Artisan Crafted Caskets
Our caskets are made by the Trappist monks of New Melleray Abbey and local laypersons. They are built from solid wood (no veneers) using fine-woodworking methods, and except for our simple pine caskets, all are made from classic hardwoods which add to a casket’s beauty and strength.
Stewardship
At Trappist Caskets we have always been concerned about stewardship of God’s resources, and have taken great effort to grow and maintain our own forests which provide over a third of all the wood we use in our caskets and urns.
Choices
Besides the choices of shape, style, color, and wood, we offer custom engraving to make your purchase truly personal.
Blessed
And you can take comfort in knowing each finished casket is blessed by our monks and the name of your loved one is inscribed in our Memorial Book.
#1 Premium Rectangular Casket
A beautiful example of elegant design and distinguished understatement, the #1 Premium Rectangular Casket is our most popular model and is the ideal choice for traditional wakes and funerals. A classic example of the woodworker’s art, it features intricate, heirloom-quality construction and joinery, and is available in Walnut and Natural or Stained Oak. An over-sized model is also available in this style. This casket includes an enhanced upholstery upgrade for the interior lid panel and pillow.
This is our only hinged-lid model.
Pricing & Dimensions
| Walnut (when available) | $4600 |
| Cherry (when available) | $3950 |
| Oak Natural or Stained | $3700 |
| Oversized Oak | $3800 |
| Oversized Walnut | $4700 |
| Dimensions: Inside: 78.5″L x 23.25″W x 16″H Outside: 80″L x 26″W x 18.25″H |
|
| Oversized Dimensions: Inside: 80″L x 26″W x 18″H Outside: 82″L x 29.75″W x 20″H |
Personalization Package
Includes casket, guest book and four keepsake crosses all personalized with engraved name and dates. $475
To simplify your customized engraving order, we offer you our Personalization Package (shown above in the banner image). It includes the name and dates of the deceased engraved into the lid of the casket plus a personalized Guest Register Book and four Keepsake Crosses.
Mention this to us on the phone and we’ll put together a plan for you. But first, take a look at our standard engraving placements, typefaces and symbols from the links on the right.
Custom Engraving – $175-250
Name, dates, pre-approved symbols & quotations, etc. – Inquire
Call for engraving quotes (888) 433-6934
Custom Engraving
We offer finely-detailed, custom laser engraving on our caskets and wooden urns, which adds uniqueness and character to your purchase, and hopefully a level of closure for family and friends. Our intricate process is done prior to shipping, even for immediate deliveries.
- The name of your loved one
- Dates of birth and death
- Religious symbols
- A brief quote or Bible passage (maximum 20 words)
Additional Keepsake Crosses and our unique, wooden Guest Register Books can also be engraved with the name of the deceased and delivered immediately. These can be made from the same wood as the casket or urn that you purchased.
HOW TO ORDER
#2 Premium Shaped Casket
The Premium Shaped Casket is the traditional, old-world style coffin, whose design is still popular in Europe, but not readily found in the United States. Its classic shape echoes of the past when unadorned coffins were made by hand, using classic wood joinery techniques. These unique caskets are available in Walnut, Natural Oak and Stained Oak. They also include an enhanced upholstery upgrade on the pillow.
Pricing & Dimensions
| Walnut (when available) | $4300 |
| Oak Natural or Stained | $3500 |
| Dimensions: Inside: 78.5″L x 23.25″W* x 14.5″H (* at the elbow) Outside: 80″L x 28.5″W* x 17″H (* at the shoulder) |
Personalization Package
Includes casket, guest book and four keepsake crosses all personalized with engraved name and dates. $475
To simplify your customized engraving order, we offer you our Personalization Package (shown above in the banner image). It includes the name and dates of the deceased engraved into the lid of the casket plus a personalized Guest Register Book and four Keepsake Crosses.
Mention this to us on the phone and we’ll put together a plan for you. But first, take a look at our standard engraving placements, typefaces and symbols from the links on the right.
