# Estimated Cost of Cremation? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 18, 2012, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimated-cost-of-cremation/622333 "2012-05-18T16:38:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2012, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimated-cost-of-cremation/622333/41 "2012-05-19T02:22:30Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > By all means. I was a little concerned that some people would be offended, but by the end of the night, all the envelopes were gone. They all loved it too. This is a very precious way to remember your loved one, **Fear**! Quasi ---
**Author:** ![VOW](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vow/32/3043_2.png) [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2012, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimated-cost-of-cremation/622333/42 "2012-05-19T04:07:04Z")
Quasi: There is also a place that can turn the “cremains” (nasty word!) into jewelry! The stones are very nice. ~VOW ---
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2012, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimated-cost-of-cremation/622333/43 "2012-05-19T04:14:33Z")
[QUOTE=LouisB] I prepaid last year and it was just over $1000.00 but that is for a no frills cremation. Basically, they are supposed to pick up the body, throw it in a cardboard box and light the fire. No service, no memorial, no viewing the body, etc, etc. [/QUOTE] This is similar to the arrangements I made for my brother (in accordance with his wishes). This was a few years ago for a slightly greater cost because I needed an urn to place his remains in a vault adjacent to the rest of my family. He had been organist for a church for several years, and they arranged the memorial service there. As far as the obituary/death notice goes, I handled that myself. However, it was a bit of a hassle, and if I had to do it over, I’d let the funeral home do it. You can make low-cost prepaid arrangements through the [Neptune Society](http://www.neptunesociety.com/) or a local cremation society. ---
**Author:** ![Pai325](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Pai325](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pai325)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2012, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimated-cost-of-cremation/622333/44 "2012-05-19T04:18:07Z")
> [@ctaylor](#): > > My father-in-law died recently, and evidently you can get a cremation a lot cheaper by signing up as a member of a cremation society. Sorry I don’t have more specifics- maybe you can look online for one near you. My mother-in-law was able to sign them up on the spot and get the cremation done at the heavily-discounted (compared to the funeral director’s) price. Now you’ve gotten me to check the cost since both my husband and I want to do this. In Illinois the sign up fee is $90, and the service is $1295 without urn or death certificates, or death notices (I’m not going to start up that death notice / obituary kerfluffle again). Unfortunately I live about 200 miles from the nearest location, so there is also a $2.50 a mile transit fee. Once we decide to move up by my daughter, however, we won’t have to pay that so we need to hold on until then. I’m Catholic, so I will need to be buried somewhere. We are not supposed to scatter. Anyway, this is a good thread for me. ---
**Author:** ![ThisSpaceForRent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thisspaceforrent/32/345_2.png) [@ThisSpaceForRent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThisSpaceForRent)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2012, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimated-cost-of-cremation/622333/45 "2012-05-19T12:17:36Z")
Quasi, I have “followed” your posts and rants for a few trips around the “big yellow ball”…in the same few years I have watched a very regular customer of mine face the same, life changing events…his wife is ALSO a saint! (Go D GO)… Here is what I wanna do…I think it would make both you, and my friend both chuckle… Have FUN today…and even when there is not another tomorrow…HAVE FUN! [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfBdMXhpQnU](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfBdMXhpQnU) ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2012, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimated-cost-of-cremation/622333/46 "2012-05-19T12:46:39Z")
If money is the issue, donate your body to a medical school. They will take care of everything at no cost to you. Additionally, you will doing a public service. It is what I am planning, and not for the money. ---
**Author:** ![md2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/73ab20/32.png) [@md2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/md2000)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2012, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimated-cost-of-cremation/622333/47 "2012-05-19T13:06:40Z")
> [@Pai325](#): > > I’m Catholic, so I will need to be buried somewhere. We are not supposed to scatter. Really? They never covered that in Grade 3 Catechism… ---
**Author:** ![VOW](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vow/32/3043_2.png) [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2012, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimated-cost-of-cremation/622333/48 "2012-05-19T15:17:54Z")
I’m Catholic, and I’ve heard the bit about “do not scatter.” It has to do with ancient customs scattering the remains of the deceased, in a belief against the teaching of “resurrection of the body.” And SO much misinformation is simply perpetuated by the ignorant press. People spend far too much time choking on gnats, though. In my opinion, the God I believe in is all-powerful enough to gather up the scattered crumbs and do the resurrection thing. ~VOW ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2012, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimated-cost-of-cremation/622333/49 "2012-05-19T16:25:02Z")
