.
We know it's important for the families we serve to know their loved one will be coming home as soon as possible. That's why we promise to notify you as soon as their ashes become available, and safeguard their urn until the time you are ready to receive them.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of the deceased.
There are many advantages to taking some time to remember the life lived, share stories and laugh about all of the memories. Our team can help you plan a fitting memorial service with or without the cremation urn present, at our facility or in a place of your choosing.
Our Affordable Cremation Options
We offer three cremation services options; each can be modified to meet your needs.
Our Traditional Cremation Services in Franklin Lakes
These are much like a traditional funeral. The body of the deceased, placed in a specially-selected cremation casket or a rental casket, is the focal point of the service. A visitation can take place prior to the funeral service and the cycle is completed with the cremation rather than a traditional burial. Once the cremation has occurred, the cremated remains are returned to your family. You can then decide to scatter, bury, or retain the cremated remains in an urn.
Memorial Gathering After the Cremation has Taken Place.
This can occur at any time after the cremation process. The urn is usually on display at the service, which can take place in any setting preferred by the family.
Direct Cremation
This involves completion of all required paperwork and the transportation of the deceased from the hospital, home, nursing facility, or coroner's office to the crematory.
The traditional cremation process involves reducing a body at very high temperatures until it is nothing but brittle, calcified bones. These are then processed into what we commonly call ashes. Returned to the family in a temporary urn (or a more personal urn selected by the family), these ashes can be kept, buried, or scattered. Some families even choose to place a loved one's cremated remains in a hand-crafted piece of cremation art.
Author Michelle Kim, in How Cremation Works, details the cremation process: "In modern crematories, the body is stored in a cool, temperature-controlled room until it's approved for cremation. The body is prepared by removing pacemakers, prostheses and silicone implants. The body is then put into a container or casket made out of flammable materials such as plywood, pine or cardboard."
The container is placed in the retort or cremating chamber. It takes anywhere from two to three hours to reduce an average adult to ash. When the cremated remains are cooled, they are processed to a uniformly-sized pebble-like substance and placed in an urn. The funeral director then returns the cremated remains to the family.
Cremation Costs
Cremation typically costs one-third of the cost of a traditional burial. While it's true that cost is a big factor for many families, it's important to remember that cremation is only one part of providing meaningful end-of-life care for a loved one. Coming to terms with the death of a loved one is important and can be achieved with a memorial service. Bringing family and friends together provides everyone with the opportunity to share memories and receive support.
Why You Should Think of Us as Your Trusted
Franklin Lakes Cremation Services Provider
We've had years of experience serving many families, so we understand and respect your decisions. Not only that, we will take all the time you may need to make an informed decision. Call us today at 201-891-4770 or email us through the Contact Us form.
We encourage you to contact us to discuss the cremation services we offer and to explore cremation costs. We are here to help you make an informed decision. Simply call 201-891-4770 to ask any questions.
Looking for information on memorial services? View our Memorial Home Services Page.