Fall 2023 eNewsletter

Fall 2023 Newsletter 83-2023 19

Hospice of Dubuque Community. Compassion. Nonprofit.

Years of Caring

November is National Hospice & Palliative Care Month As we see the end of the calendar year coming, Hospice of Dubuque’s 40th anniversary year is also drawing to a close. It has been a year of reflection on the past four decades, as well as looking ahead to continuing the Hospice of Dubuque mission for years to come. We end this anniversary year on a high note with the celebration of National Hospice & Palliative Care Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness about the responsive and specialized services Hospice of Dubuque provides.

During November and all year long, please help spread the word of how our services had an impact in your life. Did your family benefit from the comprehensive hospice care delivered by our experienced and compassionate interdisciplinary care team? Were you or a loved one helped in managing serious illness with the assistance of our palliative care consulting service?

Were you assisted in your grief journey by one of Hospice of Dubuque’s many bereavement program offerings? Did you feel empowered regarding end-oflife decision-making after participating in one of our educational programs? Please share your stories so others can know of the services offered by your local, nonprofit hospice, Hospice of Dubuque.

Since 1983, the Hospice of Dubuque staff and volunteers have been privileged to provide the services, support, and education that allow tri-state residents to focus on what really matters to them—comfort and quality of life, time with loved ones, and opportunities for making memories. As we reflect on 40 years of service, we remember the many ways we have made a difference in the lives of tri-state individuals and families. Our mission of providing compassionate care for the terminally ill and their loved ones has guided us, and the support of a steadfast and generous tri-state community has accompanied us. Thank you for being part of our 40-year tradition of compassionate care!

563.582.1220 • hospiceofdubuque.org

Lifemarks On My Heart Lavonne Noel, Executive Director You left a mark. Much like a birthmark, you left a lifemark on my heart; it may fade but will always remain. ~ Anonymous For 40 years, the Hospice of Dubuque staff and volunteers have left a mark on the lives of thousands of tri-state residents. Likewise, those of us who are privileged to do this work have accumulated countless memories of patients and families. They have been our teachers, heroes, and inspiration demonstrating that life is rich and meaningful until the very end.

As I write this article, I am sitting in Arkansas at the end of three intense days at the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization’s (NHPCO) annual leadership conference in Little Rock. Due to Covid-19, it had been over four years since I attended a national conference, and I felt it was necessary to be there to learn about trends from across the country. While I was at the conference this year, I found myself acquiring new information, but I also found myself feeling a bit nostalgic.

I look back on my 33 years with Hospice of Dubuque as truly a gift. I came to Hospice of Dubuque as a new mom in 1990 looking for a part-time job while my family was young. Instead, I found my calling—the place I was truly meant to be!

I was drawn to the small group of women who were implementing this mission of compassionate care. They became my mentors, and I began to accumulate lessons and memories from my Hospice of Dubuque experiences.

My first NHPCO conference was 31 years ago. It was exciting to go to a national hospice conference and meet people from other parts of the U.S. who were also passionate about hospice and wanting to learn more about this specialty care.

In those days, hospice was still a new concept and, as a group, we considered ourselves a movement. We were pioneering a new approach to end-of-life care. In the early 1990’s, virtually all hospices were local, nonprofit organizations serving their communities to meet a need and fulfill a mission. In other words, they looked a lot like Hospice of Dubuque.

Hospice of Dubuque’s staff in 1990 is pictured here. A much younger version of myself is in the back row in a striped sweater along with Nancy Diehm (Social Worker), Lucy Wentworth (Volunteer Coordinator), and Elaine Miller (Hospice Nurse). In the front row are Naomi Vonesh (Hospice Nurse), Barb Zoeller (Executive Director), and Judi Carr (Patient Care Coordinator).

Betty Takes (far right) receives the national Volunteers are the Foundation of Hospice award at the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization’s 2014 conference in Nashville, TN. Betty was honored for her work in developing Hospice of Dubuque as an outstanding nonprofit hospice serving the tri-state area.

