Spring 2023 eNewsletter

1983-2023

Hospice of Dubuque Community. Compassion. Nonprofit.

Years of Caring

Tree of Life

Each spring, our tri-state community gathers to commemorate loved ones. Join us at the annual Tree of Life Memorial Service on Tuesday, May 23. This special event will be held in Washington Park, 700 Locust Street, Dubuque, at 7:30 pm. The evening will include a personal story of healing and hope, time for reflection and music, and lighting of the tree. Due to limited seating, bring a lawn chair.

Lights on the Tree of Life serve as a beautiful symbol of the love and memories we cherish. Dedicate a light in honor or in memory of a loved one at this meaningful event. To remember someone with a light, send a donation along with the name of your friend or family member to Hospice of Dubuque. Mail your tax-deductible gift to 1670 JFK Road, Dubuque, IA 52002, or submit online at hospiceofdubuque.org. Names must be received by Thursday, May 18, to be included in the printed program. Your light will illuminate the evening sky as a symbol of remembrance and healing. The Tree of Life display will remain lit through Memorial Day.

Contributions to the Tree of Life help Hospice of Dubuque provide care, education, resources, and support to those facing a serious illness. For 40 years, our generous community has supported Hospice of Dubuque’s mission of compassionate care for the terminally ill and their loved ones.

In case of rain, the ceremony will be at The Grand Opera House, 135 West 8th Street, Dubuque. A special thank you to Behr’s Funeral Home, this year’s Tree of Life advertising sponsor.

Like scattered seeds, memories bloom forever Like scattered seeds, memories bloom forever

Together We Can Do So Much

Lavonne Noel. Executive Director

Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” She believed that to make a significant change—to change the world—we need to put differences aside and come together to achieve a common goal.

Forty years ago, a group of tri-state residents embraced Helen Keller’s philosophy. They came together to form Hospice of Dubuque, thus implementing a mission of providing compassionate care for the terminally ill and their loved ones. Their common goal and fervent passion was this mission. They were committed to helping patients and families live life to the fullest by supporting them through their experience of serious illness.

To implement this new concept for end-of-life care, differences were not put aside, but rather celebrated. Hospice care brings together a number of different disciplines to care for the whole person at this critical time of life. Physician, nurse, social worker, chaplain, aide, therapist, counselor, and volunteer—all play a role in meeting the medical, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of the patient, as well as the supportive needs of the family members, friends, and caregivers involved in the patient’s life.

The world was different in 1983, yet the need for this specialty care existed then and still exists now. Instead of a new organization just starting to serve the tri-state community, we now have an organization with 40 years of expertise in hospice and palliative care. Then, Hospice of Dubuque was staffed by a small group of volunteers. Now, over 60 volunteers and 75 professional staff members carry out the mission each and every day. Here in the tri-states, Hospice of Dubuque is considered the gold standard for the medical specialty of hospice and palliative care. Nationally, Hospice of Dubuque is recognized by Medicare as a 5-star hospice, placing your local nonprofit hospice in the top 11% of hospices in the entire United States!

Unfortunately, 40 years later, the need to educate about the benefits of hospice care continues. We recognize that hospice is synonymous with the last chapter of life, but hospice’s focus is actually on life—living as fully as possible so the last chapter can be rich in memories. We commonly hear families state they wish they had chosen hospice services earlier. Please consider hospice care sooner than later. Our staff and volunteers stand ready to help those with serious illness continue to live as fully as possible with comfort, dignity, and hope. Remember, together we can do so much.

Back in 1983

Women’s clothing—shoulder pads and wide belts!

Men’s clothing—Hawaiian shirts made popular by Tom Selleck in the TV show, Magnum, PI

October 25, 1983: Microsoft Office Word was released Jell-O introduced sugar-free jello.

Cabbage Patch kids were the hottest toy

Michael Jackson’s Thriller was #1 on the US 200 Billboard Album Charts for 37 weeks, and the video was released on MTV on December 2, 1983.

Congress established the Medicare Hospice Benefit

McDonald’s introduced the Chicken McNugget.

To learn more about our 40th Anniversary, and see our digital timeline—scan this QR code!

