No, cremation is an alternative to interment in the earth or entombment and often follows a traditional funeral service.

Crematory fees are typically less expensive than traditional burial costs. Caskets, cemetery grave sites or burial vaults are not required. Ultimately, the overall expense depends on your family’s plans and wishes.

Yes. In our experience, families often prefer to have a visitation and a funeral service before the cremation of their loved one.

Yes. For instance, if death occurs at a second residence out of state and you wish to have your loved one cremated in that area, we will coordinate the cremation and any other services you choose, and then transfer the cremated remains to your specified destination.

The priority of our funeral directors at Friedel, Williams, & Edmunds is to be there for you and to provide compassionate, professional support for your family. With our experienced team and warm approach, we carefully handle all the arrangements for the cremation service you choose. This includes seamless coordination with places of care and worship, as well as with the township to finish and file necessary documents and certificates. One of our funeral directors will securely transfer the cremated remains of your loved one to your family.

This can usually be arranged. Please discuss with one our funeral directors the option for family members to witness the cremation.

While not legally required, it is helpful to friends and the community to have an obituary notice published announcing the passing and the type of service to be held. A notice can be placed in a local newspaper or online and will also be featured on our website.

A columbarium is often located within a mausoleum, chapel or in an outdoor setting, such as a memorial garden. It is constructed with numerous small compartments — or niches — designed to hold urns containing cremated remains. It offers your loved ones and later generations a place to visit to pay their respects.