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Cremation Assurance
Cremations Assurance
Cremation Assurance is our commitment to you. It’s an eight-point plan that outlines our dedication to every family we assist with cremation services. These eight points provide a detailed overview of each step in the cremation process at our funeral home.
1. Our Crematory
Murdoch Funeral Homes & Cremation Service owns and operates our own crematory. When you choose us for cremation, your loved one remains under our care throughout the process. We do not use crematories located in warehouses or industrial buildings, nor do we rely on third-party operators. Our crematory is located at our funeral home in Marion and is available for your inspection.
Why is this important?
Only licensed Murdoch Funeral Directors operate our crematory. We understand that the care of your loved one is paramount, and we believe it is crucial for the process to be managed by trained professionals who provide respectful and compassionate care. By operating our own crematory, we ensure the highest standards of quality and care for your loved one.
2. Personal Identification
Murdoch Funeral Homes & Cremation Service is committed to ensuring the personal identification of your loved one. As soon as your loved one comes into our care, we immediately place a personal identification band on them.
3. Family Identification
Before any cremation takes place at our crematory, our funeral directors will bathe and dress your loved one in clothing provided by the family or in a gown we supply. We will then request that a family member positively identify your loved one.
4. Tracking
Upon arrival, your loved one is logged into our cremation record system and assigned a cremation ID tag. This ID tag is a numerically stamped metal disc, in addition to the personal identification band placed when they first entered our care. The metal disc remains with your loved one throughout the cremation process and is ultimately placed into the urn as a permanent means of identification.
Murdoch Funeral Homes & Cremation Service is dedicated to ensuring that each family receives the cremated remains of their loved one. We carefully monitor and track each cremation to uphold this commitment.
5. Record Keeping
Our funeral home employs a thorough record-keeping system. Our cremation log book tracks essential details, including the name of the individual, the date and time of cremation, the Cremation ID tag number, the licensed funeral director operating the crematory, and any other pertinent information.
Before any cremation at our facility, the funeral director and at least one additional staff member carefully verify the identification of each individual and review all cremation documents.
Once the cremation process is completed, the time of completion is recorded in the log book.
We strictly adhere to the State of Iowa's laws and regulations concerning cremation at our crematory and funeral home.
6. Following Cremation
After the cremation process, your loved one’s cremated remains are meticulously placed into the urn, keepsakes, and/or jewelry keepsake pieces that have been selected.
7. Receiving Cremated Remains
Our funeral directors will inform the family and schedule a time for the retrieval of the cremated remains. We will provide a respectful setting for you to receive the remains and offer the opportunity for quiet reflection.
If desired, our staff can arrange for the personal delivery of the cremated remains to your local home.
8. Remembering
We will help your family plan a funeral, visitation, gathering, or memorial service, whether before or after the cremation. This event will honor and celebrate the life of your loved one, serving as a special tribute to their life and the impact they had on those around them.
These services can be religious, contemporary, casual, formal, or a blend of what you and your loved one envision. If you prefer a reception or a more informal "party," we can assist with that as well. Our team of professional funeral directors is here to support you in any way possible.
Cremations Services
Murdoch Funeral Homes & Cremation Service specializes in cremation and proudly operates our own crematory. With us, your loved one remains in our care throughout the entire process. Our Cremation Assurance reflects our dedication to providing the highest level of service.
Whether you need basic cremation services or wish to have an open casket viewing before cremation, we are here to assist you. We can also help with planning a Memorial Service or Celebration of Life, and if you prefer a more informal gathering, our reception center is available for hosting food, drinks, and memory sharing.
Contact us today to explore all your options. We offer a range of affordable cremation plans to meet your needs.
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 that lead services where clergy may not be chosen. Our celebrants are trained in creating experiences that help start the healing process.
Graveside Service
A graveside or committal service is typically held immediately following the funeral service but it can also be a small intimate gathering of those closest to you.
Permanent Memorialization