After my first NHPCO conference in 1992, I was honored to represent Hospice of Dubuque at many national conferences. However, my favorite conference was the one I attended in 2014 with Betty Takes. At that conference, Betty received the national Volunteers are the Foundation of Hospice award in recognition of her dedication to Hospice of Dubuque. She was recognized for her efforts in starting Hospice of Dubuque in the early 1980’s and her ongoing work to ensure this beloved local nonprofit hospice continued to grow and flourish. Watching Betty receive this well-deserved award in front of 2,000 people from across the country was a proud moment. This certainly left a lifemark on my heart.

At this year’s conference, I learned that now only 25% of all U.S. hospices are nonprofit. Most of the conference attendees represented large multi-state corporate hospices, which now dominate the hospice landscape. This is especially true in the more populous regions of the country, but can also be found here in the Midwest.

It was disheartening to hear repeatedly how hospice is now an aggressive industry in which large companies vie to profit from dying individuals. What a contrast to Hospice of Dubuque!

Although the healthcare environment continues to change around us, the tri-state community can rest assured that Hospice of Dubuque is committed to missiondriven care. Our focus will continue to be serving our tri-state community with care that supports families and ensures comfort and quality of life for patients. In 40 years, this has not changed, and it will not change as we move forward.

Each day, I think of spouses letting go of the love of their life, children saying farewell to parents, parents embracing a dying child, and the siblings, friends, and neighbors witnessing these journeys. I also think of the caring Hospice of Dubuque staff and volunteers who risk their own hearts each day to accompany all of them.

All of you have left a lifemark on my heart. I have been blessed with 33 years at Hospice of Dubuque, and the greater Dubuque area has been blessed with 40 years of compassionate care by their very own, local, nonprofit hospice.

Holiday Workshop November 16 - 5:30 pm

Camp Kaleidoscope Another Fluttering Success At Hospice of Dubuque’s second annual Camp Kaleidoscope, children had the opportunity to laugh, cry, mourn, and celebrate the ones they loved and lost.

On August 8, twenty-one tri-state children came together at the Swiss Valley Nature Center to learn tools for navigating their grief journey. The children were all missing someone very special who had recently died. They ranged in age from five to fourteen.

November 16 is recognized as Children’s Grief Awareness Day. In an effort to support tri-state area children who are grieving, families are invited to join us for an evening of conversation and activities centered around navigating the holidays during a time of grief.

Please RSVP to 563.582.1220 or bootsm@hospiceofdubuque.org.

Throughout the day, the children were able to process their grief through various activities including yoga, aromatherapy, journaling, gardening, music, art, and hiking. These activities were designed to help the children remember and celebrate the lives of their loved ones and provided an opportunity to openly talk about the people they love and the emotions they carry.

The children learned coping skills they can take with them on their grief journey.

The day included loads of fun to highlight that laughter is important during their time of grieving.

As a closing to the day, family members were invited back to join the children for a special memorial service in which butterflies were released in memory of their loved ones. This tied together the theme and name of the camp, as a group of butterflies is fondly referred to as a kaleidoscope.

No Regrets Diane Fasselius, BA, RN, Community Education Specialist When someone receives the diagnosis of a “terminal illness” their whole world is turned upside down. It is a time when the most important things in life come center stage. Life takes on a new look as patients begin to review their past. Many questions about life’s purpose and meaning may surface. Obviously, a concern is physical comfort and well-being. Along with physical comfort, other aspects of life begin to take on greater meaning. Do I have personal goals I would like to accomplish? What do I fear most at this time in my life?

What do I cherish most? Is it comfort, control, abilities, connections, relationships, activities? Whom do I need to spend more time with?

What in my life is most important to me? Who or what is the source of my strength and support? If my life expectancy is limited, how do I want to spend the time I have?

These questions are all valid at any time in life, however they become more important when faced with illness and especially difficult when time becomes limited. Addressing these important questions is part of the support that comes with hospice care. Having hospice to help address these issues with patients and their support system can bring some relief and decrease the stress of facing a terminal illness.