Custom Engraving – $175-250
Name, dates, pre-approved symbols & quotations, etc. – Inquire
Call for engraving quotes (888) 433-6934
Custom Engraving
We offer finely-detailed, custom laser engraving on our caskets and wooden urns, which adds uniqueness and character to your purchase, and hopefully a level of closure for family and friends. Our intricate process is done prior to shipping, even for immediate deliveries.
- The name of your loved one
- Dates of birth and death
- Religious symbols
- A brief quote or Bible passage (maximum 20 words)
Additional Keepsake Crosses and our unique, wooden Guest Register Books can also be engraved with the name of the deceased and delivered immediately. These can be made from the same wood as the casket or urn that you purchased.
HOW TO ORDER
#3 Simple Shaped Casket
This simple, old-world style coffin is ideal for those wishing to express tradition, moderation and economy without sacrificing decorum. Dignified in its simplicity, the Simple Shaped Casket is similar in design to those that we monks have been using here at New Melleray Abbey for the past 160 years. It is available in Rustic Walnut, Natural Oak, Stained Oak, or Pine.
This casket’s lid features two pieces and is fastened by screws. The lid may be custom engraved for display during visitation services.
Pricing & Dimensions
| Walnut (when available) | $3000 |
| Oak Natural or Stained | $2250 |
| Pine | $1900 |
| Dimensions | |
| Inside: | 78.5″L x 23.25″W* x 14.5″H (* at the elbow) |
| Outside | 80″L x 28.5″W* x 17″H (* at the shoulder) |
Personalization Package
Includes casket, guest book and four keepsake crosses all personalized with engraved name and dates. $475
To simplify your customized engraving order, we offer you our Personalization Package (shown above in the banner image). It includes the name and dates of the deceased engraved into the lid of the casket plus a personalized Guest Register Book and four Keepsake Crosses.
Mention this to us on the phone and we’ll put together a plan for you. But first, take a look at our standard engraving placements, typefaces and symbols from the links on the right.
Custom Engraving – $175-250
Name, dates, pre-approved symbols & quotations, etc. – Inquire
Call for engraving quotes (888) 433-6934
Custom Engraving
We offer finely-detailed, custom laser engraving on our caskets and wooden urns, which adds uniqueness and character to your purchase, and hopefully a level of closure for family and friends. Our intricate process is done prior to shipping, even for immediate deliveries.
- The name of your loved one
- Dates of birth and death
- Religious symbols
- A brief quote or Bible passage (maximum 20 words)
Additional Keepsake Crosses and our unique, wooden Guest Register Books can also be engraved with the name of the deceased and delivered immediately. These can be made from the same wood as the casket or urn that you purchased.
HOW TO ORDER
#4 Simple Rectangular Casket
This is the model that launched our business. Graceful but inexpensive, the Simple Rectangular Casket is frequently used for presentations or as a cremation casket. Basic in its joinery and construction, this model features the true nature of each board, creating character for each casket with every unique knot and blemish. It is available in Rustic Walnut, Natural Oak, or Pine.
This casket’s lid features two pieces, fastened by screws. The lid may be custom engraved for display during visitation services.
Pricing & Dimensions
| Walnut (when available) | $2600 |
| Natural Oak | $1800 |
| Pine | $1600 |
| Dimensions | |
| Inside: | 78.5″L x 24″W x 14.5″H |
| Outside | 80″L x 26″W x 17″H |
Personalization Package
Includes casket, guest book and four keepsake crosses all personalized with engraved name and dates. $475
To simplify your customized engraving order, we offer you our Personalization Package (shown above in the banner image). It includes the name and dates of the deceased engraved into the lid of the casket plus a personalized Guest Register Book and four Keepsake Crosses.
Mention this to us on the phone and we’ll put together a plan for you. But first, take a look at our standard engraving placements, typefaces and symbols from the links on the right.
Custom Engraving – $175-250
Name, dates, pre-approved symbols & quotations, etc. – Inquire
Call for engraving quotes (888) 433-6934
Custom Engraving
We offer finely-detailed, custom laser engraving on our caskets and wooden urns, which adds uniqueness and character to your purchase, and hopefully a level of closure for family and friends. Our intricate process is done prior to shipping, even for immediate deliveries.
