Winter 2025 Newlsetter

Winter 2024 Newsletter

BestFest BestFest 2025 2025

BestFest 2025 returns to the Dubuque County Fairgrounds! This event celebrating "the best" of the tri-states is set for Thursday, March 27, from 5:00 to 7:30 pm at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds Event Center. Winners from over 60 categories will be invited to participate and showcase samples of their products. The night will include food, drinks, music, prizes, and a large raffle.

Join Hospice of Dubuque at BestFest 2025.

Tickets will be available for purchase beginning Tuesday, February 18, at the Hospice of Dubuque office, 1670 JFK Road, and on our website, hospiceofdubuque.org, for $40 each.

Tickets are limited and expect to sell out, so don't wait.

We are grateful to be associated with BestFest 2025 and receive the proceeds from this event.

The additional funding is used to support bereavement programs, educational outreach, and patient care needs at the only local, nonprofit hospice.

Ride to BestFest 2025 in style with your friends and family!

Bid online to win transportation for twelve, to and from BestFest via the Morgan Ann Party Bus, courtesy of Robb Munter. This package also includes twelve (12) of the following: BestFest early-entry tickets and designated seating, Phoenix Theater tickets, Kennedy Mall gift certificates, Miracle Car Wash certificates, and National Mississippi River Museum passes!

Place your bid today on our website: www.hospiceofdubuque.org.

Auction ends February 28, at 8:00 pm.

Gold Sponsors

563.582.1220 • hospiceofdubuque.org

Fiscal 2024 Annual Report

“People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care” ― Theodore Roosevelt Dear Friends, Theodore Roosevelt is credited with saying, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Tri-state residents are fortunate that Hospice of Dubuque delivers on both.

Our staff and volunteers have been providing compassionate care for the seriously ill and their loved ones since 1983. Compassionate care is our mission—our sole purpose for existing. In addition to the individualized and responsive care we provide, we bring the most effective and up-to-date practices in hospice and palliative care to tri-state patients and families. With care from Hospice of Dubuque, patients and families benefit from over 41 years of expertise in end-of-life care and our commitment to ongoing staff development.

The Hospice of Dubuque care team is cohesive and well-prepared, and we are passionate about bringing compassionate care to those we serve. Our 5-star rating, and the continued support of our tri-state community, validate that residents know how much Hospice of Dubuque cares, and they trust Hospice of Dubuque as the leader in hospice and palliative care. To receive care that truly makes a difference, choose Hospice of Dubuque, the only local, non profit hospice in the tri-states.

Lavonne Noel Executive Director Hospice of Dubuque

C A R E wherever you call home

Our Philosophy Hospice affirms life and recognizes dying as part of the process of living. Hospice exists to provide support and care for persons in the last phases of an incurable disease so that they may live as fully and comfortably as possible. Hospice neither hastens nor postpones death. Hospice exists in the hope and belief that through appropriate care and the promotion of a caring community sensitive to their needs, clients and families will be helped during the processes of dying and grieving.

Our Mission The mission of Hospice of Dubuque is to provide compassionate care for persons with serious illness and their loved ones.

Our Vision Hospice of Dubuque will advance hospice and palliative care in the tri-states through collaboration, education, stewardship and dedication to mission-driven care.

PRIMARY DIAGNOSIS

8%

Lung Disease

AGE OF PATIENTS 44% Female

30%

Heart Disease

30%

Cancer

22%

Neurological

65-74: 14% 75+: 75%

56% Male

10%

Other

0-17: 1% 18-64: 10%

3,274 Volunteer Hours Worked Cost Savings from Volunteer Hours $98,058

170

350

976

1,390

Veterans Served by We Honor Veterans

Palliative Care Patients Served

Total Hospice Patients Served

Individuals Provided Bereavement Services

Hospice of Dubuque is an independent, community-based hospice, not affiliated with any other organization. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, Hospice of Dubuque is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of local citizens. All funds remain within Hospice of Dubuque to continue the mission of compassionate care.

Fiscal 2024 Annual Report

Thank You As fiscal 2024 concludes, please join me in extending gratitude to: The tri-state individuals and their families, friends, and caregivers who invite Hospice of Dubuque into their lives.

Members of the healthcare community who collaborate with Hospice of Dubuque to meet the needs of seriously ill tri-state residents.

The dedicated Hospice of Dubuque volunteers who lovingly and steadfastly bring comfort and companionship to their tri-state neighbors.

The highly skilled Hospice of Dubuque staff who carry out the mission of compassionate care throughout the tri-states.

The Board of Directors for Hospice of Dubuque and the Hospice of Dubuque Foundation for their support and dedication.

Dr. Brian Sullivan and Dr. Mark Hermann, who provide medical oversight and leadership for Hospice of Dubuque.

The many individuals, families, organizations, and businesses that generously support Hospice of Dubuque through monetary gifts, in-kind donations, and advocacy.

The Hospice of Dubuque mission is made possible by all of you! Thank you.

Fiscal 2024 Annual Report

Community Health Accreditation Partner In February, Hospice of Dubuque underwent a site visit and recertification survey, which led to accreditation by Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP) for a three-year period beginning February 27, 2024. CHAP is an independent accrediting body for home and community-based healthcare organizations, and is an approved accreditor by CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services).

CHAP accreditation ensures a hospice provider meets the Medicare Conditions of Participation, and that the hospice upholds the highest industry standards for quality, growth, and compliance.

“Hospice of Dubuque was amazing! I am so grateful hospice walked this journey with me. I wish I had engaged them sooner.”