Even though the reality of a shortened life expectancy comes into full view, there can be much fullness of life in the days ahead. Hospice makes every effort to provide the best quality of days, including addressing goals, and if possible, making those goals a priority. Early referral is essential to helping with comfort, quality of life, and making goals happen for a person, as well as offering the support needed to face some of these daunting questions.

Book Suggestion: Handbook for Mortals, Guidance for People Facing Serious Illness, by Joanne Lynn, M.D. and Joan Harrold, M.D. This book provides guidance for approaching the final years of life with greater awareness and confidence so this can be a time of growth, comfort, and meaningful reflection. From down-to-earth advice on how to talk to your doctor to inspiring quotes, Handbook for Mortals encompasses the needs of both the body and the spirit in our final years.

Big Duffer Golf Outing Special thanks to the sponsors, dedicated golfers, and generous supporters who made the Big Duffer Golf Outing on July 15 a success!

It was a day filled with camaraderie as family and friends gathered at Lacoma Golf Course. The night concluded with a delicious steak dinner, silent auction, and raffle prizes. Thanks to the kindness of tristate businesses and individuals, Hospice of Dubuque received over $20,000 from this event.

All proceeds from the Big Duffer Hospice Golf Outing remain in our tri-state community. The funds support patient care needs, bereavement services, and educational programs, ensuring that our devoted staff can continue to provide compassionate care to those in need during challenging times.

Hospice of Dubuque would like to recognize the dedication and hard work of the Big Duffer committee members: Sandy Bertsch, Jolene Biver, Lynn Biver, Ron Kane, Angie Miller, Jim Miller, Pat and Darlene O’Neill, Phil Schwinn, Rebecca Stieber, Jim Unsen, and Lynn Vogt. Their efforts were the driving force behind the success of this event, and we are incredibly grateful for their commitment.

Special Thanks to our Hole Sponsors Eagle • Dubuque Stamping & Manufacturing, Inc. • Paramount Ambulance • Tri-State Cremation Center Birdie • AIM Credit Union • All Glass Cleaning, LLC • Conlon Construction • Cremer’s Meats • DDI, Inc. • Dubuque Screw Products • Doug & Karen Horstman • ImOn Communications • Lane Madsen State Farm • Leonard Funeral Home • Jim Miller • Richardson Motors • S&S Pet Cremation Par • Advantage Sheet Metal • Artistic Cleaners • The Auto Center • AY McDonald Industries • Roger Bentley • Sandy Bertsch & Family • John & Jolene Biver • Lynn Biver, Patti Cable & Karen Kimbro

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Brannon Monument Burger King Busch Farms Joe & Sandy Bushman Cenpeco Lubricants Davis Family Bev Dillon Dubuque Bank & Trust Dubuque Supply Co. The Duffers Tour Dupaco Community Credit Union DuTrac Community Credit Union Eagle Point Software Eagle Point Solar Edwards Cast Stone Co. Ellis Appliance & Service Co., Inc. Express Employment Family Beer & Liquor Fareway Grocery Store Ron Farni Fidelity Bank Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Freund Family Giese Sheet Metal Gooch’s Greenhouse

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Mary Jo Graham Graves Signs Norm Hanfeld Harris Golf Cars Hinz Family Ivanow Family Jumpers Bar & Grill Kane Family Key City Coffee Kramer Funeral Home Kunkel and Associates L.May Eatery Langworthy Dental Group Ludovissy & Associates MidWestOne Bank Lavonne Noel Pat & Darlene O’Neill Origin Design Pita Pit Portzen Construction The Red Shirts Riley Subaru Merle Santjer Ken Schmitt Ted & Becky Stieber Tandem Tire Trackside Bar & Grill TRICOR Insurance Phil & Joan Weber Wellman Family

We Honor Veterans Hospice Nurse, Julie Merfeld, shares her story for Veteran’s Day. I started my journey at Hospice of Dubuque in January 2021 never expecting that my personal and professional worlds would collide like they did. In August of 2022, my dad, John “Jack” Lawler, was admitted into the hospice program for only 11 short days.

