- Who is DW Cremations?
- ANSWER: DW Cremations is a division of Diehl-Whittaker Funeral/Cremation Service, serving the Columbus, OH community for more than 100 years. We are a locally owned and operated service provider, located downtown on East Long Street at Interstate 71.
- What is your service area?
- ANSWER: We are equipped to serve the entire Metropolitan Columbus area, within 30 miles of downtown Columbus. If you are unsure whether or not you’re in our service area, please contact us prior to death so that we can determine if we are able to service you.
- When death occurs, what should I do?
- ANSWER: Diehl-Whittaker Funeral/Cremation Service should be called by the medical facility or appropriate authority (hospice nurse, police or paramedic) if the death occurred in the home.
- When can final arrangements be made?
- ANSWER: Final arrangements can be made Monday through Friday, although we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to arrange removal and transportation of the deceased to our facility.
- Who can authorize the cremation?
- ANSWER: The legal next of kin or legally designated agent can authorize the cremation. In cases where there are multiple next of kin, ALL such persons must authorize the cremation. For additional information or special circumstances concerning this issue, please contact us for assistance prior to death.
- Is there anything else that I will be required to buy?
- ANSWER: No! We do offer other services; however, there are no hidden fees in our package.
- Do I have to come to your facility to finalize paperwork?
- ANSWER: Yes. However, we can obtain most of the necessary information over the telephone, completing most of the paperwork before you arrive. Your time in our office should be about 30 minutes.
- Can I view the deceased prior to the cremation?
- ANSWER: Yes. A private viewing can be arranged, on a limited basis, for family members. For those decedents who have suffered trauma, or on whom an autopsy has been performed, embalming may be required.
- Where do the cremations take place?
- ANSWER: In one of several local independent commercial crematories, licensed by the State of Ohio (just as burials are done in independent local cemeteries).
- Can I witness the cremation?
- ANSWER: Yes! However, there is an additional fee of $125.00 to accommodate this request.
- How long does it take to complete the cremation and get the ashes back?
- ANSWER: We strive to complete the cremation as quickly as possible; however, the process is dependent on the signatures required by the next of kin authorizing cremation, the signature of the attending physician on the death certificate, and the procurement of the required permit from the local health department. This usually takes anywhere from 3 to 5 business days.
- When can we have a memorial service?
- ANSWER: One of the benefits of cremation is that you can plan a memorial service at your convenience. Because there is no body present, there is no need to rush to meet any deadlines; the service can be 3 days or 3 weeks after death.
See our Remembrance Package for more details.
- Will you place an obituary in the newspaper?
- ANSWER: Yes! We will happily place the obituary in the newspaper at a cost no greater than it would be for you to place the obituary yourself.
- Where do I get certified copies of the deceased's death certificate?
- ANSWER: The death certificate will be filed in the local jurisdiction where the death occurred. If you would like us to obtain certified copies of the death certificate for you, we will do so, at cost, plus any mailing or delivery fees.
- Can I pre-pay for your services?
- ANSWER: Absolutely! Pre-payment can be done as a single payment, or in monthly installments.
- Do you take credit cards?
- ANSWER: Yes! Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
