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I was summoned to Our Lady of Peace Hospice in St. Paul about two years ago to meet with a terminal woman who wanted to complete her own funeral arrangements. While not a typical request, I would say I meet a few times each year with a person facing the end of their days on earth.
The small-framed woman was very much at peace that her life was drawing to a close. She had thought things through clearly and knew what she wanted, to be bathed, wrapped in a shroud, and be buried without embalming with her parents and grandparents in the family plot in southern Minnesota. She was asking for natural burial and wanted to be buried as simply as possible. She had many questions about the process, and I will try to answer them to give some insight about natural burial.
What is “natural burial”?
The desire to return to the earth from which we came; naturally without preservative chemicals to delay the process. Simple materials, like a bamboo basket or very simple wooden casket are used. No metal hinges, no plastics nor even zippered clothing. There are no concrete vaults nor granite markers. The well-manicured cemetery lawn is replaced by prairie grasses.
A natural burial grave Photo Credit: Heartwood Preserve
A natural burial grave Photo Credit: Heartwood Preserve
Yes, the natural burial movement is growing across the country with new natural burial grounds being developed and existing cemeteries creating new sections for natural burial. Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights has developed a natural burial section which opened a little over a year ago. This new section does not allow concrete vaults, metal caskets, granite markers, and the bodies are not embalmed.
A view from Resurrection Cemetery’s natural burial section Photo Credit: Resurrection Cemetery
Can natural burial be utilized in existing graves in traditional cemeteries?
To a degree, yes. Traditional cemeteries normally require a concrete vault to hold up the weight of the earth placed back in the grave following burial. It is a maintenance issue to prevent sinking as the ground settles following an interment.
The vault companies make a bottomless grave lining that enables the simple casket to rest on the ground, but has a dome above to hold up the earth. The desire for returning to the elements happens while the level ground is maintained.
Is embalming required?
Embalming is not required for any style of burial with the exception in Minnesota of an open casket for the public. It is possible to view by utilizing dry ice in lieu of embalming. We also have non-toxic plant based embalming fluids that will allow an open casket service when natural burial is requested.
Is a casket required?
The body needs to be conveyed in something rigid. There are simple trays that provide the rigidity while the body is wrapped in some type of biodegradable tarp or pouch. Simple caskets made of wicker or grasses can be used. Plain Jewish Orthodox wood caskets are also permissible. Any all-wood material non-varnished with no metal will work.
Types of natural burial caskets, including a wicker casket, all wood casket, and burial tray and shroud
Can a service still be held?
Yes, either closed casket or by use of non-toxic embalming fluids, an open casket service is possible. Minnesota laws must be followed as to the number of days from death to burial. Most funeral homes have refrigeration systems which enable the number of days from death to burial to be increased.
Is natural burial less expensive than traditional burial?
As with all funeral services, it depends on the decisions made. It can be less expensive if there is no preparation or visitation. The cost of the natural burial casket will range from approximately $400 for the tray and pouch to about $2500 for an orthodox non-metal casket.
Cemetery expenses are higher than traditional burial spots. More upkeep of the ground is needed and preparation of the ground is more difficult. Some of that additional expense is offset by the fact that there is no need to purchase a burial vault nor marker.
How are the graves marked?
The new section at Resurrection Cemetery has one memorial for each section where the individuals buried have their name etched. Solar powered stations provide GPS coordinates that show where the person lies in that section. There are pathways, benches and a gazebo where the graveside services are conducted.
A memorial marker with names etched at Resurrection Cemetery Photo Credit: Resurrection Cemetery
Where can I find more information?
There is additional information on the Gearty-Delmore website as well as the website for Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights. We have information packets that can be mailed out, or feel free to call and asks questions concerning natural burial options.
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