During that time, his life and military service were honored by many. Our family was so amazed by how Hospice of Dubuque honored him at his veteran’s pinning service.

It was a day he had been looking forward to since he learned about it. He went outside and sat on the front porch where he smiled and shared stories of his time in service.

This was the last day that he would be up and active. Later that afternoon, he was assisted into bed and died three days later.

One thing he had been working on for several years was going on the Honor Flight and sharing this day with three of his six brothers. After a few years of being on the waiting list, it was finally going to be their turn to go on the 2023 Honor Flight of Dubuque. Unfortunately, dad died before he was able to partake in this day. In May of 2023, I was honored to be the chaperone of my three uncles on the Honor Flight, and we were joined in Washington, D.C. by a fourth brother.

BestFest BestFest is an annual event that recognizes the best in area businesses.

Tri-state residents are invited to vote for their favorite service or restaurant in over 60 categories. Paper ballots will be available in The Dubuque Advertiser and online at hospiceofdubuque.org throughout January. Once all ballots are tabulated, businesses with the most votes are proclaimed “the best” and are invited to display their wares at BestFest!

Save the date: Thursday, March 21, 5:00 to 7:30 pm at The Grand River Center.

Throughout the evening, businesses will showcase samples of their products. The night will also include music, prizes, and a large raffle. Help Hospice of Dubuque put the "fun" in fundraiser and join us for tasty food and your favorite products.

An extra-special part of that day was when I got to present Dad’s flag for the group photo that was taken. It was a day that Dad would have loved, and I felt the void of his presence throughout the entire day.

Working for Hospice is extra rewarding when I am part of the veteran’s pinning ceremony for my patients as it brings back memories of one of my dad’s happiest days. To see the smiles and feel the pride that is beaming from these veterans is something that I cherish. My hope is that other veterans’ families will also be able to keep these special moments in their memories. Thank you Hospice of Dubuque for allowing my dad and other veterans this well-deserved recognition and respect.

Save the Date!

March 21, 2024

The party bus will be back for 2024. Watch our website and the winter newsletter for details.

Moments That Matter Book Signing Thursday, November 9 - 6:30 pm “Working in hospice teaches us it isn’t the grand and ambitious things we do that make the difference in life. More often, it’s what happens in the quiet, muted, and seemingly insignificant moments that make the most difference.”

Join Hospice of Dubuque on Thursday, November 9, at 6:30 pm in the Theisen Education Center for a special presentation entitled, Moments That Matter. Author, Diane Fasselius, was privileged to work as a hospice nurse for many years. She will share personal stories and experiences gathered from her Hospice of Dubuque co-workers that bear witness to the challenges and the rewards found at the end of life. These stories are comforting, powerful, and uplifting for those who are currently on an end-of-life journey and those who have experienced a loss.

Copies of Diane’s newly released book, Moments That Matter, Finding the Grace in Living, Dying, and Surviving Loss, will be available for purchase with a portion of each sale donated to Hospice of Dubuque.

Refreshments will be served.

Our staff and volunteers will be receiving a commemorative oranament, created by local artisan, Barnwood Lane, in recognition of Hospice of Dubuque’s 40th Anniversary.

Members of the community are welcome to purchase an ornament in the Hospice of Dubuque office for a donation of $10 or more.

Melissa & Phil Klein

Adam Kieffer & Melissa Klein

Special thanks to ...

Melissa Klein and Adam’s Dance Connection •

Melissa participated in Dancing Country for Charity at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds to benefit Hospice of Dubuque.

Melissa spent three months raising money in memory of her husband, Phil, who died in 2021. She hosted Trivingo in August, Boot Scootin in September, and competed with Adam Kieffer in the country dance event at the fairgrounds in October.

Sympathy to ...

Hospice of Dubuque Staff •

• •

Julie Merfeld on the death of her brother-in-law, Daniel Heber, September 4.

Angela Grass on the death of her stepfather, Larry Warren, September 20.

Megan Schmitt on the death of her grandmother, and Lexi Healey on the death of her great grandmother, Lorraine Benner, September 27.

Congratulations to ...