Board of Directors

Joe Kane, President

Bonnie Hancock, Vice President

Charlotte Halverson, Secretary

Mike Sinkey, Treasurer

Greg Birkett

Stasia Brannon

Cindy Burdt

Sue Bushman, ARNP

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

Newsletter Editors

Cheryl Fuller

Tiffany Stietz

Community Education

Diane Fasselius

BestFest 2023

A sold-out crowd attended BestFest at The Grand River Center on March 23. Attendees were treated to a great event courtesy of participating winning businesses. The evening included a variety of food offerings, drinks, and samples from some of the best local restaurants, bars, caterers, breweries, and other tri-state vendors. This festive party raised over $48,000 to support your Hometown Hospice.

Our sincere thanks to those who voted and purchased tickets, the volunteers who helped tabulate votes and worked at the event, and the winning businesses who graciously donated time and samples for BestFest 2023. The generosity of the community helps ensure Hospice of Dubuque can continue to touch the lives of patients and families at a precious time of life.

Hospice of Dubuque would also like to acknowledge and thank committee members, including Greg Birkett, Dubuque Advertiser; Jennifer Faley, Dupaco Credit Union; Jackie Bardon, Radio Dubuque; and Carole Carroll, Hospice of Dubuque.

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors: Giese Companies, Honkamp, MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center, Modernfold, Inc., and Sedona Staffing Services

Bronze Sponsors: Access Systems, Biechler Electric, Inc., Conlon Construction Co., Flexsteel Industries, Straka Johnson Architects, P.C., and Tri-State Shred

BestFest Party Bus

Brad Metcalf and friends were the lucky winners of the BestFest Party Bus. The group traveled to BestFest via the Morgan Ann Party Bus courtesy of Robb Munter. The package also included 12 of the following: BestFest tickets with designated seating, National Mississippi River Museum passes, Phoenix Theater tickets, Kennedy Mall gift cards, and Miracle Car Wash certificates!

Best Place to Buy Eyewear: Klauer Optical

Best Hardware Store: Steve’s Ace Hardware, Inc.

Best Place for Auto Repair: Runde Auto Group

Best Jeweler: Doland Jewelers

Best Bar: Gary Dolphin’s Iron Bar

Best Caterer: Kalmes Restaurant & Catering

Best Florist: Butt’s Florist

Best Hair Salon: Contempo Salon Spa

Best Auto Body Shop: Brimeyer Auto Body

Best Place for a Massage: Body & Soul

Best Car/Truck Dealership: Runde Auto Group

Best Place to Buy a Mattress: Dubuque Mattress

Best In-Home Cleaning Service: Merry Maids

Best Retail Meat Store: Cremer’s Meats

Best Place to Buy Furniture: Home+FloorShow

Best Place for Tanning: Sun Tan City

Best Convenience Store: Kwik Star

Best Pharmacy: Hartig Drug

Best Shoe Store: Brown’s Shoe Fit

Best Pawn Shop: Jerry’s Pawn & Jewelry

Best Children’s Store: Sprout: A Children’s Boutique

Best DJ Service: Alexxus Entertainment

Best Golf Course: Lacoma Golf

Best Fast-Food Restaurant: Culver’s

Best Place for Lunch: Panera Bread

Best Place for Salad: Olive Garden

Best Winery: Stone Cliff Winery

Best Local Brewery: Dimensional Brewing Co.

Best Place for Chili: Wendy’s

Best Place for Sunday Brunch: Timmerman’s Supper Club

Best Place for a Donut: Donut Boy

Best Grocery Store: Hy-Vee

Best Place for a Bloody Mary: Midtown Marina

Best Place for Italian Cuisine: Mario’s Italian Restaurant

Best Place for Mexican Cuisine: Los Aztecas Mexican Restaurant

Best Place for Seafood: Catfish Charlie’s

Best Candy Shop: Betty Jane Candies

Best Supper Club: Timmerman’s Supper Club

Best Place for Prime Rib: Village Bar Supper Club

Best Place for Pizza: Happy Joe’s Pizza

Best Place for a Burger: Dubuque Mining Co.

Best Place for Appetizers: Applebee’s

Best Fresh Bakery: Hy-Vee

Best Place for Soup: Panera Bread

Best Place for a Bagel: Big Apple Bagels

Best Long Island Iced Tea: Dubuque Mining Co.

Best Place for a Romantic Dinner: Timmerman’s Supper Club

Best Ice Cream: Dairy Queen

Best Place for a Cup of Coffee: Jumble Coffee Company

Best Place for a Margarita: Los Aztecas Mexican Restaurant

Special thanks to the local businesses listed on this page for participating in BestFest!

