For many families facing end-of-life decisions, one question often comes up first: is cremation cheaper than burial? While cost is certainly a factor, the answer is more nuanced than a simple price comparison.
In Episode 3 of The Iowa Conversation, host Mike Downer sits down with Ryan Fredregill, Funeral Director and Owner of Celebrate Life Iowa, to discuss the realities of cremation and traditional burial. Drawing from years of experience serving families across all 99 Iowa counties, Fredregill offers practical insights into cost, timelines, environmental considerations, religious perspectives, and the changing preferences shaping the funeral industry today.
Several key themes emerged from the conversation. Cremation has become the dominant choice among Iowa families, driven by affordability and flexibility. Traditional funerals continue to have an important place, but they are no longer the default option they once were. Most importantly, Fredregill emphasizes that every family's decision should begin with a simple question: how do they want to honor their loved one?
One of the most revealing observations from the discussion was Fredregill's perspective on what many people still refer to as a “traditional” funeral.
“When people use the word ‘traditional,’ I actually chuckle a little because I don't think there's really such a thing as a traditional funeral anymore.”
Historically, many families followed a familiar pattern: a viewing, a funeral service, and a burial. Today, however, families are choosing from a much wider range of options based on personal preferences, financial considerations, religious beliefs, and lifestyle factors.
According to Fredregill, approximately 65% of Iowans now choose cremation, meaning cremation rates have surpassed burial rates by roughly 15%. Industry projections suggest those numbers will continue climbing in the years ahead.
This shift reflects broader changes in how families approach memorialization. Rather than following a prescribed process, many people now want services that feel more personal, practical, and adaptable.
While every family's situation is different, Fredregill identifies three primary reasons cremation continues to gain popularity: affordability, flexibility, and simplicity.
The financial difference can be significant. A traditional funeral with burial in the Des Moines area can cost around $13,000, while the average direct cremation in Iowa costs approximately $3,800. At Celebrate Life Iowa, direct cremation services begin at $1,295.
For many families, those savings can make a meaningful difference during an already difficult time.
Beyond cost, cremation allows families greater flexibility when planning memorial services. Instead of organizing everything within a few days, relatives can gather weeks or even months later when family members are able to travel and participate.
Fredregill also notes that many individuals simply prefer not to have an open-casket viewing or place attention on their physical body after death. For them, cremation offers a simpler path that aligns with their personal wishes.
One common misconception is that cremation significantly delays the funeral process.
In reality, timelines vary based on family preferences and logistical considerations.
According to Fredregill, cremation often occurs around the third day after a loved one comes into care, with the cremation process itself taking approximately four hours. In some cases, families may receive cremated remains as soon as three days after death.
Burials can sometimes occur even sooner, particularly when families choose immediate burial arrangements.
The key takeaway is that neither option follows a single timeline. Families have more flexibility than many people realize.
Another important point Fredregill emphasizes is that cremation and funeral services are not mutually exclusive.
Many families mistakenly assume that choosing cremation eliminates the possibility of a viewing or formal service. In practice, families can still hold private viewings, public visitations, and traditional funeral ceremonies before cremation takes place.
For private family gatherings, loved ones may have the opportunity to spend time with the deceased without embalming. For larger public services, full preparation and embalming remain available when desired.
This flexibility allows families to preserve meaningful traditions while still choosing cremation as their final disposition method.
One of the more practical insights shared during the episode involved rental caskets.
Fredregill explained that rental caskets feature a decorative outer shell with a removable interior insert. After the funeral service, the insert accompanies the individual to the crematory while the outer shell is reused for future services.
This option allows families to maintain the appearance and experience of a traditional funeral while reducing overall costs.
For families navigating different expectations among generations, rental caskets often provide a valuable middle ground between tradition and affordability.
The conversation also explored environmental concerns associated with both burial and cremation.
Traditional burial raises questions about land use and the long-term impact of embalming chemicals. While Fredregill notes that studies have not demonstrated significant environmental harm from embalming fluids, the concern is occasionally discussed.
Cremation, meanwhile, produces emissions through the crematory exhaust system and contributes to a carbon footprint.
The discussion also touched on emerging alternatives such as alkaline hydrolysis and human composting. However, neither option is currently legal in Iowa, and Fredregill does not expect immediate changes.
Religious beliefs continue to influence funeral decisions as well. While Muslim traditions generally require direct burial and do not support cremation, most major religious denominations now accept cremation. The Catholic Church, once slower to adopt the practice, now permits cremation while encouraging permanent placement of cremated remains.
Perhaps the most memorable insight from the episode involved what happens after cremation.
Fredregill shared that funeral homes regularly receive calls about cremated remains that were stored away, forgotten, or left behind in storage units. Because each cremation includes a unique identification number, funeral professionals can sometimes reconnect those remains with surviving relatives.
Drawing from those experiences, he encourages families to think carefully about permanent placement options.
“I strongly encourage families to consider a permanent resting place.”