Hospice of Dubuque Staff • • • •

Jen Duehr, RN, on completing her BSN in May 2023.

Katy Marrow on the birth of her granddaughter, Charlotte Rose, on September 4.

Dianne Grace on the birth of her grandson, Dean Thomas, on September 5.

Amber White, MSW, on her marriage to Julian Volkening on September 16.

Honorariums and Memorials Gifts received from July 1 through September 30.

Honorariums Mary J. Cain Pat & Kris Fair Cristin Fitzgerald Matt Fitzgerald Mike Fitzgerald Lois Forkenbrock Hospice of Dubuque Volunteers Kristin Schroeder Carol Small Betty Takes Memorials Ken Abresch Larry Abresch Clem Ahmann Mary Jane Ahmann Dick Allan Fran Amundsen Stu Anderson Gerald “Jerry” Arensdorf Carol Bagge William Bartels Eunice Bastian Bernice Behnke Melvin J. Berendes Michael Jon Berg Ivan “Ike” Berger Rita Mae Berning Louis Besler Bruce Bockenstedt Faye Boekholder Mary Ann Bradley Roger Bradshaw Roger Bries Roger & Wanita Broessel Mike Budde Bob Budden Steve Burgess Carol “Punk” Burkart

Joseph Burlage John P. Cain Glen Callahan Jan Carroll Gerda Chappell Murlene Clayberg Betty Clemen Jerome Clemen Gerry Conrad Sue Cording Nora Cottrell Al Coulson Denise Daniels Vincent E. Decker Dorothy Degenhardt Joan Dix Patricia Dougherty Betty Doyle Amy Driscoll Tim Driscoll Juanita K. Droessler Lisa Droeszler John “Jack” Dunwoody Jacqueline M. Dyrke Arthur & Felice Echternacht Vince Ehrlich Cyril Elsinger Scott T. Ensign Mike Erickson Nancy Estling Tom Feipel Kay Finn Loras Finn Earl Fischer Jim “Eb” Fischer Mary Fischer Mary Fitzgerald Lee Foecking Jan Ford Donald Fouts Jesse Freiburger Larry Friedman David & Janaan Funke Marty Gansemer Betty Gartner Neil Gavin Bart Germaine George Giannakouros Donald Gibbs Adela Giesemann Mary Glennon Grace Gotto Sharon Gudenkauf Jane Hahn Ellen Haley Jean Hammel Tom Hammel Gary “Poncho” Hancock David R. Hansel Michael Harrelson Lavern Hartman Mary “Fay” Hasken Charlene Hawks LaVon Haxmeier Diana Hedrick Donna Hefel Lloyd Hefel

Lyle Hefel Sharon Hefel Lila Heim Jeanette “Jan” Hess Sharon Schauer Hinz Ellen Hoefer Lawrence & Virginia Hoefer Irene Hoeger David Hogan Maxine & Herb Honey Robert Horbach Frank Hornung Marge Hrynkow Mary Hubbard James Huger Joan Lee Jackson Verna Mae Johannes Arnold Oscar Johnson Richard “Dick” Kaiser Paul & Marian Kasel Karen Kelchen Ralph John Kieffer Kay Kingsley Irma F. Kintzle John Richard Klaas Agnes Klas Betty Lou Klein Kathleen Klein Norbert Klein David Kluesner John Kluesner Tom Knepper Steve Koch Frieda Kochman Jay Kopp Donnabelle Kramer Loras Kramer Marv Kramer Marion Krogman Dorothy Kunkel Tom Lahey Dorothy Lampe Steve T. Langas John Lansing Helen Ann Lattner Becki LeClere Verla Lehmann David W. Leifker Karen Leisen Daniel Levens Isabel Lindauer Esther Link Brenda Tuomi Litka Sharon C. Lochner Sharon Lynch Terry Maas Ronald N. Maiers Vincent “Benny” Martensen R. Mae McCarty Kathryn “Kay” McCoy Margie McDermott Mary McDermott Mel & Loretta McDermott Sharon & Michael McGuire Lorna McLean Jim McNamara Jean & Dave Meehan

