service options
Cremation Services
For many families, cremation is a dignified and respectful way to remember and honor loved ones that have passed away. Once in our care, your loved one is our highest priority and will remain with us throughout the entire process, as we own and operate our own crematory.
Cremation Options
At Riemann Family Funeral Homes, we understand that cremation is a meaningful choice for many families. We are committed to providing personalized cremation services that honor the unique life and legacy of each loved one. Our cremation services offer a range of options, including traditional services with cremation, direct cremation, and memorial services. Families can choose to hold a visitation or funeral service before cremation or opt for a simple, private cremation. We also offer a variety of urns and memorialization options to help families honor their loved one's memory. We believe strongly in making cremation services affordable and accessible, which is why we offer competitive pricing and flexible payment options. Our compassionate staff is here to support families every step of the way and help create a meaningful and personalized tribute to their loved one.
Services that Include Cremation
When one chooses cremation, options for memorialization are also endless. The following is a list of memorialization possibilities a family can choose when they select cremation:
- “Traditional Cremation” refers to the type of ceremonies that are similar to the preceding information for “Traditional Funeral.” It includes the preparation of the deceased, casket, viewing, Life Celebration/funeral, the cremation process, followed by final placement of the urn (burial, scatter, or retention by family.)
- “Service of Remembrance” refers to the type of ceremonies that have visitation hours and a funeral service, but have no casket present. When this is chosen, the visitation takes place at whatever venue the family chooses and is followed by funeral service. This service is many times referred to as a “Memorial Service.” The terms funeral service, memorial service, Life Celebration, and Mass of Christian Burial are all synonymous. The family has the choice whether or not to have the urn present at the service, make flower selections, prominently place a portrait, and personalize the ceremony just like any other. Following this service, a funeral procession to the grave site takes place for those choosing burial of the urn, or the family can choose to take the urn with them and keep it for disposition at some later time (i.e. scattering), or choose to simply keep the urn.
When choosing scattering, the funeral home can assist with the coordination of such a service. For example, a ceremony can be held at sea on a chartered boat, complete with religious ceremony, music, the actual scattering, and “reception.”
We encourage the family to allow us to help create a truly personal and meaningful experience.
Personalizing the visitation is an integral part of celebrating the life of an individual. Whether it’s video memorials, personalized portraits, or special music, because we are unique, the length to which it can be planned is endless. For example, for an antique car enthusiast, placing his/her automobiles at the entry to the funeral home and displaying car show awards and pictures may be important. For the fisherman, a casket spray with cast net, lures, boat paddle, and marsh flowers can reflect a personal touch. Or for the artist, displaying important works of art, “gallery style” may invoke special feelings from family and friends.
The objective is to create an environment of individual touches that can help bring back memories of a life lived. Many people don’t quite know what to say when they attend a service. They are in attendance because they care and want to give their support. Personalization can help start conversation and the healing process for all.
What is Cremation?
Cremation is a process whereby the human remains are reduced to what we as a society refer to as ash. More specifically, the State of Mississippi requires this paragraph to be included on the forms signed by the next of kin who is authorizing this process:
The human body burns with the casket, container or other material in the cremation chamber. Some bone fragments are not combustible at the incineration temperature and, as a result, remain in the cremation chamber. During the cremation, the contents of the chamber may be moved to facilitate incineration. The chamber is composed of ceramic or other material which disintegrates slightly during each cremation and the produce of that disintegration is commingled with the cremated remains. Nearly all of the contents of the cremation chamber, consisting of the cremated remains, disintegrated chamber material, and small amounts of residue from previous cremations, are removed together and crushed, pulverized or ground to facilitate inurnment or scattering. Some residue remains in the cracks and uneven places of the chamber. Periodically, the accumulation of this residue is removed and interred in a dedicated cemetery property or appropriate area.
-Excerpt from Cremation Authorization Form
Traditional Funeral Service Followed by Cremation
Many families find meaning and beauty in a traditional funeral service. With a traditional service combined with cremation, you can still choose to have a final viewing, visitation or wake, and a funeral service. However, instead of in-ground burial, the funeral will be followed by cremation. Depending on your wishes, the cremated remains may be either returned to your family for storage in an urn, scattered, or interred in a columbarium. This option will include fees for the funeral services as well as the fees associated with the cremation itself.
Memorial Service
The memorial service can be held in our chapel, a church, or any other venue the family chooses. We work with our families to design a service that honors their loved one with stories, music, or scripture. We also have life celebrants who lead services where clergy may not be chosen. Our celebrants are trained in creating experiences that help start the healing process.
Graveside
Graveside services following cremation offer a meaningful way to honor your loved one with a final act of remembrance. This intimate gathering at the burial site of the urn provides a quiet moment for family and friends to reflect, share memories, and say goodbye in a peaceful setting. Whether simple or ceremonial, it’s a heartfelt way to bring closure and lay your loved one to rest with dignity.
