FAQ
When considering a memorial, you are likely to have many questions. Here are the answers to many of the questions that are commonly asked. If you have other questions, or if you are ready to talk to a member of our sales staff about a free quote, please contact us.
A: There is no "right" time or "wrong" time to
select a memorial for your loved one. Some families are able to make a decision within just
a few days of their loved one's passing, while others need more time and won't be ready for
many months. You will know when you are ready to decide on a memorial, and when you are ready,
we will be here to help turn your ideas into reality.
A: There are many benefits to making your own final arrangements, not
the least of which is saving your family the stress of choosing a memorial during their time of
grieving. For more information about selecting a pre-need memorial, please visit our Selecting a Memorial page.
A: Cremation is only a different method of preparing an individual for eternal
rest. As cremation grows in popularity, we would still like to encourage you to consider a traditional
memorial for your loved one. Traditional memorials provide an important place for you to maintain your
connection to your loved one and your memories.
A cremation memorial can be a personal or family memorial located in a traditional cemetery setting. Even
if the cremains are not interred in the cemetery, the deceased's name can still be inscribed on a memorial
and placed in the cemetery, providing the family with a focus for their time of grieving and a place for future
generations to visit.
Please feel free to visit our Cremation Options page for more information.
A: There are several qualities that you should look for when choosing a memorial company:
Your primary concern should be with how they will treat you. A company who does not have your best interest
at heart will: pressure you into making a hasty decision or a decision based on price; they will call on you
uninvited, or they may call you shortly after your family's funeral. A reputable company like Johnson Monument
will never pressure you to make a decision with which you are not confident. We will not harass you
during your time of grieving. We will always treat you with respect.
You will also want to look for a well-established company. You should feel comfortable knowing that the company you
work with is going to be around in 10 or 20 years, and more, should anything happen to your memorial. Johnson Monument
Company was established in 1917, serving families throughout Wisconsin for nearly a century!
Finally, you can check a company's credentials by talking to cemetery personnel. They can answer questions about their
experience with a memorial company's quality and dependability, and they can usually direct you to examples of each
company's work within their cemetery.
A: Johnson Monument Company has been in business since 1917. Our success is not only because of our
superior workmanship, but also because of our warranty. The memorial comes with a perpetual warranty. The leveling of the
memorial is covered for 20 years. If anything ever goes wrong or if you are ever unsatisfied, please Contact Us and we will
do all we can to "set it right".
A: Johnson Monument Company uses only the finest granite to craft our monuments and memorials. Our
granite is quarried throughout the world, and comes in a variety of colors. Please visit our Granite Options page for more
information on available colors.
Granite is the second hardest stone on earth, next to diamond, so you can be assured that your memorial will stand the test of time!
We also offer marble, however it is not recommended unless you are matching an existing piece. Marble is very soft and the weather will
wear away at it. Lichen also attach themselves much more readily to marble than to granite, causing the stone to have black spots which
are difficult to control. Granite is much more durable and easier to care for than marble.
You can also use bronze in your memorials. Bronze is typically used in military markers, however
anyone can choose to have a bronze marker. Bronze is a durable material, however it tends to oxidize over time, and gains a dull, tarnished
appearance, sometimes called a "patina".
A: Johnson Monument Company has a complete manufacturing shop with two automated sandblasting booths and one booth
for hand engraved shaped carvings. Our skilled staff permanently engraves your chosen lettering and design on your memorial through the
various sandblasting processes.
A: Sandblast-carved designs are created by our craftsmen using a pre-cut stencil and a variety of sandblasting booths.
Sandblast carving is used primarily for lettering and line-drawing types of images. Etched designs are created "free-hand" by an artist using
a diamond-tipped etching tool. Etchings are most often used for creating scenes or portraits. If you would like a hand-etched image, we
recommend selecting one of the black granites, such as Premium Black. For more information on hand-etched images, please visit our Etchings
page, or feel free to Contact Us.
A: With our fully staffed shop, and the largest inventory in west Central Wisconsin, we can usually deliver and install
your memorial within 6 - 8 weeks. If we need to order a specialty item, it could take as long as 120 days. If you require your memorial to be
installed by a certain date, please contact us – we will work with you to ensure that your needs are satisfied.
A: At Johnson Monument Company, we take pride in being able to install the memorials we create. Before installing your
memorial, we will first set the foundation to ensure that everything is level. If you have any questions or concerns after your memorial has
been installed, please feel free to contact us.
A: Every cemetery has their own set of rules and regulations regarding what kinds of memorials they allow. Johnson Monument
Company will help you to select a memorial that is both fitting for your loved one, and also complies with the rules of the cemetery where the
monument will be installed. You can also check with the cemetery staff for more information as to what is permitted.
A: Some cemeteries charge a fee to locate the grave for placement of the memorial, or for pouring the cement foundation.
Cemetery fees range from $15.00 to over several hundred dollars, depending on the cemetery.
A: To clean your memorial, you will need the following equipment:
- Plastic bucket
- Rubber gloves
- Nylon bristled brush
- Old toothbrush
- At least 1 gallon of bleach
- Mild detergent
- Plenty of water
Be sure to wear protective eyewear for this and other projects.
Start by scrubbing the Stone with pure bleach using your nylon brush. Bleach will not harm the granite and will brighten up the areas dulled
by mildew and moss. Use only a non-abrasive nylon brush on granite. Smaller recessed areas can be scrubbed with an old toothbrush.
Be sure to wear protective eyewear for this and other projects.
Next, rinse the stone and foundation with mild detergent water. Finally, remove the bleach and detergent residues on and around the stone with several rinses using plain water.
Experience
Our sales staff and production team are all skilled, caring professionals who understand your feelings and concerns and want to help you translate your love into a memorial that will last forever.
Expertise
Our sales staff and production team have the know-how to select top quality granite, and to design and craft beautiful, enduring monuments.
Dedication
We are dedicated to the tradition of excellence Johnson Monument Company established in 1917.
Facilities & Staff
To meet all of your needs, we maintain a full on-site production facility. Our sales staff and production team are highly-trained and qualified to complete every job to your satisfaction.