The advice reflects years of firsthand experience helping families preserve connections across generations.
Throughout the conversation, Fredregill consistently returns to one guiding principle.
“How do you want to honor your loved one?”
Rather than steering families toward a specific option, he focuses on helping them find arrangements that reflect their values, finances, traditions, and personal wishes.
That philosophy helps explain why cremation continues to grow in popularity while traditional burial remains meaningful for many families. The decision is rarely just about cost. It is about creating a meaningful way to remember and celebrate a life.
Yes. According to Ryan Fredregill, a traditional funeral with burial in the Des Moines area can cost around $13,000, while direct cremation often costs significantly less, making cremation the more affordable option for many families.
Absolutely. Families can choose private viewings, public visitations, full funeral services, and memorial gatherings before cremation takes place.
The cremation process itself typically takes about four hours, although the overall timeline depends on when arrangements are completed and family preferences are finalized.
Yes. Approximately 65% of Iowans now choose cremation, and industry experts expect cremation rates to continue increasing in the coming years.
A rental casket is a reusable decorative outer shell with a removable interior insert. It allows families to hold a traditional-looking funeral service while reducing costs associated with purchasing a casket.
As more families evaluate their end-of-life options, the question remains: is cremation cheaper than burial? The experience shared by Ryan Fredregill suggests the answer is yes—but the bigger consideration is choosing the option that best honors a loved one's life while meeting the needs of the family left behind.
Mike Downer: Hello, everybody. I'm your host, Mike Downer, and we are having the Iowa Conversation. I'm here with Ryan Fredregill, funeral director and owner of Celebrate Life Iowa. How are we doing today, Ryan?
Ryan Fredregill: Good, Mike. How are you doing?
Mike Downer: Doing great. So today we're going to be talking about the differences between cremation and traditional burial. Our big question today is: how do cremation and burial differ in cost, timeline, environmental impact, and emotional meaning for families?
Ryan Fredregill: You know, Mike, there are a lot of different answers here, but we’re going to do our best to cover them all.
Mike Downer: You bet. Here in Iowa, or even nationwide anymore, when you hear the word “traditional,” I kind of chuckle a little bit because I don’t think there’s such a thing as a traditional funeral anymore. What that used to mean was that more people had a full funeral, and that was kind of the traditional way to celebrate a person’s life.
Today, in 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa—and even Iowa in general—cremation rates have surpassed burial rates by about fifteen percent. We’re looking at about sixty-five percent cremation here in Iowa. Celebrate Life Iowa, in West Des Moines and North Liberty, is proud to offer the most affordable cremation in the state. We serve all ninety-nine counties when it comes to Iowa cremation.
That being said, there is a huge difference in cost between a simple direct cremation and what you would consider a traditional funeral. A traditional funeral in Des Moines is probably going to cost around thirteen thousand dollars. Sometimes, outside of Des Moines, cemeteries are a little less expensive, but funeral home costs can be a little higher because they don’t serve the same volume.
When you compare that to the average Iowa cremation price, it’s sitting around thirty-eight hundred dollars for a direct cremation with no services. At Celebrate Life Iowa, we’re about a third of that cost. We’re right at twelve hundred and ninety-five dollars in Des Moines, and up to eighteen hundred and ninety-five dollars if we travel to the four corners of the state.
The reason we charge a little more for those direct cremations is the travel time. We have one crematory, and we cover the entire state of Iowa. Your loved one never has to leave our care once you select Celebrate Life Iowa for your cremation needs.
Mike Downer: You bet. So as far as the timeline goes, how long does cremation take compared to the traditional burial timeline?
Ryan Fredregill: It really depends on how fast or streamlined the family needs things to be. In most instances, with cremation, an individual is in our care for about three days before the actual cremation takes place. The cremation process itself takes about four hours.
A loved one could be picked up as soon as three days later if you choose a direct cremation or simple cremation with Celebrate Life Iowa. We’ve also had families who bury at the cemetery the very next day, which can be done with or without embalming.
You’re seeing more eco-friendly funeral services now where embalming is not required. We can bury in a wicker casket or a less expensive casket. In most instances, the cemetery is still going to require that the casket go into a vault or concrete liner to support the weight of heavy equipment.
You’re also going to see more green burials and green cemeteries pop up throughout Iowa because people are interested in having less environmental impact when it comes to funeral and cremation options.
Mike Downer: You bet. So let’s get into the next question. What are the environmental impacts of cremation versus traditional burial?
Ryan Fredregill: With traditional burial, you still have to buy a cemetery plot or ground space. A lot of people think we’re running out of cemetery plots. Here in Iowa, we don’t really see that. In bigger cities like Dallas, Chicago, or Los Angeles, they may be running out of space, but here in Iowa, we still have plenty available.
One concern with traditional burial is that embalming fluid could potentially seep into the ground if the burial vault isn’t sealed properly. We haven’t found many studies showing a huge impact, but it’s still possible.