View the full list of winners at hospiceofdubuque.org

How Our Team Makes a Difference

The Hospice of Dubuque staff consists of 75 team members who serve patients and families throughout our tri-state region. Some of our staff gathered on a chilly spring morning for the photo above, and, in this article, some share their thoughts on how our team makes a difference. Thank you for welcoming the Hospice of Dubuque team into your homes and hearts for the past 40 years.

We individualize the plan of care based on the patient and family. No two persons are going to have the same experience. We treat patients and families like our own, providing top-notch care as we would to our own loved ones.

Carrie S.

Hospice care allows a person to continue their life with comfort and dignity.

Sara L.

Hospice of Dubuque utilizes an interdisciplinary team of highly skilled professionals to provide compassionate, individualized, premium end-of-life care to terminally ill patients and their loved ones.

Renee F.

We are available 24 hours a day and will make visits during the night to assist with any emergency that may arise.

Melanie O.

Time is the first thing that comes to my mind. We take the time to hear our patients’ concerns and listen to their story. We also take time to check in. How is the medication working? How are you feeling today? I’m so appreciative that I can take the time to reminisce with patients and their families, get to know them, and develop relationships.

Stephanie L.

Our team listens to the wants, needs, and desires of patients and families. We assist them in meeting end-of-life goals, no matter how big or small. We provide companionship and life review with patients.

Amber W.

We allow patients and families to have a sense of control in circumstances where they have often lost control. We develop relationships with them to see them as a person versus a patient.

Kristin S.

Our team makes a difference by truly listening to the needs of our patients and families. We make a difference because we care.

Lexi H.

Hospice provides the opportunity to share the final journey with people from all walks of life that we would not have had the privilege to meet any other way.

Lisa P.

We stay as long as needed, and we listen.

Sarah F.

We focus on the person and family instead of the disease.

Megan S.

I have the privilege of reading the correspondence received from families on a regular basis. With each letter, I am able to see and feel the depth of compassion and care our staff provides to patients and their loved ones. Our team is such a blessing to tri-state families.

Cheryl F.

1983-2023

Years of Caring

Motherless Daughters Luncheon

On Saturday, May 13, a special luncheon will be held from 11 am–1 pm at Shalom Retreat Center, 1001 Davis Street, Dubuque. This event is an opportunity for women to remember and celebrate their deceased mothers in conjunction with Mother’s Day weekend. The guest speaker will be Hospice of Dubuque’s Executive Director, Lavonne Noel. The event will conclude with a powerful and healing circle of remembrance. The cost, which includes lunch, is $20. Please RSVP by May 4 to Julie Grutz at 563.495.3332 or mmsjwl1971@gmail.com.

Note: Julie Grutz initiated the Motherless Daughters Luncheon in 2013 for women to acknowledge the loss of their mothers. All funds are used to cover the cost of providing the program. This event is not hosted by Hospice of Dubuque.

Hospice of Dubuque is proud to be participating in Great Give Day, organized by the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque. This virtual charitable event will take place on Wednesday, May 17, from midnight to midnight. Your gift of $10 or more will help qualify us for matching gifts from corporate sponsors. Learn more at greatgiveday.org and mark your calendars to support your local hospice!

Bereavement Day Camp for Children

Tuesday, August 8, 2023 · 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Swiss Valley Nature Center, 13606

Swiss Valley Road

Hospice of Dubuque is excited to offer Camp Kaleidoscope, a free camp for grieving children ages 6-14 who have recently lost a loved one. The camp focuses on the grieving process and encourages connections with others who have experienced similar losses. The camp is designed to normalize children’s feelings of loss, so they know they are not alone.

Hospice of Dubuque’s trained staff members will facilitate activities to support enhanced coping skills through a combination of activity stations while incorporating fun and learning throughout the day.

For more information contact Mary Boots at 563.582.1220 or email bootsm@hospiceofdubuque.org.

The Big Duffer Golf Outing

Saturday, July 15 ∙ Lacoma Golf Course, East Dubuque, IL

Join us for a fun day of golf! Fill out the registration form below to participate. Return the form with payment by July 1, 2023, to: Hospice of Dubuque, 1670 JFK Road, Dubuque, IA 52002, or email cr@hospiceofdubuque.org.

