Find Peace of Mind With Funeral Pre-Planning
We are here for any questions regarding your pre-plan funeral and the consultation is free.
Cremation Services
Let Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons help you honor your late loved one’s memory. We offer three primary types of cremation services and can help you customize one based on your loved one’s needs. We know how difficult this time is for you—allow us to give you the support that you need at this time.
Types of Cremation Services
Direct Cremation
A direct cremation does not include a memorial service or viewing. However, you can personalize a cremation urn or box.
Traditional Cremation
With this service type, you have the option of a viewing before cremation.
Cremation With Memorial Service
Another option is to have a memorial service after cremation. We can help you plan a memorial that honors your loved one’s life and legacy. We can even plan military and green/eco-friendly memorials, or provide guidance for scattering at sea.
The Cremation Process
During this process, the deceased is placed in a container, such as a coffin or a casket. The container is then placed into a furnace and exposed to high temperatures (between 1,400 and 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit) until ash is formed. The cremains (ashes) are left to cool. Further processing may be done to ensure the cremains have a fine, sand-like consistency. The cremains are placed into a personalized container, like an urn.
Why Choose Cremation
Cremation rates are on the rise, not just in the United States but around the world. In the United States specifically, the National Funeral Directors Association reported a 53.5% rate in 2018 and predicted that in 20 years, the rate would rise by an additional 30%.
There are a few reasons why cremation is becoming popular:
- Less Expensive: The average cost of a funeral, including a viewing and burial, in the United States in 2021 was $7,848. In comparison, a funeral with cremation was $6,971. Keep in mind that costs may vary depending on several factors. You can visit this web page to learn more about which factors impact cremation costs.
- Convenience: A direct cremation, even with a memorial, primarily because families can have more time to grieve and plan, as services can be held long after the cremation.
- Personal Preference & Family Traditions: Some people want cremation because they want to eventually be scattered at a sentimental location, while others believe it’s better for the environment.
Personalization Options
Memorial Services, Ceremonies, & Celebration of Life Events
Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons will help you plan and deliver a memorial service based on your loved one’s preferences, culture, and religious beliefs. We can incorporate music into your loved one’s service, plan a shared activity for guests, like sharing stories, or coordinate something extra special, like a floating lantern memorial or balloon release.
We also provide military services, and can walk you through the process of obtaining VA benefits.
Custom Urns & Keepsakes
You can choose from a wide variety of cremation containers, from wooden boxes to ceramic urns. We also offer different keepsakes, such as glass memorials, angel statues, candles, lamps, ornaments, and jewelry, to help you remember your loved one.
Scattering Options
Michigan has no laws or regulations prohibiting ash scattering in specific locations. Typically, people scatter ashes at beaches and parks, although you will need to obtain a permit from a public park. If you plan to scatter ashes in the water, you may have to notify an EPA agent, as there are some regulations under the Clean Water Act.
If you have a specific location in mind, please let our team know, and we will be happy to provide you with the next steps.
Pre-Planning Assistance
It’s tough to think about “the end,” but it can be incredibly helpful. For one, it allows you to have a say in how people memorialize you and help your loved ones understand your preferences, potentially eliminating disputes among your family. Pre-planning also allows you to “lock in” a price and pay ahead, which will help reduce financial stress for your loved ones.
We’ve created a convenient pre-planning guide to help you, and we’re always available to assist you through the process.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Whether you’re planning a memorial for a loved one or need pre-planning assistance, Wujek-Calcaterra is here for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment—we’re available 24/7.