- The name of your loved one
- Dates of birth and death
- Religious symbols
- A brief quote or Bible passage (maximum 20 words)
Additional Keepsake Crosses and our unique, wooden Guest Register Books can also be engraved with the name of the deceased and delivered immediately. These can be made from the same wood as the casket or urn that you purchased.
HOW TO ORDER
Clergy Casket
Any Trappist Casket is suitable for use by clergy. All of our caskets have 2-piece lids that can be removed for full-couch viewing.
As an option, the name of the priest or deacon and dates of birth, ordination, and death can be engraved on a removable keepsake plaque. This plaque can be displayed on the inside of the upper lid of the #1 Premium Rectangular Casket for viewing during the wake service. With all other casket styles, the plaque can be placed on an easel for display.
Optional full-couch upholstery for the #1 Premium Rectangular Casket is available for an additional charge.
A removable Deacon Cross can be engraved on the lid, in place of the traditional keepsake cross.
* Please note – We do not offer a one-piece lid with the clergy casket.
Options Pricing
| Plaque | $125 |
| Full-couch Upholstery | $175 |
HOW TO ORDER
University of Notre Dame Casket
Trappist Caskets, in partnership with the University of Notre Dame, now offers an exclusive line of custom-designed caskets for University of Notre Dame alumni and their families.
All caskets come with a choice of engraved emblems authorized by the University of Notre Dame.
Notre Dame Package
Included with the purchase of a Notre Dame Casket Package is a Guest Register Book engraved with the emblem of your choice and four keepsake crosses all crafted from the same wood as the casket, personalized with the deceased’s name and dates.
University of Notre Dame Caskets and Casket Packages are available for immediate shipment and also on a pre-need basis.
This casket is available only to University of Notre Dame alumni and their families.
Click here for more information about Cedar Grove Cemetery, Notre Dame, Indiana.
If ordering a University of Notre Dame Casket, please provide the following information for engraving:
- Choice of emblem (Shield or Dome)
- Name of deceased (First name, middle initial, last name)
- Year of graduation from Notre Dame
- Birth date and death date (Month, day, year)
Pricing & Dimensions
| Natural Oak | $4625 |
| Walnut | $5750 |
| Dimensions | |
| Inside: | 78.5″L x 24″W x 14.5″H |
| Outside | 80″ L x 26W x 18.25″H |
HOW TO ORDER
Knights of Columbus
This premium solid Red Oak casket comes with your choice of the unique Knights of Columbus engraved emblem placed on the casket lid, which may be removed and kept by the family, or placed in a fixed position on the side of the casket.
Knights of Columbus
Also included is an Engraved Keepsake Plaque, a Keepsake Cross and a Ground Delivery allowance up to $250, ( additional ground charges will be paid by customer ). Expedited Delivery is available at an additional charge.
The Knight’s name, and dates of birth and death are engraved on the plaque, which can be mounted on the inside lid of the casket or displayed on an easel during services. Additional personalization is optional.
We keep the Knights of Columbus casket in stock, ready, for immediate shipment and also on a pre-need basis.
When ordering a Knight’s of Columbus Casket, please provide the following information:
- Emblem Location – Lid
- Desired Plaque Location – Inside Casket Lid (Removable) or for Easel Display
- Name of deceased (First name, middle initial, last name)
- Birth date and death date (Month, day, year)
Pricing & Dimensions
| Stained Oak | $3700 |
| Dimensions | |
| Inside: | 78.5″L x 24″W x 14.5″H |
| Outside | 80″ L x 26W x 18.25″H |
HOW TO ORDER
How to Order
Call us now if you need a casket or urn shipped immediately:
888-433-6934
(Answered 24 hours a day)
Additional Information
Hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CT. If your needs are urgent, please leave a message with our 24-hour answering service and we will return your call immediately.
Shipping
Caskets are shipped via our own truck within the region, reliable over-the-road freight carriers, or by overnight air freight. Urns are typically shipped via Ground. For Shipping estimates and delivery options, please contact our office at 888-433-6934.