Monica Meissner William Meissner Celestine Meyer Alice Eleanor Meyers Cathy Miller Bonnie Molid Dick Molony John Mullen John Naber Joan Nauman Roger J. Nemmers Deb Nesteby Robert Nesteby Jim Neuhaus Donette Newhouse Judy Niemer Barbara Norman Al & Dorothy Oberbroeckling Ron & Marlene Oglesby Jean Olds Ernest & Del Rose Ostwinkle Juanita Ostwinkle Ronald Ostwinkle Sandra Ostwinkle Dick Owings Dixie Pace James Pape Sarah Pemsl Carol A. Pfeiler Leo Pottebaum Bob Powers Rosemary Priest Wendy Priest John Rahe Gloria Reiter Earl Rettenmeier Kenneth T. Reuter Connie Reynolds Susan M. Rhomberg Sally Richard-Harkey Rosie Richman Gerald Ricke Scott Ries James Rogan Diane Rondeau Wayne Roth Eldon Ruden Jane Ruden Jeff Ruden

Tim Ryan Denise Sanchez Esther & Sam Santillo Ron Scheffert Edna Schiel Violet Schlee David Schleicher Anita Schmidt Anna Schmidt Janet R. Schmitt William C. Schneider Gerry Schnieders Albert Schulte Debbie Schwager Reece Shaw Jeff Simon Edward Small Armella & Vince Snyder Bernie Soat Helen T. Soat Sue Soppe Dr. Diane Sorenson Dolores Spiegelhalter Rose Mary Spillane Paul Stabenow Maribeth Stair Bob & Lu Stecher Vivian Steffen Lillian Steger Isabelle Steines Mrs. Esther Stierman Randall R. Streif Kathy Stumpf Dan Sullivan John Taylor Beverly Tegeler Dr. Joe Terry Marita Theisen Florence Tranel Ralph Tranel Doris Trausch Ruth Trausch Marcie Travis Norbert Tressel Rick Tuegel Marge Tully Kathryn Grace Turnis Paul Uhlrich Mick Urbain

Alicia Vandermillen Don Vandermillen Claudette Dawn vonKeltz Jack Wade Leslie Wagner Barb Weber David L. Weiland Mary Weiland Charlotte Weitz Brad Welter Margaret & Norbert Welter David J. Welu Delia Wiese Dirk Wiese Werner Wiese Mary Wildman Elizabeth B. Willink Dorothy Wolf Roxann Woolf Norma & John Wright Brian Wulfekuhle Bernard Yanko Eleanor Zimmerman Paula Zwack Businesses, Groups and Matching Gifts Alliant Energy Foundation Andersen Corp.

A.Y. McDonald Charitable Foundation Behr’s Funeral Home Butler Family Foundation Heinle Family Charitable Fund Iowa Fields of Opportunities KH–WM-GRL McDermott Oil Co. Jim & Jane Meyer Charitable Gift Foundation Nordstrom Distribution Center Premier Bank Quik N Handi C-Stores James R. & Venice B. Richardson Fund St. Peter Lutheran Church Bob & Donna Wahlert Donor Advised Fund In Kind and Loan Closet Barry & Kathy Bromberg

Hospice of Dubuque is committed to respecting your privacy. You have received the Hospice of Dubuque newsletter because you or a family member have used Hospice of Dubuque services, donated, or volunteered for a fundraiser. We never disclose our mailing list. To have your name removed or to receive the newsletter by email, please contact us at 563.582.1220 or cr@hospiceofdubuque.org.

Welcome to...

Jenna Edgington, Hospice Social Work Intern, who joined the team in August 2023. Jenna graduated from Clarke University with a bachelor’s degree in social work and is working on her master’s degree. She is married to Zach, and they are expecting their first child in February of 2024. She enjoys reading and walking her dogs: Max, Goose, Millie, and Rosco.

Kim Pape, Hospice Nurse Case Manager, who joined the team in August 2023. Kim graduated from NICC with an associate’s degree in nursing. She has over 28 years of nursing experience. Kim has four sons, Zach, Alex, Nick, and Ben. She enjoys hiking, traveling to Colorado with her sister, and playing board games with her sons.