2023 REGISTRATION FORM

Name: _____________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________

Phone: _____________________________________________

Email: _____________________________________________

☐ Tournament Participation or Dinner

☐ 9 holes with cart and dinner ($60) 3:00 pm shotgun start

☐ 18 holes with cart and dinner ($80) 1:00 pm shotgun start

☐ Steak dinner ($35) 6:00 pm

My team members are:

1. ____________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________

3. ____________________________________________ Playing in memory of ____________________________

Hole Sponsorships NEW 2023 Levels

☐ $500 ☐ $250 ☐ $100

For more information, contact Community Relations at 563.582.1220 or cr@hospiceofdubuque.org

Hole sponsored by ___________________________________ In memory of _______________________________________

☐ Prize Donation Will be used towards raffle or auction item

Item description and value ________________________________

☐ Gift card enclosed

☐ Check Enclosed

☐ Please pick up donation

☐ Please Invoice

☐ Credit Card # __________________________

Exp. Date _________ Sec. Code _________

Signature Total Donation $ ____________

Honorariums and Memorials

We gratefully acknowledge these gifts received from January 1 through March 31. If a name is inaccurate or missing, please call Community Relations at 563.582.1220.

Honorariums

Delain M. Allen

Mike Allendorf

Betsy Barna

Nancy Borchers

Chandra Dimmer

Darlene Ertl - 90th Birthday

Sarah Fern

Melissa Gansemer

Dale Griffin

Jerry Hefel

Kristina Heinzen

Pat Klein

Donna McKnight

Cindy Millius

Elizabeth Riffel-Altman

Kristin Schroeder

Carol Small

Memorials

Larry Abresch

Nettie Abresch

Elaine Hird Adams

Clem Ahmann

Joyce Ahmann

Mary Jane Ahmann

Holly Griffin Amunson

Mary Lou Anglin

Rita Arlen

Shirley Babka

Mary Barron

John “Jack” Barton

Dave Bassler

Eugene Bassler

Genevieve Bassler

Frank Batka

Sue Bauer

Terry Bautch

David Becwar

Barbara Beeth

Rory L. Beggin

Alfred Behnke

Bernice Behnke

Mary Behnke

Dennis Bennett

Ivan “Ike” Berger

Cooie Besler

Roxanne Besler

Anna Beyer

Doris Bildstein

Madonna Birch

Paul Birkett

Sandi Bisenius

Barrett “Barry” Blair

Jane Boffeli

Mil & Dan Boge

Norman “Dean” Boyes

Roger Bradshaw

Ronald Brady

Colleen Brandenburg

Tammy Brandenburg

Margaret & Philip Brennan

Bill Brosnahan

Orville Brothers

John J. Brown

Michael Budde

Victoria Buelow

Willi Buerger

Steve Burgess

Bernard Burkle

Marilyn Burkle

Donald Burrows

Jimmy Bush

Mae & Joe Bushman

Robert & Mary Capesius

Jan Carroll

Maryann CaudillLoGuidice

Terry Check

Joyce Christensen

Clemen Family

Betty Clemen

David Clemen

Ken Clemen

Karen Clemens

Mary Collins

Mary Ruth Connolly

Ronald & Darlene Conzett

Richard Cook