Delivery
Deliveries can be made to funeral homes, private residences, or other destinations. We will have your casket or urn delivered in 1-2 business days to most destinations. We will gladly work with you to determine the best shipping option to meet your needs. Extra charges may apply for weekend delivery.
Shipping Charges
Options and quotes will be discussed when you call. Urns cost $45 to ship via ground with expedited shipping available upon request.
Payment Options
We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover, Money Order or personal check for all orders. Please call to discuss payment options.
Child Casket Fund
At New Melleray Abbey, the monks view the crafting of child caskets as a corporal work of mercy, and a way to bring some small measure of comfort to families who bear the tragedy of burying a child.
The Child Casket Fund is an opportunity for benefactors to help alleviate stress during a trying time, by eliminating the financial burden to families who are in need of a child’s casket. Donations to the fund are accepted to help defray the costs of materials and labor.
The donation of child caskets to families is an important ministry of the monks of New Melleray Abbey. The monks feel this is a small way to touch the lives of people in the outside world, while remaining true to their vocation.
Making a Donation by Mail
To donate by mail, please address your check to New Melleray Abbey – Child Casket Fund and mail to:
New Melleray Abbey
6632 Melleray Circle
Peosta, IA 52068
If you have any further questions, we at Trappist Caskets invite you to talk with us by calling 888-433-6934.Thank you for your generosity.
Child Caskets
Life is full of mystery. One of the greatest and most painful mysteries of all is the death of a child. The monks at New Melleray Abbey offer no easy explanation for so grievous a loss.
As an important ministry of the monks of New Melleray Abbey, caskets are offered in compassion and faith at no cost to families who have lost a child. We invite the family in need of a child casket to contact us directly so that we may assist in helping at this difficult time.
By providing children’s caskets, the monks’ prayer is that all children will be commended to God’s love and care forever. Each child casket is artisan crafted from premium red oak and comes with a personalized keepsake cross. Every child provided a Trappist Casket is remembered in a Mass said by our monks and, as a living memorial, we plant a red oak seedling in the spring on the Abbey grounds in honor of each child who is buried in one of our caskets.
Child caskets are made with natural red oak and come with our premium features: a natural muslin-upholstered interior with the upholstery upgrade, beveled panels and edge, and a two-coat clear lacquer finish to protect the red oak construction. This casket comes with our hinged lid.
Please contact us for pricing.
Infant Casket
| Dimensions | |
| Inside: | 22″L x 11″W x 8.75″ H |
| Outside | 24″L x 13″W x 10.5″H |
Toddler Casket
| Dimensions | |
| Inside: | 28.5″L x 12.25″W x 9.75″H |
| Outside | 30.5″L x 14.5″W x 11.25″H |
Child Casket
| Dimensions | |
| Inside: | 41.5″L x 17.5″W x 12.5″H |
| Outside | 43.5″L x 19.5″W x 14.5″H |
Youth Casket
| Dimensions | |
| Inside: | 63″L x 20.75″W x 15″H |
| Outside | 65″L x 23.625″W x 17″H |
Your Right to Buy a Casket
Each year, Americans grapple with many questions as they spend billions of dollars arranging funerals for family members and friends. Don’t be discouraged in what you hear from your funeral home.
Your Rights
Each year, Americans grapple with many questions as they spend billions of dollars arranging funerals for family members and friends. The increasing trend toward pre-need planning – when people make funeral arrangements in advance – suggests that many consumers want to compare prices and services so that ultimately, the funeral reflects a wise and well-informed purchasing decision, as well as a meaningful one.
Many funeral providers offer various “packages” of commonly selected goods and services that make up a funeral. But when you arrange for a funeral, you have the right to buy individual goods and services. That is, you do not have to accept a package that may include items you do not want.
According to the Federal Trade Commission:
- You have the right to choose only the funeral goods and services you want.
- The funeral provider may not refuse, or charge a fee, to handle a casket you bought elsewhere.
- The funeral provider must provide you with a general price list.
- If state or local law requires you to buy any particular item, the funeral provider must disclose it on the price list, with a reference to the specific law.
- A funeral provider that offers cremations must make alternative containers available.