Cremation in Minnesota: Costs, Timelines, and What Families Can Expect

At Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel and Starkson Family - Anderson Chapel, serving families at our Anderson Chapel in Apple Valley and our Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings, our commitment to premier service begins long before the cremation takes place. We take time to educate families so they can make informed choices, understand the process, and feel confident that their loved one is cared for with professionalism and respect.



As a family-owned and operated funeral home with our own on-site crematory, one of the foundations of our service is the assurance that your loved one never leaves our care. This level of security and accountability is important for families who want a transparent, trustworthy process. Whether you choose a simple cremation, a personalized memorial service, or a full Life Celebration gathering, our licensed staff is here to guide you through every decision.

This educational guide explains cremation timelines, cremation costs, the steps involved in cremation planning, and what you can expect when choosing cremation in Minnesota.

Understanding Cremation in Minnesota

Cremation is a respectful and carefully monitored process that reduces the body to bone fragments through intense heat. Families increasingly select cremation for its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and flexible memorial options. At Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel and Starkson Family - Anderson Chapel, cremation is never a rushed or impersonal experience. Instead, it is part of a larger, meaningful process of honoring a life.

Minnesota families appreciate knowing that cremation does not limit the opportunity for a viewing, funeral service, or celebration. Many families still choose to gather before cremation takes place, creating a time of reflection, storytelling, and connection. Others prefer to hold a memorial service afterward, when more friends and relatives can attend. Cremation allows you to plan in the way that best supports your family’s needs, budget, and traditions.

What Makes Starkson’s Cremation Services Different

Not all funeral homes provide the same level of oversight when offering cremation services. At Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel and Starkson Family - Anderson Chapel, we proudly own and operate our own crematory. This ensures your loved one remains under our direct care from the moment they enter our facility to the moment the cremation is completed. No third-party transport. No off-site facilities. No uncertainty.

This makes a significant difference for families who want:

• Accountability throughout the entire process
  
  
• Consistent communication with the same care team
  
  
• A secure, transparent chain of custody
  
  
• Peace of mind knowing where their loved one is at all times
  
  

With locations in Apple Valley and Hastings, our team has served the Southeast Metro with compassionate and professional cremation services for decades. Our goal is to provide a clear, respectful process so families can focus on healing and remembrance.

Steps Involved in Cremation Planning

Cremation planning involves several important steps, and our staff walks families through each one with clarity and care. Understanding the process can reduce stress and help you feel confident in your decisions.

Step One: Initial Meeting and Care of Your Loved One

When your loved one comes into our care, our staff ensures they are treated with dignity and respect. We meet with you to gather essential information, discuss service preferences, review required documents, and answer any questions.

During this meeting, we help you make decisions such as:

• Whether you would like a viewing or a private family goodbye
  
  
• Choosing between a simple cremation or cremation paired with a service
  
  
• Selecting a meaningful urn or keepsake items
  
  
• Understanding the timeline for necessary authorizations
  
  

Step Two: Required Legal Documents

Minnesota law requires specific authorizations before cremation can occur. This includes completing cremation authorization paperwork signed by the appropriate next of kin. Our staff assists families in navigating these documents to prevent delays.

Step Three: Time for Gathering, Viewing, or Services

Cremation does not mean you cannot have a viewing or funeral service. Many families choose:

• A private family farewell before cremation
  
  
• A full traditional funeral followed by cremation
  
  
• A memorial service after cremation
  
  
• A Life Celebration gathering at either our Apple Valley or Hastings chapel
  
  

We explain the options available and help create a service that reflects your loved one’s story, values, and wishes.

Step Four: The Cremation Process

Once all authorizations are completed and the family is ready, we perform the cremation in our on-site crematory. This step is monitored carefully by our professional staff to ensure respectful and proper procedures are followed.

Our crematory is located within our Hastings facility, and every step of the process is handled by our licensed and trained team. This ensures accountability and transparency.

Step Five: Returning the Cremated Remains

After cremation, we process the cremated remains and place them in the urn selected by your family. We contact you when they are ready to be picked up or delivered. You may choose to keep the urn, bury it, place it in a niche, or scatter the remains in a meaningful location in accordance with Minnesota laws.

