Some families turn to cremation in economic downturn
Since 2001, the percentage of cremations nationwide was expected to increase from about 27 percent to 39 percent. In Wisconsin, it went from 28 percent to nearly 42 percent.
Joe Schams has known since high school that he wanted to be a funeral director, but he never thought he'd open a business geared specifically toward cremation.
"I remember when I was in school, we used to kind of joke about these days of cremation-- like it's going to be a big thing someday. And it's here. To me, that's just amazing," said Schams.
He opened Coulee Region Cremation Group about two years ago, where 90 percent of the families he serves want their loved one to be cremated.
"Funerals are expensive. And cremation is less," said Schams.
A typical cremation can cost a fifth of the price of a traditional funeral with in-ground burial. And Schams says that lower price tag has a lot of appeal to families during an economic downturn.
"Because our economy is in the state that it's in, people no longer really have a choice," said Schams.
Devotion: Despite the sweltering heat, a large crowd turned up for the cremation of Luangta Maha Boowa at Wat Pa Baan Taad. However, he said it would be appropriate if the gifts were for the honour of the country and the benefit of the people.