FAQs
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 me.
Q: How do I pick out a memorial style and size?
A: This is a personal preference, although many people will take a look around their cemetery and especially what is near their own cemetery lot. Some people like to be consistent with other family member’s monument sizes, styles and colors if they are in the same area.
Q: Do cemeteries have regulations on memorial styles or sizes?
A: Often I will find that the cemetery does have standards or regulations. If you are not aware of what these are, I would be more than happy to get that information for you. contact me at your convenience.
Q: How much does a memorial cost?
A: The style, size and granite color all determine the price of a memorial. I would be happy to meet with you to show you the options and what things may be considered to change the price of your memorial. I would be happy to work with you to find a memorial within your budget.
Q: When is the appropriate time to buy a memorial?
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.
Q: What is the benefit of choosing a memorial before there is a death?
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.
Q: Our loved one was cremated. Do we still need to purchase a memorial?
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.
Q: We've received many letters and brochures from various memorial companies. How does a family know which company is the most reputable?
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.
Q: Do you stand behind your work?
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 me and I will do all we can to "set it right".
Q: What is the best material for my memorial?
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 Color 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".
Q: How are lettering designs put on the memorial?
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.
Q: What is the difference between a carved sandblast design and an etched design?
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 me.
Q: How long will it take to complete my memorial?
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 me – we will work with you to ensure that your needs are satisfied.
Q: When I purchase a memorial, who will install it?
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 me.
Q: What is a cemetery fee?
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.
Q: How should I care for my granite memorial?
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.
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.