Cremation Timelines: How Long Does Cremation Take in Minnesota?

Families often want to know how long the cremation process takes. While timelines vary based on paperwork, scheduling, and family preferences, the process generally follows these guidelines:

Completing Required Authorization

This step can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the availability of the legal next of kin and required signature completion. Our staff walks you through this to avoid delays.

Time Before Cremation Occurs

Minnesota requires a waiting period before cremation can be performed. In addition, families may choose to have a viewing or service before cremation, which can extend the timeline.

The Cremation Process Itself

The actual cremation typically takes several hours, followed by a cooling period before the cremated remains can be processed.

Preparing the Cremated Remains

After the cremation is complete, we prepare the cremated remains for placement into an urn. This step is managed carefully and usually completed within the same or next business day.

Planning a Memorial Service or Life Celebration

If you choose to hold a memorial service after cremation, the timeline can be flexible. Many families schedule their gathering within one to three weeks, while others wait longer to accommodate travel, weather, or personal schedules.

Cremation Costs in Minnesota: What Factors Influence the Price?

Cremation costs in Minnesota can vary depending on the type of service selected and the level of personalization a family desires. While direct cremation is typically the least costly option, many families choose to include a viewing, service, or Life Celebration as part of their arrangements.

Several factors influence the overall cremation cost:

Type of Service Selected

Options may include:

• Direct cremation with no services
  
  
• Cremation with a visitation or viewing
  
  
• Funeral service followed by cremation
  
  
• Memorial service or Life Celebration after cremation
  
  

Each option includes different levels of preparation, facility use, and staffing, which affect the cost.

Urn Selection

Urns come in a wide variety of materials, including wood, metal, ceramic, and biodegradable options. Keepsake urns, jewelry, or scattering tubes may also influence cost.

Use of Our Facilities

Holding a gathering at our Anderson Chapel or Life Celebration Chapel may include additional fees depending on the length of time, type of gathering, and additional services requested.

Tribute and Memorial Items

Families may choose items such as:

• Memorial folders or printed materials
  
  
• Tribute videos
  
  
• Photo displays and custom memory tables
  
  
• Memorial keepsakes and remembrance items
  
  

These optional features can be added based on the family’s preferences.

Legal and Filing Fees

Minnesota requires certain legal documents and permits, which may include small state or county fees.

Our team is transparent in explaining all costs upfront so families feel secure and informed. We encourage families to speak with us directly to understand the options and find a plan that fits their needs and budget.

Why Families Choose Starkson for Cremation Planning

Families choose Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel and Starkson Family - Anderson Chapel for cremation planning because we combine professionalism, compassion, and decades of experience with a focus on personal care. Our ownership of our own crematory means your loved one is cared for by the same team from the beginning through the final step. This level of commitment is rare and deeply valued by the families we serve.

Our staff also provides:

• Clear explanations of the cremation process
  
  
• Support while writing an obituary or planning a service
  
  
• Guidance on selecting an urn and keepsakes
  
  
• A peaceful space for the family to gather and remember
  
  
• Help with sharing service details online
  
  
• Private farewell opportunities
  
  
• Grief support resources after the service
  
  

We also offer secure online memorials, giving family and friends a place to share memories, post condolences, and remain connected no matter where they live.

Planning Ahead for Cremation

Preplanning a cremation offers peace of mind to both you and your family. It allows you to:

• Document your wishes
  
  
• Reduce future stress for loved ones
  
  
• Lock in costs at today’s pricing
  
  
• Ensure your service reflects your values and preferences
  
  

Our licensed team is available to guide you through the process, answer questions, and help you record your choices so your loved ones can feel confident that everything has been arranged according to your wishes.

Learn More About Cremation Services at Starkson Family Funeral Homes

Whether you are planning ahead or need immediate assistance, we are honored to serve you. With our Anderson Chapel in Apple Valley and our Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings, we are committed to offering premier cremation services, compassionate care, and the highest level of professionalism.

We invite you to reach out to our team to learn more about cremation planning, service options, or next steps. Our family is here to support yours with care, respect, and a dedication to honoring every life with dignity.