William “Bill” Coty

Fran Crippes

Mary Crispo

Jeanette “Milli” Curtiss

David B. Czarnecki

Robert John Dalsing

Charlotte Danner

Mae Dausener

Elaine Deiter

David Dement

Ira Dement

Laura Dement

Richard Dement

Leo & Stella Demmer

Robert Derrickson

Margaret Desseyn

Leo “Pete” Dietz

Patricia Ann Dietz

Monica & Merle Digman

Camillia “Cam” Doerr

Dick Dolter

Karen Donaldson

Cathy Donovan

Floyd Driscoll

Jim Durham

Paul & Mary Durham

Patrick & Gloriann Egan

Mary Ehrlich

Anna Eichacker

George & Josephine Eichacker

Leon T. Einsweiler

Rodney Elgin

Marilyn J. Engling

Dominic & Lou Mae English

Scott T. Ensign

Jacqueline Entringer

Carol A. Ernst

Lea Mae Esser

Annette Even

Paul Exstrom

James Alexander Feehan

Tom Feipel

Mary Agnes Feltes

Georgeann Felton

Linda Filebark

Mike Filipiak

Mrs. Mary Fitzgerald

Mary Kay Fitzpatrick

Jean Ann Fleege

Colleen Fleming

Pat Fleming

Ken & Mary Fluhr

Lee Foecking

Brendan & Carol Forrest

Bernita Forth

Lee Francis

Bill Frederick

Carol Friederick

Renee Friedman

Shirley Funk

Karen Funke

Patricia Furuseth

Wesley Galliart

Marie Gansemer

Ann O. Garas

Dr. Joe Garrity

Evey Gaul

Clark Gerleman

John & Mary Gette

Bill Giese

Joseph Gilbertson

Leona Ginter

Mary E. Glab

Mary Glennon

Norma Glynn

Geraldine “Geri” Goodman

Marge Gothard

Ray Grant

Irene Graves

Ronald Greve

Deanne Grice

Daryl Griffith

Robert Gross

Carol Jean Grzelak

Lois A. Gudenkauf

Tom Haas

Bill Habel

Ed Haberkorn

Kaye Hahn

Jahn Hallden

Robert “Bob” Hamilton

Jean Hammel

Tom Hammel

Gary “Poncho”Hancock

Janaan Hancock

Mary Jean Hanfeld

Michael Hanfeld

Don & Madge Hanley

Lois Ann Hanson

Jay Hantelman

Mary Hanzelka-Leary

Carlotta Marie Harder

Mr. Alvin Harrenstein

Mrs. Deloris Harrenstein

Fay Hasken

Charlene M. Hawks

Sharon Hefel

Kathryn Heiberger

Pat Heiberger

Ed Heiderscheit

Mary Heim

Rose Heim

Marian Heinisch

Ann Hemmer

Harry G. Herold

Joan Herrig

June Herzberg

Judy Hess

Heying Family

Forrest Hinds

Tom Hoelscher

Jack Hohmann

Barb Holub

Linda Hoppman

Bob Houselog

Harold & Celina Houtakker

Theresa A. Huinker

Eleanor Jackson

Tom Jansz

Viola Jantz

Eunice Mae Jasper

George & Irene Jecklin

Arnie Johnson

Sharon Johnson

Bruce E. Jones

Florence M. Kafar

Jim Kane

Paul Kasel

Betty J. Kastner

Norma Steffen Kean

Melvin Kelly

Kennedy Family

Walter Kennedy

Milo G. Kettmann

James Kieffer

Kieler Family

Ruth Kieler

Cy Kiernan

Christina Kintzle

Carla Kipper

Mike Kirk

Clara Klaren

Dave Klaren

I.J. Klaren

Howard Klauer

Clarence & Dee Klein

Ileen Klein

Marina Klein

Kluesner Family

Albert Knake

Don & Gladys Koelker

Francis & Marian Koetz

Konshak Family

Koppes Family

Gene Kramer

Robert Kramer

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.

