How to Collect Cremated Remains

Schilling Funeral Home Admin • January 3, 2023

If your loved one is cremated after their service at a funeral home in Amboy, IL , you will have to collect their cremated remains. Many people are unsure of what to do when it comes to collecting cremated remains. Want to learn more? This information about collecting cremains after cremation to help guide you:

Who can collect cremains? The deceased’s next of kin or a person designated by the next of kin are the only ones allowed to collect cremains. If you are the next of kin and can’t collect them for some reason, you can designate someone else to collect them for you by contacting the provider and providing their information and your permission for them to pick the cremains up.
What are the steps for picking up cremains? Usually, the funeral director or cremation provider will call you to set up an appointment to collect the cremains. When you arrive, the director will show you the urn and cremation certificate, you will show your ID, and then you can take the cremains home. It’s always a good idea to bring someone with you when you pick up cremated remains, as it can be a very emotional experience. Also, the exact process for picking up cremains may vary from provider to provider, so be sure to speak with your director.
How long will a cremation provider hold ashes? The exact length of time a funeral home or cremation provider will hold ashes varies from provider to provider and even from state to state. In some cases, it can be 60 days up to 4 years. If you need the funeral home to hold onto the cremated remains for you, just ask. Most funeral homes can accommodate you. However, high-volume funeral homes won’t always be able to hold onto cremains as they don’t have extra space. When the time limit passes, the provider can dispose of the ashes as they see fit.
What happens to unclaimed cremated remains? Sadly, some cremains do go unclaimed. The most common reason is that the next of kin wanted the cremains shipped to them, but they never provided a shipping address or a payment method for the shipping costs. In these instances, the cremation provider will try and contact the next of kin, but if they do not receive a response, they will stop calling as it’s the responsibility of the next of kin to retrieve the cremains.
Can funeral home dispose of ashes? Funeral homes and cremation providers can dispose of ashes if they are unclaimed or the next of kin requests that service. Some have crypts or burial spaces for unclaimed ashes, and most will keep a record of what they do with the remains in case the family wants to know in the future.

Do you have any other questions about cremated remains or Amboy, IL funeral homes? We are here to help. Please call or visit us today 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.