Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

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Madison, WI
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

At Cress, we are there for your family before, during, and after the loss of a loved one. Our focus i

01/14/2026

"How do we know the cremated remains are our loved one’s?"

We use a clear chain of custody that follows your loved one from the moment they come into our care through cremation and back to you. Cremations take place one at a time, and the process is carefully documented, giving you confidence and peace of mind.

01/10/2026

Have you ever noticed that when you gather to honor someone, you share a mix of favorite and new stories?

Maybe your cousin shares how your aunt always seemed to have a sandwich in her purse for you no matter where she was, or someone mentions those handwritten birthday cards with little drawings inside.

Soon you're smiling through your sadness, surrounded by people who each carry pieces of her story. Together you realize this gathering is exactly what everyone needed. This is why funerals matter.

What's a memory from a funeral that surprised you with how much comfort it brought?

01/07/2026

Their absence shows up in unexpected moments and catches you off guard, like when you reach for your phone to text about something funny, or set the table with an extra plate out of habit. Love has muscle memory too.

We carry their presence in the memories we return to again and again. The bond you shared continues to show up in new ways throughout your world, finding expression in the habits, stories, and moments that keep their memory close.

01/04/2026

Have you considered whether burial or cremation feels right for you?

Some people know immediately which choice fits them better. Maybe you picture yourself laid to rest in the family plot near your parents, or maybe you prefer the idea of your cremated remains lawfully scattered somewhere you loved. Both options give your family a way to honor you, and both come with their own considerations.

Telling your family which direction you lean takes one big question off their shoulders when they're already overwhelmed. If you're somewhere in the middle or honestly don't have a preference, that's worth saying too. Your family will feel better making the choice if they know they're following your lead. And rest assured that we’ll be there to guide them.

12/30/2025

Children feel much calmer when they know what to expect at a funeral, and walking them through the day beforehand helps ease their worries. Tell them about the music, the flowers, who might speak, and how long things will take. Explain whether there will be an open casket, a closed casket, or an urn, and what that means for them.

Let them know some people might cry, others might laugh while sharing stories, and all of that is completely normal. (These are good reminders for adults, too.) Most importantly, remind them that whatever they feel during the service is exactly what they're supposed to feel. We're here to help you prepare them for this important day.

12/24/2025

"How deep is a grave?"

People ask us this more often than you’d think, and it’s natural to be curious. Graves are dug to hold both the vault and the casket, with the vault usually resting about six feet deep, though the exact depth depends on the size and the cemetery’s rules. The vault keeps the ground from settling and protects the casket, and most cemeteries require one for that reason. If you want to know how things are done at our local cemeteries, we’re glad to walk you through it.

12/21/2025

We often serve families who are unsure if the person who died would want a funeral or any kind of gathering, especially when they never felt tied to a church or used to shrug and say, "Skip the fuss." We understand that.

We also see how even a small gathering or ritual can open the door to connection in ways that surprise people. Those simple moments often stand out later because they felt honest, personal, and exactly right for the family. If you'd like to talk through options, our team is ready to listen and guide you.

12/17/2025

Some people whisper messages to butterflies when they miss someone who died. You can write it down, say it aloud, or think it as one drifts by. These moments give your love somewhere to go and can bring a flutter of connection when grief feels close. Even saying “I love you” to the world around you can offer comfort in ways you might not expect.

12/12/2025

What setting feels most like home to you? 🏡

The place you choose for your service shapes how the day feels. Each setting creates its own tone, which guides how people gather and remember. Our funeral home offers structure and support when your family needs it most. Churches and places of worship connect your service to your faith community and the traditions you value. Family property makes things intimate and personal, while an outdoor space under the trees might feel more like you than any building ever could.

The place should match who you were and what your family needs to say goodbye well. When you tell them where you picture your service happening, you help them create something that feels true to you instead of guessing what you might have wanted.

12/09/2025

Have you considered leaving written words for your family to treasure?

Maybe it's a letter tucked in a jewelry box, a journal they'll discover later, or even a few heartfelt lines written on a card. Your words, in your handwriting, become keepsakes your family will hold onto for years to come.

You could start with something simple like "I want you to know..." and just let your personality shine through. Don't worry about making it perfect or profound. What they'll cherish most is hearing from you, exactly as you are.

What would you want them to remember about how much they mean to you?

12/08/2025

Teenagers often want to contribute something special to a loved one’s funeral. Giving them a clear role helps them feel connected, respected, and valued. Start by asking what feels important or comforting to them. We are always here to offer ideas.

They might choose music their loved one would have enjoyed or create a photo display that captures their personality and life. These small, heartfelt gestures let teens actively honor their loved one in a deeply personal way.

When young people help plan a funeral, they engage in the experience of remembrance. We have seen how this kind of involvement supports their grieving process in a healthy and healing way.

12/05/2025

"We don’t have a cemetery plot. What do we do?"
Families ask us this often, and if you haven’t chosen a plot yet, you’re not alone. When the time comes, we’ll help you start the process and point you in the right direction. You’ll be able to look at what’s available, ask questions, and make a choice that feels right for your family. What matters most is that you don’t have to figure it out on your own. 💙

Address

3610 Speedway Road
Madison, WI
53705

Telephone

(800) 235-9681

Website

https://www.cressfuneralservice.com/

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