Katie Wade, Community Relations Coordinator, who joined the team in August 2023. Katie graduated from Clarke Univeristy with a bachelor of fine arts degree in graphic design. She is married to Michael, and they have two children, Lilah and Esher. As a family, they enjoy reading, day trips, painting, and spending time with friends and family.

Volunteer Class of 2023:

Mary Johnson, Triclyn Flogel, Donna Davis, Becky Hurst, Jolene Hedley, Anna Ranaldi, Michael Wilmarth, Randy Ludowitz, and John Noel.

Leadership Team Lavonne Noel, Executive Director Jackie Brehm, Financial Director Lisa Patterson, Psychosocial Director Megan Schmitt, Nursing Services Director Rose Guler-Ludowitz, Clinical Services Coordinator Angela Nauman, Compliance Specialist Board of Directors, Members Joe Kane, President Bonnie Hancock, Vice President Charlotte Halverson, Secretary Mike Sinkey, Treasurer Greg Birkett

Medical Staff Brian Sullivan, MD, Medical Director Mark Hermann, MD, Hospice Physician Kate Hermsen, MSN, ARNP Sue Houselog, MSN, ARNP Jessica Steger, MSN, ARNP

Stasia Brannon Cindy Burdt Sue Bushman Carole Carroll Paul Carty Vicki Dirksen Msgr. Daniel Knepper

Rev. Jim Mehltretter Allen Meurer, MD Zac Scherrman Lois Schueller Bryson Winsky Troy Wright Jeremy Wulfekuhle

Foundation Board Dick Cody Bob Donovan Mike FitzPatrick Don Freymann Dave Ludovissy Bill Maiers Bruce Rehmke Mike Sinkey Newsletter Editors Cheryl Fuller Katie Wade Community Education Diane Fasselius

Volunteer Spotlight Christine Furlong, Hospice of Dubuque Volunteer Meet Christine Furlong, Hospice of Dubuque volunteer. Christine became a volunteer in 2019. She provides companionship to hospice patients, and she recently spent 51 hours recording and typing a patient’s life review.

After her mother was a hospice patient in Humboldt, Iowa, Christine decided to become a Hospice of Dubuque volunteer. She wanted to give back to her community.

When Christine isn’t volunteering at Hospice of Dubuque, she enjoys attending Iowa Hawkeye games and cheering for the Chicago Cubs.

Christine also enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and pets. Christine is a Reiki practitioner, studies astrology, and enjoys spending time in nature.

Christine states that her mother was a big influence in her life, and she feels she got her work ethic and problem-solving skills from her.

Christine indicated that her mother “was very creative and had an artistic side as well.”

Christine’s goal is to start teaching Reiki, as she recently completed the training to become a Reiki instructor.

Christine is a graduate of UNI and moved to Dubuque in 1994. She is employed fulltime in healthcare information technology.

Thank you Christine, for your years of service. We appreciate you.

We are blessed to have you as part of our team and as a member of our hospice family.

HOSPICE OF DUBUQUE VOLUNTEER

Holiday

Open House THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14 4:30 - 6:30 PM BUNKER HILL GOLF COURSE

LOCAL Compassiionate CARE

Fall 2023 Newsletter | Volume 36, Number 3

A quarterly publication of Hospice of Dubuque

• Pay it forward by doing something kind in the spirit of Hospice of Dubuque’s mission of compassionate care

• Purchase a 40th Anniversary commemorative ornament

• Create a new tradition that honors a loved one

• Thank a Veteran

• Celebrate National Hospice & Palliative Care Month

Fall Activities 1670 JFK Road Dubuque, IA 52002

Hospice of Dubuque

Moments That Matter

November 9:

For more information on events, visit hospiceofdubuque.org or contact cr@hospiceofdubuque.org

November 23: Thanksgiving Day

November 16: Holiday Workshop

National Hospice & Palliative Care Month

November:

Mark Your Calendar!

Years of Caring

83-2023 19