Questions? We have answers.

Unlike burial, cremation is irreversible. This requires us to be extra diligent in obtaining authorization from the legally identified next-of-kin, as well as those from other agencies (such as the Medical Examiner). During these 48-72 hours as we wait for approvals the deceased will be held in a secure, comfortable, refrigerated environment.

The cremation cost are outlined on our website and can be selected online during the arrangement process.  Crematin offerings range from $1,995 for a simple cremation to $2,995 for cremation plus various customized services. The simple cremation costs includes the basic professional services fee, the fee charged by the crematory for the use of their facilities, and any additional charges related to the transportation and safekeeping of the deceased prior to the cremation. Please use the online arranger to get an exact cost for cremation and the additional services you would like to include.

Yes. You are welcome to witness the cremation for an additional fee. We also take steps to make sure you feel like you are a part of the cremation process and that we are as transparent as possible throughout your loved ones time with us.  Please speak to the funeral director to learn about ways you can participate.

We provide a selection of urns on our website to offer convenience for families. If you would like to see more selections, please let your funeral director know. Although we have access to hundrends of urns from various vendors, you are welcome to purchase an urn from another source as well.

There are many options available when it comes to the question regarding what to do with your loved ones cremated remains once they are back home, with you, for safe keeping. There may come a time when you know exactly what you’d like to do with them, but right now may not be that time. Do not stress; the right way to care for them will surface in time. Options may include scattering the cremated remains on land or at sea. You can even purchase keepsake jewelry to always keep some of your loved one with you. You can even use your loved ones cremated remains to create meaningful pieces of art. There is no one “right way”; there is only what you want to do. You are in complete control at this point. If you are curious about your options, feel free to give us a call, and we will share what we know. 

The short answer is “no”. However, there are exceptions. You may want to have a visitation or service with your loved one present prior to their cremation. If that’s the case, it may be prudent that you embalm your loved one (or even required by the funeral home for health and safety reasons) so that they look their best for the event. 

However, with that said, under the Fedral Trade Commison's Funeral Rule, we cannot provide embalming services without your permission. If you choose for your loved one to be embalmed or would like a visitation service with your loved one present, we will partner with Putnam Funeral Home to provide these services.

From the time an individual comes into our care, to the actual cremation process, takes approximately two to three weeks. Once the cremation process takes place, it usually only takes a few hours to complete the cremation, followed by a cooldown period. Once the cooldown period is complete, the cremated remains are then processed for a uniform, grain like appearance. 

Highland Lakes performs cremations locally through our sister company- Putnam Funeral Home. The crematory uses a clean burning fuel called L.P. gas. Cremation is much easier on the environment than burial. If you are looking for the most eco-friendly process, that would be a "green" burial. If you would like to learn more about "green" burial, please contact our funeral directors .

You'd be surprised how often we hear this question! Some people might choose to be undressed so as to 'go out' the same way they 'came in' to the world; but most of the time, the deceased is dressed in the clothing they've selected prior to their death, or chosen by family members after their passing.

It depends upon what you mean as "special," but we do our best to accommodate the wishes of surviving family members. Most commonly, families will ask to place notes, children's drawings, or other personal messages of love; but we've certainly had some unusual requests (such as the inclusion of a cherished pet's collar or treasured keepsake). We encourage you to speak with your funeral director to learn the regulations of the specific crematory responsible for your loved one's cremation.

Cremation merely describes the type of physical end-of-life care you intend to provide your loved one. A service is for the living; the individuals emotionally impacted by the death deserve the same level of compassionate attention. And one of the benefits of cremation comes from the larger "window-of-opportunity" it provides family members to plan a meaningful memorial service. Your funeral professional can guide you in making all the necessary service arrangements.

A mausoleum is a free-standing building located on the grounds of a cemetery and is intended for use both as a monument, as well as the final resting place for casketed individuals. 

Although a columbarium serves a similar purpose, it is not similar in use. Instead of large crypts with spaces large enough for a full-size casket, a columbarium features smaller, niche spaces, large enough for one, possibly two, cremation urns. If you are interested in this option, please let your funeral director know and we will discuss some of your local options. 

We would never presume to tell you which service is best for your loved one. But your funeral director will be pleased to guide and advise; explain the differences between service formats and share stories of meaningful services they've been a part of–all with the intention of empowering you to make the decision for yourselves.

 All of our prices are located on our website, including a General Price List (GPL) detailing the actual cost of all our cremation services. These prices are a combination of our basic professional service fee, crematory fee, and any additional charges related to the transportation and safekeeping of your loved one prior to cremation. 

We have an online arranger set up on our website so you can pick and choose which services you would like and know exactly the cost that would be expected. We will be happy to walk you through the arranger if you need any help.

Yes, you can. The burial can be in-ground, or your loved one's cremation urn can be placed in a columbarium niche. Speak with your funeral director to learn more about your specific cremation burial options.

You'll need to provide information required to complete your loved one's death certificate and obituary. Your funeral director will send you electronic documents to sign from the comforts of your home. If you are planning to have a service, you may also wish to bring in a collection of family photographs to be used in making a tribute video or in the decoration of the service location. Other items may be needed at some point, depending on the arrangements made. 

Of course you can; in fact any member of your family (or even a close friend) can help with this task. There are many valuable resources available in the Guidance section of this website, including tips on writing an obituary. And you can always turn to us for assistance.