Ruth D. Kramer

Sue E. Kraus

Dorothy I. Kretz

Vera Kroeger

Clarence Kruser

Merlyn Kuehl

Randy & Barbara

Kuhlmann

Floyd D. Kunkel

Ginger Kuntz

John W. Lansing

Frank Larson

John “Jack” Lawler

Laurel C. Lawson

Becki LeClere

Nancy Leibfried

David W. Leifker

Kimberly Lembke

Mary Levens

Mary Lewis

Lois Lex

Ben Leytem

Esther Link

Ken Link

Norma Link

Norman & JoAnn Link

Michael Lippert

Anna Louise Loeffelholz

James B. Loeffelholz

Ron Loeffelholz

Mel & Georgeann Loes

Harmon Loney

George Luchsinger

Loretta Lucy

Dick Ludwig

Kristine Ludwig

Ronald N. Maiers

Margaret Makovec

Sharon Mangler

Vern & Vi Markus

Jane Martin

Mike Martin

Duane & Nell Matt

Elaine E. Matz

Carlton “Butch” Mauer

Ron McAuliffe

Grace McBride

Harry McBride

Hugh J. McCarron

Joyce A. McClain

Jerry McClun

Freida McConnell

Blake McDermott

Morgan McDermott

Paul S. McKnight

Lorna McLean

Lisa McNett

Mary “Betty” McPoland

Evelyn Y. Mehltretter

William Meissner

Celestine Meyer

Pauline M. Meyer

Shirley Meyer

Robert B. Miller

Karl Millius

William J. Millman

Freddie Moore

Robert Moore

Lloyd Lee Mueller

Adeline Heidi Murray

Mary Nauman

Carol Neiers

Fred Neiers

Dan Nelli

Deb Nesteby

Robert Nesteby

Ron & Eileen Newton

Clara Noonan

Maleta Norman

Janaan Norpel

Al & Dorothy Oberbroeckling

Lois E. Oberbroeckling

Ron & Joan Oberbroeckling

Delores O’Brien

Barbara Odefey

Eileen Olberding

Deb Temperley

David J. Oldenburg

Rose C. Oldenburg

Tom Olinger

Bill & Barbara O’Rourke

Ernest & Del Rose Ostwinkle

Juanita Ostwinkle

Ron Ostwinkle

Sandra Scheib Ostwinkle

Tim Otting

Maxine Paar

Frank & Veronica Paradiso

Jim Paradiso

Joe & Thelma Paradiso

Sarah Elizabeth Pemsl

Louie Pepperdine

Richard Peterson

Earl Pfab

Janis K. Pfeiler

Joe Pfohl

Patricia Piekenbrock

Bob Pierce

Ella Pitz

Ron Pitz

Sharon Ann Pitzen

Rose Pixler

Richard Pover

Bob Powers

Patricia Prine

John Quinn

Beatrice Raab

Dean Radabaugh

Betty Rasmusson

Dorothy Rathbun

Maureen Recker

William Reda

Dorean Redfern

Reinert Family

Gloria Reiter

John Ressler

Jack “John” Rhomberg

Rosemary Richman

Gary Ricke

Joe Riesselman

Shirley Ring

Shirl Risley

Marie Robbins

Harlan Robey

Fred & Virginia Rohner

Diane Rondeau

Wayne Roth

Linda Rubel

Ed Ruh

Bill & Jean Runde

David Wm. Rusk

Raymond Scherrman

Schetgen Family

Sally Schiffer

Patricia Schildgen

Bob & Dorothy Schilling

Jauquetta Schmiedeskamp-

Tonjum

Raymond Schmit

Helen Schmitt

Robert Schmitt

Gerry Schnieders

Bud & Helene Schoenhard

Thomas Scholl

John P. Schreiber

Chris Schreyer

Albert Schulte

Gerie Schulte

Marjorie Schultz

Reece Shaw

David Siver

Bridget A. Slattery

Kay Sloan

Diane M. Slusarski

Edward Small

Doyle Smith

Joseph Smith

Raymond Smith

Robert Smrcina

Barbara Soley

Dr. Diane Sorenson

Bob & Lu Stecher

Cindy Stecher

Maureen Ann Steele

Janice Stierman

Marilyn Dian Strenski

Albert J. Stuart, Sr.

Patrick Sullivan

Lois Sweeney

Jim Tegeler

Deb Temperley

Joyce Thill

Bob & Joyce Thilmany

Don Thoma

Patricia Thul

Richard Tigges

Sandra “Sandy” Tigges

Doris Trader

Irene Tranel

Ralph & Florence Tranel

Ray & Mary Turnis

Ruth Turnis

Germaine Ungs

John P. Ungs

John Uthe

Mary Vargas

Cletus Victor

Grant Vogt

Joan Vogt

Ivyl M. Volkert

Claudette Dawn vonKeltz

Irene Vorwald

Kaye Wagner

Marian & Walter Walsh

Don Wasmundt

Pat Wathan

Barb Weber

Ben Weber

Janice Weber

Lawrence Weber

Ray & Mary Weber

Kathern Wedig

John Weets

Elaine Weick

Mary Anne Weidemann

Brad Welter

Margaret & Norbert Welter

T.J. Welu

Angie Wemmer

Earl Wessels

Robert White

Luke Wiederholt

Paul Wiegman

Laura Willenbring

Eugene Winders

John Winner

Elise Wischmeyer

Joanna Wolbers

Phyliss Woods

Pauline Zigler

Businesses, Groups, and Matching Gifts

Ashton Siegert

Charitable Trust

A.Y. McDonald

Charitable Foundation

Berning Family Fund

Danaher Corporation

Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory Engineering Services & Products Co.

Frontstream

Give Lively

Hartig Drug #5 Galena

Home+Floor Show

Iowa Fields of Opportunities

Randall W. Lengeling Fund

Runde Chevrolet

Jim & Jane Meyer

Charitable Gift Foundation

Raytheon Technologies

Sisters of the Presentation

Sisters of St. Francis

TOPS 136 Dubuque

Tri State Transportation Club

Turpin Dodge Chrysler

Jeep Ram

Unified Therapy Services

Bob & Donna Wahlert

Donor Advised Fund

YourCause

In Kind and Loan Closet

Barry & Kathy Bromberg

Mary Cole

Cheryl Cullum

Charlie Green

Horizon Management Services

Lange Sign Group

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Hospice of Dubuque Earned Medicare’s Highest Rating Again!

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) updated its Care Compare website in February in order to publish the eight most recent quarters of data. The previous data was published in August 2022, which was when hospices first received a “star rating” based on responses to the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Hospice Survey. This survey is completed by family members following the death of their loved one to assess satisfaction with hospice services.