With cremation, the smokestack from a crematory does create a carbon footprint. Some other states offer alternatives like water cremation or human composting. In Iowa, neither of those options is currently legal.
Mike Downer: Is that something you see becoming available in the future?
Ryan Fredregill: At the last Iowa Funeral Director Convention, there wasn’t much discussion about either option becoming legal anytime soon. Minnesota has had aquamation, or alkaline hydrolysis, legal since 1998, and several surrounding states allow it too.
As for human composting, I think Iowa will probably be one of the last states to legalize it. But things can always change depending on legislation and funeral service laws.
Mike Downer: You bet. It’s still good for people to know about these options because it helps inform them, and maybe people can help move those changes along—or prevent them—depending on what they believe is best for the environment and the people of Iowa.
Ryan Fredregill: Correct. Absolutely.
Mike Downer: Let me ask you this: I know you work with many different backgrounds and religions. How do different religions view cremation and burial practices?
Ryan Fredregill: In the Muslim religion, direct burial without embalming is the standard, so cremation is generally not accepted. They also typically prefer burial within three days.
That’s really the main religion that comes to mind as being opposed to cremation. Most other religions are open to cremation. The Catholic Church was probably one of the last major groups to approve it, although that was decades ago. A few years back, the Church did release a statement encouraging cremated remains to still be buried in a cemetery plot.
Mike Downer: That lines up with what I’ve heard. I worked for a Catholic organization for a while, and that’s exactly what they said.
Ryan Fredregill: I would strongly encourage that as well. Cremation is a great option for many families, and more and more Iowans are choosing it. However, we get calls every couple of months because someone left cremated remains in a storage unit and stopped paying the bill.
Every bag of cremated remains has an identification number that tells us which crematory handled them and identifies the individual.
Mike Downer: Have you ever had to help locate family members?
Ryan Fredregill: Absolutely. We help with that because we want to return loved ones to their families. That’s one reason it’s good to have a final resting place in a cemetery, whether you choose cremation, casket burial, or direct burial.
Mike Downer: You bet. So what are the practical benefits of choosing cremation over burial?
Ryan Fredregill: The biggest practical benefit is cost savings. Cremation is generally the most economical option for Iowa families. The second benefit is flexibility in timing.
We’re seeing families wait weeks or even months to hold a service so everyone can attend and celebrate the life of their loved one together.
I also hear people say they don’t want others seeing them after death or feeling exposed during funeral preparations. That’s become more common over the last twenty-five years as burial preferences have changed. Again, sixty-five percent of Iowans are now choosing cremation, and at Celebrate Life Iowa, we’re proud to be the affordable cremation option.
Mike Downer: We talked about this in other episodes, but even if you choose cremation, families still have the option of a viewing for closure. Could you go through some of those options?
Ryan Fredregill: Absolutely. For private family viewings, as long as the person didn’t pass away from a communicable disease, we often allow families to spend time with their loved one before cremation.
If the family provides clothing, we dress the individual and make them look as presentable as possible without embalming. Families can spend an hour or two saying goodbye, especially if they weren’t able to be present at the hospital or hospice.
If the service is open to the public, we can embalm, style hair, apply makeup, do nails, and hold a full funeral using a rental casket before cremation.
Mike Downer: Could you explain the rental casket a little more?
Ryan Fredregill: Of course. The rental casket is essentially the outer shell. Inside is a removable insert that includes the pillow, interior lining, and bedding. After the funeral, that insert goes with the individual to the crematory.
It’s still a very popular option for Iowa families and a meaningful way to honor a loved one while keeping costs manageable.
Mike Downer: I love that. Different generations have different viewpoints, and you’re giving people options while also helping with affordability. I think it’s wonderful that you make families feel comfortable.
Ryan Fredregill: We really try to guide families through the process. Our main question is always, “How can we honor your loved one?” Then they give us the direction, and our job is to make sure everything is handled properly and with care.
It helps ease the grief process because families have less to worry about while we guide them through it.
Mike Downer: That’s great. So to wrap things up, what are the current trends in Iowa regarding cremation versus traditional burial? Where do you see things heading?
Ryan Fredregill: The trend has been steadily increasing by about three to four percent each year in favor of cremation. More families are choosing cremation over burial with a casket and vault.
I think Iowa will be around sixty-five percent cremation in 2026. Experts from the Cremation Association of North America believe most states will reach eighty-five percent cremation within the next ten years. Whether they’re exactly right or not, it certainly looks like we’re heading that direction.
Mike Downer: And of course, if we could predict future trends perfectly, we’d probably be on Wall Street—or maybe sitting on a beach somewhere.
Ryan Fredregill: That’s right. Maybe with a nice cold glass of ice water in our hands.
Mike Downer: I appreciate the conversation today. I love the fact that you help families feel comfortable making decisions and finding options that fit their budgets. Ryan, it’s always great talking with you, and I look forward to our next episode.
Ryan Fredregill: Sounds good, Mike. Thank you, and have a blessed day.
Mike Downer: Thank you as well.
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