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Frequently Asked Questions
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First of all, cremation is not something new and it is not a substitute for a funeral. It's a process that has been around for thousands of years and is really just another method of preparing the deceased for memorialization.
The process of cremation begins with an identification procedure that is designed to provide peace of mind to family members and ensure the integrity of the cremated remains. Because cremation is an irreversible process, positive identification of the deceased is crucial. Once positive identification has been established and all necessary permits and authorizations have been obtained, the cremation casket or container is placed into the cremation chamber. The casket or container is then exposed to intense heat and flame for a period of approximately 2 to 3 hours. The exact length of time necessary for cremation will vary depending on the size and weight of the deceased. Temperatures will range between 1500 to 1800 degrees. During the cremation process all matter will be consumed except certain bone fragments and non-combustible items such as prosthesis, casket hinges and jewelry.
After cremation is complete, a cooling period is required prior to the recovery of the cremated remains. Following the cooling period, the cremated remains are carefully gathered from the cremation chamber and all non-combustible items are separated and disposed of properly. The remaining bone fragments are further processed, reducing them to a fine, grayish-white, granular or powdery consistency that generally weighs between 4 to 8 pounds. Crematory personnel then carefully place the cremated remains into an urn selected by the family or into a container designed for temporary storage.
The reasons for choosing cremation are as varied and unique as the individuals selecting it. Some choose cremation because of their feelings on environmental issues and land usage; others select it to save money or because of their religious beliefs. Cremation for some provides the option of scattering the remains or keeping the remains at home. The reasons for considering cremation are a highly personal reflection of an individual's beliefs and preferences.
As a family-owned company, we are dedicated to serving the needs of families choosing cremation. We have the area's only on-site crematory, and it is conveniently located within our Funeral & Memorial Center on the grounds of St. Charles Memorial Gardens. This gives you and your family peace-of-mind and assurance the cremation process is taking place in a dignified setting.
 Convenience, experience, integrity and quality control are just some of the considerations that may add to your peace of mind. You can be assured all aspects of the cremation arrangements and process are being handled in the most professional and dignified manner possible. Our crematory is supervised by individuals who are both licensed funeral directors and technicians certified by the Cremation Association of North America. Our crematory is clean, modern and available for your inspection. For the convenience of the families we serve, Baue provides service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Because we operate our own crematory (without middlemen), we are able to maintain the highest levels of quality control and thus assure the integrity of the cremated remains. For most families, these are very important considerations when choosing a crematory.
 There are several choices available, and the following pages offer some options for you to consider. These options should be used as a guide to help you create a personal ceremony that best suits your individual and family needs. The decisions you make truly do depend on the manner in which you choose to recognize the life that has been lived.
Cremation may actually present you with additional options in funeral planning. You can decide whether to have a public or private viewing or no viewing at all. You can choose to have the casketed remains present for the ceremony or to have a memorial ceremony without the casket present. Some individuals may choose to have a viewing followed by a ceremony at a later date and others may wish to have a ceremony in conjunction with the scattering of the cremated remains. The combination of options are limited only to your wishes and the personal needs of your family members.
 Families often tell us, "We want to remember him the way he was." In this comment is the beginning of a personalized cremation ceremony. By remembering the qualities that made your loved one who they were, their unique characteristics and personality, you commemorate their life. By sharing these memories during a service, you personalize the ceremony. You may choose to do this through a eulogy or music, or by creating a memory setting complete with a collage of photos and special mementos. Creating a setting that represents an individual's family, work, hobbies, civic involvement or special interests can be very therapeutic during a difficult time. Don't discount anything as being too much of a bother. Allow your imagination to guide you. Your family, friends, clergy and our cremation directors can help.
There are many ways to memorialize someone who has been cremated. Click here to view your options.
Religious positions vary widely regarding cremation. Some require it, others disallow or advise against it, and others take no position at all. Most, however, will allow you to decide. If you are uncertain as to the position your religion embraces, speak directly with your clergy.
Because of the irreversible nature of cremation, a positive identification of the deceased is necessary prior to cremation. Any other desired viewings, whether public or private, also must be coordinated prior to cremation. In addition, depending on state or local laws, there may be a mandatory waiting period before cremation can take place. In Missouri, for example, prior to cremation, a completed death certificate signed by a licensed physician must be filed with the local registrar.
 Certain medical devices such as pacemakers and radioactive implants must be removed prior to cremation. Any personal items you wish to retain, such as jewelry, should be removed prior to cremation. Any items not removed will be destroyed during the cremation process, or otherwise disposed of in a non-recoverable manner.
Finally, if desired, a small number of personal items may be placed with the deceased prior to cremation. These items will remain with the deceased and will be consumed during the cremation process. Specific requests are generally not a problem, but must be identified prior to cremation for proper coordination.
Yes. At our crematory only one deceased person in a cremation casket or container is cremated at a time. Special exceptions may be made only in cases of close relatives, and then only with appropriate prior written authorization.
No. Embalming is not required for cremation. We provide on-site refrigeration in which the deceased may be held for the necessary waiting period. Embalming, however, is necessary when a cremation ceremony involves a public viewing. Families may choose to have a private family viewing within the first 48-hours of death. Some families also elect to have embalming performed if there will be an extended delay between the time of death and an identification viewing.
 No. Our crematory was custom built by I&E Crematory, one of the world's leading manufacturers of crematory equipment, to comply strictly with the highest air quality standards as set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency. The unit weighs approximately 18,000 pounds, is fueled by natural gas, and is computer-regulated and monitored to ensure smoke-free and odorless operation.
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