Hospice of Dubuque received a five-star rating, which is the highest quality rating, last August and again, six months later, in February. No other tri-state hospice has achieved this level of family satisfaction! With the most recent data update, only 236 of 2,060 hospices in the United States were awarded five stars. Hospice of Dubuque ranks among the top 11% of hospices in the country.

For more information on the hospice data reported by Medicare, and to see how your Hometown Hospice compares, visit medicare.gov/care-compare. For the best care in the tri-states, select Hospice of Dubuque by name.

Hospice of Dubuque welcomes ...

Laura Seibert, MT-BC, Music Therapist, joined the team in January. She graduated from Maryville University with a Bachelor’s degree in music therapy. Laura enjoys catching live music with her boyfriend Steven, hiking, fishing, being outdoors, and spending time with her family and friends.

Congratulations to ...

Hospice of Dubuque Staff

• Betsy Barna and husband, Jon, on the birth of their son, Mac Edward Barna, January 12. Cheryl Fuller is the proud grandmother of Mac.

• Hillary Wilson, BSN, RN, CHPN, (top photo) for achieving initial certification as a Certified Hospice & Palliative Nurse (CHPN).

• Kristin Schroeder, BSN, RN, CHPN, (bottom photo) for renewing her certification as a Certified Hospice & Palliative Nurse (CHPN).

The Board of Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses confers this award to registered nurses who demonstrate competency in the specialty of hospice and palliative nursing through successful completion of a comprehensive national examination.

Our Mission—The Why in What We Do

Diane Fasselius, BA, RN, Community Education Specialist

As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Hospice of Dubuque, our mission statement remains the same. Providing compassionate care for the terminally ill and their loved ones has guided our every step over the past 40 years. Once in a while someone will ask how we can do the work of providing care to the dying and their families. From the outside it looks like it must be depressing. Knowing how to do the work is only part of the equation. Knowing why we do this work is the more important question.

Those who work in hospice feel the care we provide is nothing like a job. It is more of a vocation. Our mission statement sums it up. Hospice of Dubuque is about helping people experience a higher quality of life by addressing not only physical needs, but also emotional and spiritual needs. Our work starts with compassion, understanding, and a commitment to helping those facing the end of life. The care we provide makes their journey more tolerable, less frightening, and even offers a time for many memorable moments.

Our mission answers the question of why we do this work. It is a basic human quality to want to help someone in need, and the end of life is a particular time when compassion and support are clearly needed. The care provided by the Hospice of Dubuque team brings the unconditional, loving support anyone would welcome at a time when choices may seem compromised and life may feel hopeless.

Book Suggestion: The Wheel of Life, A Memoir of Living and Dying, by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross. In her book, On Death & Dying, Kubler-Ross transformed the way the world thinks about death. In her memoir, which is written frankly and with warmth, she reflects on free will as our greatest gift. She encourages spiritual evolution and living fully with great love.

Sympathy to ...

Hospice of Dubuque Staff

• Kelli Decker on the death of her father, Barry Blair, January 13.

• Renee Frith on the death of her father, Kenneth J. Link, January 21.

• Rose Guler-Ludowitz on the death of her brother-in-law, Dennis R. Pickel, March 11.

Hospice of Dubuque Volunteer

• Peg Nauman, on the death of her brother, Ron McAuliffe, February 13.

Hospice of Dubuque Board Member

• Rev. Jim Mehltretter, on the death of his mother, Evelyn Mehltretter, March 21.

The Families and Friends of Hospice Volunteer

• Mary “Pudge” Waechter, who died on March 9. Pudge was a member of the 1989 volunteer class and served as a volunteer for over 17 years.

The Families and Friends of Hospice of Dubuque Employee:

• Jayne Schonhoff, who died on March 22. Jayne was a CNA and worked in the role of Hospice Aide from 2008—2012 at Hospice of Dubuque.

My Journey with Hospice of Dubuque

Carole Carroll, Hospice of Dubuque Volunteer

My journey with Hospice of Dubuque began in 1992 when my mother and my family were served by this organization, and my journey continues today. Thanks to Hospice of Dubuque’s professional staff and trained volunteers, my terminally-ill mother was able to remain in her own home and die with dignity. With the expertise of the hospice speech therapist, my mother swallowed better and choked less than she had for the previous 1½ years. Pain management resulted in her being able to be more active. Mom was given control to the degree her disease allowed. She was able to choose whether to take a bath or not, eat ice cream for most meals, determine her sleeping schedule, and take or refuse medications. Control gave her honor and dignity.