> [@ThisSpaceForRent](#): > > Quasi, > > I have “followed” your posts and rants for a few trips around the “big yellow ball”…in the same few years I have watched a very regular customer of mine face the same, life changing events…his wife is ALSO a saint! (Go D GO)… > > Here is what I wanna do…I think it would make both you, and my friend both chuckle… > > Have FUN today…and even when there is not another tomorrow…HAVE FUN! > > [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfBdMXhpQnU](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfBdMXhpQnU) **TSFR** , I LOVE it! How’d you know John Prine is one of all-time favorite singers? I had never heard that one before. **D** is at work right now, but I sent it over to her computer, because she likes him too! Thanks, my friend! Made my whole day!!!😃 Q ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2012, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimated-cost-of-cremation/622333/50 "2012-05-19T16:55:26Z")
My father died in 1998. IIRC his cremation was handled by the VA, and it cost $700. His ashes were buried at sea by the Navy when they went out for maneuvers, so there was no cost for the funeral other than for a VHS tape. PS: You should find some life insurance. Make me the beneficiary, and I can get a flying machine. $50K should cover a used Cessna, or $250K for a nice used Schweizer. 😛😃😉 . ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2012, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimated-cost-of-cremation/622333/51 "2012-05-19T17:00:30Z")
**John** IIRC, your Dad was a high ranking officer, wasn’t he? I think that would make a difference. Hey! how about we let a vet light me up? Much cheaper, right? About the donation of my body: I don’t think I’d like to lay on a slab and get hurled on by a 1st year med student, because if there’s a way, I want to hang around as a spirit, and rant at you guys from the afterlife! 🙂 Thanks Q ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2012, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimated-cost-of-cremation/622333/52 "2012-05-19T17:02:19Z")
> [@Quasimodem](#): > > **John** IIRC, your Dad was a high ranking officer, wasn’t he? I think that would make a difference. No, he was an O3 (Navy Lieutenant). Someone got his corneas. ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2012, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimated-cost-of-cremation/622333/53 "2012-05-19T17:02:34Z")
Oooops! Methinks I made a mistake. One of my posts isn’t appearing and I think I know why. Sorry mods! ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2012, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimated-cost-of-cremation/622333/54 "2012-05-19T17:14:01Z")
Never mind I found it. **John** I wish I could help you out with the planes, but maybe when you come back in another life you can afford your own. 🙂 I wouldn’t mind donating the corneas though. Way back when I was training, an opthalmologist took a DOA’s eyes and wrapped them in gauze. idiot. Q ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2012, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimated-cost-of-cremation/622333/55 "2012-05-19T17:24:15Z")
Also, **John** , I read on the VA’s FAQ, that the VA wouldn’t handle the disposal (I hate that word. Sounds like they’re going to flush my sorry ass down the toilet) of my remains, and in my case (Viet Nam era vet). They’d only let me be eligible for $300.00. But I guess I’ll find out when I get that certificate. Q ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2012, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimated-cost-of-cremation/622333/56 "2012-05-19T17:28:30Z")
Mom found, called and prepaid at this [place](http://www.tridentsociety.com/). She paid $1795 I believe for everything, from picking up the body to delivering the ashes. You might give them a call for a price update. ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2012, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimated-cost-of-cremation/622333/57 "2012-05-19T17:49:36Z")
Looks like it’s just in California, **Morgenstern** , plus I’d also like to have an evening wake (maybe not at the funeral home, but in a private room in a restaurant, where we could set up a monitor). Thanks for sending it along, though. Just looking through the AARP life insurance. They have no waiting period and affordable payments. I think that is going to be my best route. I appreciate everyone’s input/help! Q ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2012, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimated-cost-of-cremation/622333/58 "2012-05-19T18:26:20Z")
Quick Update: We’re going with the AARP plan with New York Life. 3 questions and none of them mention Alzheimer’s dementia. $25.00 per month which jumps to $45.70 when and if I turn 65 (I’m 62). This pays $10,000.00 which will cover the burning and leave’ **D** 6k, and if we happen to hit the lottery or have a windfall (we have a lawsuit against the PhenFen folks in the works) we’ll buy more. Again my thanks. It’s great to have y’all as friends. Q ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2012, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimated-cost-of-cremation/622333/59 "2012-05-20T19:24:20Z")
**D** and I just had a talk about this stuff, and I told her I had contacted a local funeral home to ask about cost, and that they had e-mailed me back telling me the specifics and that they had _burial_ insurance and I should call them to discuss it. Here’s what she told me: “Yeah. I _knew_ they had a ‘Lay Away’ plan. _No pun intended_”. What a sweet girl! Here I thought I was making _her_ laugh and, with that typical “dry humor” of hers, she made me _guffaw_. :D;) God, I love that woman! Bill ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2012, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimated-cost-of-cremation/622333/60 "2012-05-20T21:12:14Z")
> [@Quasimodem](#): > > Here’s what she told me: “Yeah. I _knew_ they had a ‘Lay Away’ plan. _No pun intended_”. Say! That’s _my_ joke! :mad: This really happened: I worked with a woman who’s husband was a funeral director. She came in very happy one morning and said, ‘Guess what, everybody! Chuck got a promotion!’ I said, ‘Really? How many people does he have under him?’ _rimshot_ [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimated-cost-of-cremation/622333.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimated-cost-of-cremation/622333.md?page=4)