When any coroner or deputy coroner takes an inquest upon the dead body of a stranger or indigent person or, being called for that purpose, does not determine it necessary, on view of the body, that any inquest should be taken, the coroner or deputy coroner shall cause the body to be decently buried or undergo cremation as defined in § 531B-2. A burial-transit permit authorizing a burial or cremation shall be secured from the local agent of the department of health by the person in charge of the burial or cremation.