Peace-of-Mind Cremation Process

Cremation can be a difficult decision for some. We understand that. We put this together to detail our process and our commitment to serving you well. Know that from your initial contact with us, our staff remains fully engaged in the care of the deceased and the survivors.

In the state of Michigan, as a consumer protection, a funeral home and crematory cannot be owned by the same business. This means we take the deceased to a local crematory to handle the actual cremation. There are two local crematories that we entrust your loved one’s care to. We have worked closely with both for many years, interacting with them daily. Each has a highly professional staff, top-quality facility and rigorous set of operating procedures to ensure the safe and secure return of your loved one’s remains. If you have any concerns, please call us. We are here to assist you.

10-Step Peace-Of-Mind Cremation Process

Five Steps Prior to Cremation 

1. We bring the deceased into our care. The deceased is identified with a hospital style bracelet upon arrival at the funeral home. If embalming is not done, the deceased is placed into a secure refrigeration unit. If there is to be public visitation or service with the deceased present, embalming is necessary.
2. All arrangements are made with a licensed funeral director at a location convenient to you. We coordinate all service arrangements according to your wishes.
3. We handle all legal paperwork necessary to proceed with the cremation. A death certificate with cause of death must be obtained to acquire the cremation permit from the county medical examiner. Upon receiving the cremation permit and signed consent from the legal next of kin, we immediately schedule the cremation.
4. Deceased is placed into a cremation container or casket of the family’s choosing. The local crematories do require a rigid container that completely encases the deceased.
5. We offer a family farewell for the immediate family at the funeral home. Not only does this provide a final goodbye, it also guarantees a positive identification of the deceased.

Five Steps During and After Cremation 

6. Upon completion of the required paperwork and the family farewell, our own staff will transfer the deceased to the crematory and witness the cremation. Some families choose to accompany us to the crematory.
7. Upon arrival at the crematory, their staff reviews the permit and consent form, and initiates their identification process. This includes issuing a unique identification number on a metal tag that remains with the deceased throughout the entire process and stays with the cremated remains afterwards.
8. After the completion of the entire cremation process, the cremated remains are placed into a temporary container and clearly identified. The cremated remains are returned to the funeral home as soon as possible.
9. An A.J Desmond & Sons funeral director transfers the cremated remains and the identification tag into an urn or container selected by the family.
10. Based on what the family chooses, we arrange for the placement of the urn in a cemetery or columbarium, prepare for a memorial ceremony or return the cremated remains to the family. The family receives the cremation record from the crematory.