Cremation Services in Ocean County

Cremation is an alternative to the burial process and it is chosen by many people because of religious beliefs, the desire to preserve the environment or it was requested by the person who died.  Cremation is also a less expensive option in comparison to a burial.  The remains are placed in a container that is combustible and placed in a special furnace called a cremation chamber or a crematory where through intense heat is reduced to bone fragments that are then crushed and pulverized to resemble course sand.  The cremated remains of an average adult body will weigh about 7-8 pounds.  Cremation is not an alternative to a funeral, but rather an alternative to burial or other forms of disposition.

Cremated remains can be scattered or buried, or they may be kept with the family in a decorative urn.  There are many new and different ways to dispose of ashes today, cremated remains can be placed in an artificial coral reef in the ocean, they can be launched into space or sent up in helium balloons, or they can be spun into glass pieces of art or diamonds.

Some religions welcome cremation while others forbid it.  The Catholic Church had banned cremation up until 1963, and burial remains the preferred form of disposition today.  In other Christian denominations cremation was historically discouraged but nowadays it is more widely accepted.  In eastern religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism cremation is mandated, while in Islam it is strictly forbidden.  Orthodox Jews also forbid cremation; other sects of Judaism support cremation, but burial remains the preferred option. 

Cremation Services FAQ

What is Cremation?

Cremation is the process of reducing the human body to bone fragments using high heat and flame.  Cremation is not the final disposition of the remains, nor is it a type of funeral service.

Is a casket needed for Cremation?

No, a casket is not required, Most states require an alternative container constructed of wood or cardboard, however, in some states no container is required.

Is embalming required prior to cremation?

No.  In fact it is against the law for a funeral home to tell you otherwise.

Can the body be viewed without embalming?

Yes, Most funeral homes will assist families with a private viewing of the deceased prior to cremation.

Can the family witness the cremation?

Yes they can; some cremation providers will allow family members to be present when the body is placed in the cremation chamber.  Some religious groups even include this as part of their funeral custom.

Can an urn be brought into church?

Nearly all Protestant Churches allow for the urn to be present during the memorial service.  Most Catholic Churches also allow the urn to be present during the Memorial Mass.  It is encouraged that cremated remains be a part of a funeral as it provides a focal point for the service.

What can be done with the cremated remains?

While laws vary state by state, for the most part remains can be buried in a cemetery lot or a cremation garden, interred in a columbarium, kept at home or scattered.

How can I be sure I receive the correct remains?

All reputable cremation providers have developed rigorous sets of operating policies and procedures in order to maximize the level of service and minimize the potential for human error.  Since it is illegal to perform more than one cremation at a time, and the vast majority of crematories can only cremate one body at a time, it is next to impossible to receive the incorrect remains.

How long does the actual cremation take?

It all depends on the weight of the individual.  For an average sized adult, cremation can take two to three hours at a normal operating temperature of between 1,000 and 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

What do the cremated remains look like?

Cremated remains resemble coarse sand and are whitish to light grey in color.  The remains of an average sized adult usually weighs between 7 and 8 pounds.

Are all the cremated remains returned?

With the exception of minute and microscopic particles, which are impossible to remove from the cremation chamber and processing machine, all of the cremated remains are given back to the family.

Do I need an urn?

An urn is not required by law.  However, an urn may be desired if there is to be a memorial service or if the remains are to be interred in a cemetery.  If an urn is not purchased or provided by the family, the cremated remains will be returned in a temporary plastic container.


 A Caring and Considerate Service

The handling of your loved ones remains is a delicate state of affairs. Kedz Funeral Home knows this, and our careful consideration in the matter has made us is the foremost provider of cremation and memorial services in Ocean County.

Death is a difficult time for those left behind. We understand how important it is to have guidance you can trust and rely on. That is why we dedicate ourselves to providing Ocean County with all of the options when it comes to cremation and memorializing the deceased. Our directors will assist you in choosing the right service and urn to accompany the cremation. With respect to which ever denomination you or the deceased observe.


Your Choice for Cremation in Ocean County

At Kedz Funeral Home we recognize how essential the funeral service is. Not just as a means of passing, but as a ceremony that allows for grief to be confronted and life to be reflected upon. This is why we help produce a custom created funeral service that best captures the life and values of the individual you will be honoring.

We have a wide array of choices for permanent urns made of several different materials, from fine woods, to stone, to semi-precious metals. With all of these options you can easily select an urn that tastefully represents the deceased. Cremation also offers a wide array of options in alternative to the classic earthen burial. We can help you explore alternatives in personal memorials, such as creating jewelry, and other objects or bio containers, to better fulfill the wishes of the deceased and the living family.

Don’t embark on this journey alone. You deserve the peace of mind that comes along with our expert direction. Please, let us help you through this trying time. When you think cremation, think Kedz Funeral Home of Ocean County.