The Truth Behind Funeral Home Myths

January 6, 2020

There are a lot of crazy myths, rumors and urban legends surrounding funeral homes in Sterling, IL. Rather than believe everything you hear or read on the internet, learn the truth about funeral homes. The following list of funeral home myths and their truths can offer some helpful insight and accuracy:

MYTH : The law requires embalming.
FACT : The law does not require embalming in most situations. There are some circumstances that vary by state in which embalming is required. However, these are rare.
MYTH : Funeral home products like caskets and cremation urns have to be bought from the funeral home.
FACT : There’s actually a law that prohibits that! The Federal Trade Commission’s 1984 Funeral Rule protects consumer’s right to purchase funeral products from any source.
MYTH : Cremation is the only environmentally friendly alternative to burial.
FACT : While cremation can be greener than burial, that’s not always the case. There are also lots of other green alternatives out there, and you can choose to have a green burial where there are no embalming fluids, chemicals or unnatural casket materials.
MYTH : Funeral directors only want to make money.
FACT : Like any other professional in customer services, from doctors to florists, funeral directors do charge for their services but strive to make those services worthwhile. There are some funeral directors who are “bad apples” but they are few and far between.
MYTH : Funerals are crazy expensive.
FACT : You can spend as little or as much as you like when planning a funeral. Services vary in cost depending on location.
MYTH : A high-quality casket and vault will preserve remains forever.
FACT : Caskets and vaults that are well made with durable construction and high-tech seals help keep water and dirt out, but they will never stop decomposition entirely.
MYTH : There are strict laws governing the disposition of cremated remains.
FACT : Laws about cremated remains vary greatly from state to state, but they only deal with burial or scattering. Some states have regulations on where ashes can be scattered, but there are no federal laws. Be sure to double-check your state’s laws before scattering remains.
MYTH : The law requires burial vaults.
FACT : Some cemeteries require burial vaults, but there are no laws that require them. Check with your cemetery to make sure you understand their requirements before the funeral.
MYTH : Funerals homes are sad, depressing places.
FACT : While this may have been true in the past, funeral homes have changed a lot. Funerals themselves can be very joyous occasions as loved ones celebrate the deceased’s life. In a typical modern funeral, laughter and music coexist with tears and ritual.

If you have more questions about funeral home myths or would like more information on your options for Sterling, IL funeral homes, Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation is here to help. We have years of industry experience that we would love to put at your disposal. Please stop by and visit us at 702 1st Ave Sterling, IL 61081 or give us a call at (815) 626-1131 to learn more about what we can do for you in your time of loss.

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Honoring A Loved One with Direct Cremation Service

December 8, 2025

Saying goodbye to someone you love is one of the most profound experiences a family can face, and during such emotional times many turn to cremation services Morrison, IL for guidance that feels compassionate and clear. Grief can create uncertainty, and it becomes especially important to have caring professionals who can offer structure while ensuring your wishes are honored with sincerity and respect. At Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation, we understand the need for patience, warmth, and gentle direction. We believe every tribute should reflect the individuality of the person being remembered, and we support families with steady reassurance as they make meaningful decisions during a difficult moment. Creating Meaningful Moments of Remembrance Honoring a loved one begins with understanding the moments, memories, and qualities that made their life special. Families often find comfort in selecting elements that reflect their loved one’s personality, such as thoughtfully chosen music, heartfelt messages, cherished photographs, or symbolic touches that highlight what mattered most to them. These details bring warmth to the experience and offer a sense of connection for those who gather to remember. Our role is to help families feel supported as they make these choices, creating a setting that encourages reflection, comfort, and togetherness during an emotionally tender time. Guiding Families with Steady and Compassionate Support We understand that planning can feel overwhelming when emotions are strong, which is why supportive guidance matters so deeply. As families sort through decisions, we provide clarity to help them feel grounded and informed. With each step, we answer questions, offer thoughtful suggestions, and provide gentle direction so the process feels less daunting. Many families appreciate knowing they are not alone but instead have a caring partner to help them create a tribute that feels heartfelt and peaceful. For those who wish to explore service options further, more information is available at our service page section. Honoring Every Family’s Needs with Flexibility and Care Every family brings different wishes, traditions, and expectations to the planning process, which is why flexibility can bring comfort. Some prefer a quiet, intimate gathering, while others may want a more structured setting that brings people together to share memories and support one another. Our approach allows families to move at their own pace and choose what feels right for them. When their preferences are honored, families are better able to focus on reflection rather than stress, creating a tribute that feels genuine and aligned with their values. This kind of supportive environment helps the healing process begin naturally. A Thoughtful Approach to Honoring a Life When faced with the passing of a loved one, families often experience a mix of emotions and questions. What should the tribute look like? Which elements reflect their personality best? How can we ensure the farewell feels heartfelt and respectful? This is where having an experienced and compassionate partner becomes invaluable. We help families create a tribute that preserves their loved one’s story while also providing comfort through every decision. Because every life is unique, the details you choose help shape a farewell rooted in love, reflection, and connection. Honoring a loved one is a significant act of love, and choosing supportive professionals can bring comfort and clarity when you need it most. If your family is looking for compassionate guidance while considering cremation services Morrison, IL, we invite you to reach out to Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation so we can help you create a meaningful tribute shaped with care, understanding, and warmth. Our team is here to offer steady support and thoughtful direction, helping your family move forward with peace while ensuring your loved one’s life is remembered with dignity and heartfelt appreciation.