Willmar
320-235-0545
1000 19th Ave SW
Willmar, MN 56201

Clara City
320-847-3583
111 E 1st St
Box 546
Clara City, MN 56222

Kerkhoven
320-264-3261
307 N 14th St
Kerkhoven, MN 56252

New London
320-354-2211
19 Central Ave E
New London, MN 56273

Belgrade
320-254-8262
Hwy 55 and Hwy 71
Belgrade, MN 56312

Paynesville
320-243-3618
308 Hudson St
Paynesville, MN 56362

We are the home of West Central Cremation Service. Our onsite crematory brings the cremation option directly to you, eliminating long-distance transportation and middle-person costs. We serve people of all faiths and denominations. Whether you prefer a formal funeral service; a simple, intimate memorial; or a casual, alternative gathering, you will receive the same high quality personalized service. With cremation, we are not limited to serving only families in the communities where our chapels are located. West Central Cremation Service is here to serve all families with their cremation arrangements.

What is cremation?
Cremation is a process during which human remains are reduced to small pieces of bone fragments by a process of intense heat. The body must be enclosed in some type of container when delivered to the crematory, typically a casket or cremation container. The end result is referred to as cremated remains, ashes, or sometimes cremains. Following the cremation process, the cremated remains are placed in a second container, called an urn, for final disposition. Deciding what will be done with the cremated remains may help you decide what type of urn to select. An urn can serve as an important focal point at the memorial service. Afterward, it can be buried in a family plot at a cemetery, placed in a niche at a mausoleum, or kept in the home. There are also urns especially made for the option of scattering.

With cremation you have all the choices you have with traditional burial.

• A visitation or gathering…
  You may have a formal or informal gathering to receive friends at the
  funeral home or another location. This gives everyone an opportunity
  to share their concern without disturbing the privacy of the family
  at home.
• A funeral or memorial service…
  Before or after cremation, a service can be held to honor the person
  who has died, held in the funeral home or church. Families may have special musical selections, scripture readings or tributes, all of which help to make the service more meaningful.
• Choice in Final Disposition
  Following the cremation and memorial service, there is a decision as to the final disposition of the cremated remains. Just as with every step in the cremation process, various options are available.

Burial / Above Ground Entombment
The most common disposition choice for cremated remains is burial, also known as interment, in a cemetery. In this way, family members can be placed to rest near one another even if another family member has not chosen cremation. The grave site provides a permanent location to visit on important occasions such as anniversaries and holidays.

For centuries, mausoleum entombment has been offered as an alternative to traditional burial for people preferring above ground burial. A columbarium niche is a similar choice for the person preferring cremation. The selected niche is identified with a nameplate listing dates of birth and death. The columbarium offers families a place to visit and remember on special holidays and other important times.

Permanent Possession
People may choose to purchase urns that they consider appropriate to, or symbolic of the deceased, or they may even make an urn to hold the cremated remains. In one case, a woman’s cremated remains were placed in a vase that had been very special to her. In another case, a noted ceramic artist made an urn for her late husband’s cremated remains. Because of the variety of urns available, it is not uncommon for a family member or friend to retain the cremated remains as a cherished possession. But for many, a permanent placement at another location is more appropriate.

Scattering
Scattering of cremated remains can represent a permanent oneness with an important place. Scattering in a river, lake or a sea, over mountains, farms even golf courses is not uncommon provided a permit can be secured. Scattering is regulated by state law. Your funeral director can coordinate the scattering and advise you of any local ordinances prohibiting scattering. Many cemeteries offer “scattering gardens” with the added benefit of memorialization. A scattering urn is especially designed to hold the cremated remains until the scattering ceremony and as a memento or keepsake afterwards. Be sure to consult your clergy as some religions will permit cremation but not allow scattering.