My mother’s quality of life was also improved by the caring love of her three Hospice of Dubuque volunteers. They filled the gaps, doing things for her that I couldn’t such as filing her nails and praying with her. When a volunteer was at the house, I was free to leave and do other things—from buying groceries to taking a weekly horseback ride with my oldest son.

My mother’s death was very peaceful. Family members and her three volunteers were at her bedside. My mother’s name was Armella. Two grandchildren preceded her in death—our seven-year old son, Peter, and my brother’s stillbirth daughter, Angella. I was touching my mother’s right knee while her volunteer, who was touching her left shoulder, said, “Armella, do you see the light, do you see Jesus, do you see Peter, do you see Angella?” At that my mother smiled, her eyes open, and she looked right at me. Her death could not have been more peaceful and beautiful.

We were served by Hospice of Dubuque for three months and as most families say, “I wish we would have joined sooner.” After witnessing the benefits that my mother and my family received, I wanted to give back to Hospice of Dubuque. Helping the mission of providing compassionate care to the terminally ill and their loved ones became my passion. I completed Hospice of Dubuque’s volunteer class in 1993 and volunteered as a physical therapist. Also in 1993, I had the honor of becoming a Hospice of Dubuque Board Member. Public relations was my emphasis. I told my story in the community to whomever would listen—Dubuque Chamber Business PMs, service clubs, religious groups, and other organizations.

Carole’s mother, Armella Snyder, enjoying a celebration while in hospice care.

Carole and Bryce Parks

In 1996, my passion for educating others about hospice resulted in the video, Our Journey with Hospice of Dubuque. The video was produced by myself, Bryce Parks, and The Video Rangers, which was a group of Dubuque Community School District students who worked on various media projects under the direction of Mr. Parks. In 1997, the video received a first place ADDY award presented by AAF Dubuque, which is the local charter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF).

Our Journey with Hospice of Dubuque is a 20-minute documentary featuring three hospice patients and their families. They discuss how hospice helped them live their remaining months to the fullest. All three were long-term hospice patients served between eight and eleven months, and all said they wished they had joined hospice sooner. It is a testimonial to how hospice care can improve the quality of life and that we live until the day we die.

My journey with Hospice of Dubuque continues today. I am still involved as a volunteer physical therapist and Hospice of Dubuque Board Member, and I serve on the Public Relations and BestFest committees. This year, 2023, marks Hospice of Dubuque’s 40th anniversary of being Your Hometown Hospice. I encourage you to celebrate with us by watching this video. You may recognize some familiar faces, and you will certainly recognize the voice of the narrator, Gary Dolphin.

View the video at vimeo.com/hospiceofdubuque/ourjourney

Volunteer spotlight

Linda Goldsmith, Hospice of Dubuque Volunteer

Meet Linda Goldsmith, Hospice of Dubuque Volunteer, since 1995. When Linda moved to Dubuque with her husband, who was the pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church, she began volunteering. Linda had always been involved in volunteering, and she looked forward to working in a smaller community. Her hope was that she could “make a difference.”

Linda helps with many tasks that are needed at Hospice of Dubuque. When she isn’t spending her time volunteering for us, she also enjoys reading historical fiction, doing puzzles, bird watching, playing bridge, and watching movies.

Linda states that she was lucky to have parents who were deeply involved in volunteering. She indicated that “service was always a part of my family’s lifestyle.”

Linda currently limits her volunteer activities to Hospice of Dubuque, as she and her husband are downsizing their home and planning a move this year. Linda would then like to resume mentoring in the Dubuque Community Schools and reading newspapers over the radio for sight-impaired listeners. She hopes to have a smooth transition to their new lifestyle and home.

Thank you Linda for your many years of service. We are blessed to have you as part of the Hospice of Dubuque Team.

Photos of Carole supporting events through the years.

1670 JFK Road Dubuque, IA 52002

At this time of year, many of us are spending time in our gardens in preparation for summer. As you consider what to plant and how to use your outdoor space, you may want to dedicate a space to a loved one.

As a way to say thanks to our community, Hospice of Dubuque invites you to attend a Flower Giveaway in celebration of our 40th Anniversary.

Stop by our office, 1670 JFK Road, on Saturday, May 20, from 8 am–noon.*

* Event is while supplies last.

May 20: Flower

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