Choosing Cremation
Lakewood offers a variety of ways to create a personal, permanent remembrance for those who choose cremation.
We’ve created dedicated spaces within our spectacular grounds specifically for cremated remains—and have thoughtfully designed a variety of spaces where urns and ashes can be forever kept.
We invite you to explore all the meaningful ways you can choose cremation at Lakewood—and have a beautiful place for loved ones to gather, celebrate and remember for generations to come.
Our Crematory and Cremation Witnessing
Lakewood operates a crematory on its grounds, and offers families the option to have a cremation take place at Lakewood.
Many families choose to gather at the time and place of cremation. Lakewood offers a dedicated space in the lower level of our Memorial Chapel that includes a licensed crematory with an adjacent viewing and sitting room for intimate ceremonies.
Although we cannot directly receive the body after death, we can work closely with local funeral directors to ensure that the cremation happens at Lakewood.
Things to Consider
Choosing cremation can seem like a simple choice, but there are decisions to make. As the popularity of cremation has increased, crematory and funeral home laws have evolved and your choices for places of remembrance have expanded. We can help guide you through the process. Read our FAQs below, or simply give us a call at (612)822-2171.
Can I arrange for cremation directly with Lakewood?
While we can help facilitate the process, Minnesota law requires that services such as transporting the body of a deceased person, filing legal paperwork and removal of certain devices (such as pacemakers) must be handled by a licensed funeral director working for a licensed funeral establishment. Lakewood is licensed as a crematory and a cemetery, but not as a funeral establishment. Because of this, we work closely with local funeral directors to make these arrangements.
Can you recommend a funeral home?
We have relationships with many local funeral homes. However, we do not affiliate with a specific funeral home or have preferred funeral directors. Any funeral director is welcome to work with us to coordinate a cremation at Lakewood.
Can I pre-plan for the use of Lakewood’s crematory?
Yes, your funeral director can help you make arrangements to ensure a loved one’s body is brought to Lakewood for cremation.
Can my family and friends witness the cremation?
Yes, Lakewood’s crematory has a comfortable viewing area if you or your family want to witness the start of the cremation and have final moments together. (Note that there are limitations on the number of attendees due to the size of the space.)
How much will this cost?
Unfortunately that’s difficult to predict without knowing what types of arrangements you plan to make. You can review our Price List as a guide, or reach out to us and we can help you make decisions that meet your needs and fit your budget.
Explore all the ways and places to be remembered
Lakewood’s extraordinary grounds offer numerous unique spaces for the safekeeping of cremated remains, ensuring that there is always a place for loved ones to visit and return to.
Garden Mausoleum
Memorial Chapel
Memorial Mausoleum
Memorial Columbarium Wall
Garden of Serenity
Garden of Remembrance
Traditional Burial Lots
Urns and Vaults
Urns are the traditional way to store cremated remains and the design of these vessels gets ever more varied and creative. Vaults are the containers that protect urns when they are buried in the ground. Lakewood offers both urns and vaults in a variety of styles and prices.
We encourage you to give us a call to learn more about your options for urns and vaults at Lakewood, (612) 822-2171.
Memorial Experiences
Whether you choose cremation or a traditional burial, Lakewood offers many ways to customize your memorial experience.