– Karen K., daughter

National Alliance for Care at Home During 2024, the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), and the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) officially consolidated into a new national advocacy organization—National Alliance for Care at Home. Hospice of Dubuque has maintained voluntary membership in NHPCO, and will become a member of the newly formed Alliance.

Fiscal 2024 Annual Report

C

The 7 C's of Hospice & Palliative Care

The Gold Standards Framework was developed twenty-five years ago to guide holistic, patientcentered, hospice and palliative care. The framework’s components are referred to as the 7 C’s. They apply regardless of the patient’s age, diagnosis, or care setting.

1 Communication Effective communication ensures the patient’s and family’s wishes are respected.

The Hospice of Dubuque care team helps patients and families evaluate care options, discuss preferences, and define quality of life. With care from Hospice of Dubuque, each visit starts with the question, “What matters most to you today?” Communication remains open and fluid, so the care team can meet current and changing patient and family needs.

2 Coordination Hospice of Dubuque coordinates care with each patient’s healthcare provider.

Patients are encouraged to continue their relationship with their chosen physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, and we provide regular condition updates on behalf of the patient. Hospice of Dubuque also coordinates care with those involved in caregiving—family members, hired caregivers, or facility staff.

3 Control of Symptoms Effective symptom control is a core tenet of hospice and palliative care. For over 41 years, the Hospice of Dubuque care team has provided expert pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Shared understanding regarding care goals is essential. We work with each patient and family to ensure the symptom management approach aligns with their preferences, values, and wishes.

Accountability

A

In 1990, only 5% of U.S. hospices were for-profit. Thirty-five years later, more than 75% of Medicare-certified hospices are for-profit. This is disheartening as hospice in America began as a non-profit movement. In recent years, private equity firms and publicly traded companies have become increasingly involved in operating hospices. This is a disturbing trend as studies in recent years have verified that communities are best served by nonprofit hospices.

In November 2024, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a study that analyzed consumer satisfaction with hospice services across different ownership categories. Researchers from Cornell University, Emory University, Vanderbilt University, and the Department of Veterans Affairs looked at nearly 2,700 hospices—26% were for-profit entities owned by private equity firms or publicly traded companies; 45% were for-profit entities under other ownership types; and 29% were nonprofit organizations. Together, these hospices provided services to 87% of all Medicare beneficiaries utilizing hospice services.

The research team evaluated Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey data from 2021 and 2022. Eight CAHPS survey measures were compared: communication, timely care, treating family members with respect, emotional and religious support, help for symptoms, hospice care training, hospice rating, and willingness to recommend. Across all eight measures, hospices owned by private equity firms and publicly traded companies demonstrated the lowest performance and nonprofit hospices the highest performance by significant margins.

Fiscal 2024 Annual Report

4 Continuity

6 Caregiver Support

Continuity of care is a fundamental aspect of hospice and palliative care. Hospice of Dubuque accompanies patients and their families with steadfastness, compassion, respect, and honesty. As patients approach the end of life, our constancy allows them to remain trustful and feel supported. They recognize they will receive consistent and seamless care regardless of changes in their health status or care setting.

Hospice and palliative care looks beyond the patient to include support for caregivers. Hospice of Dubuque’s mission is compassionate care for the seriously ill and their loved ones. We recognize the profound impact of serious illness on each individual’s support system. We provide care that is empathetic and sensitive to all involved in the patient’s care.

5 Continued Learning Hospice and palliative care is a dynamic field. Thus, continued learning is a key strategy for the provision of up-to-date, comprehensive, and effective end-of-life care. With a focus on staff education and support, Hospice of Dubuque is committed to continuous staff development. We believe that together we all learn, teach, and grow.

7 Comprehensive Care The first six components of the Framework culminate in comprehensive care. When communication, coordination, control of symptoms, continuity, continued learning, and caregiver support are present, patients and families receive the best possible care. For comprehensive, quality hospice and palliative care that aligns with the Gold Standards Framework, ask for your local nonprofit hospice by name, Hospice of Dubuque.

The researchers concluded: “Prior research has highlighted poorer user experience in for-profit versus not-for-profit hospices; this study found that private equity firms and publically traded corporation ownership was an especially problematic category of for-profit hospice.” The research team has recommended federal policy interventions that “focus on increasing transparency and accountability in hospice ownership” to ensure “financial incentives don’t undermine end-of-life patient care.”

The profit motive continues to fuel regulatory scrutiny. The Medicare Care Compare website posts Hospice Quality Reporting Program data. This data is used to identify poor-performing hospices so additional scrutiny can be applied to them. Consumers can also look at this data to compare hospice providers. Meeting these reporting requirements adds an administrative burden, but it is necessary to weed out fraudulent providers.

A nonprofit hospice exists to serve its community by carrying out its mission.

Decisions regarding services are based on meeting the needs of patients, families, and caregivers. Thus, a nonprofit hospice is accountable to the community it serves.

In contrast, for-profit hospices exist to make profits for their owners, investors, or shareholders. Decisions are based upon the goal of maximizing profitability.

For-profit hospices are accountable to those expecting a return on their investment.

Hospice of Dubuque, proudly serves as the only local, nonprofit hospice in the tri-states.

We have been serving the greater Dubuque area since 1983. We are humbled by the community’s support, and we are proud to be accountable to the tri-state community we serve.

Fiscal 2024 Annual Report

Right Care, Right Place, Right Time

R

For over 41 years, Hospice of Dubuque has provided the right care, in the right place, at the right time. Our palliative care program is for those living with serious, chronic illness or individuals dealing with the sequela of treatment for serious illness. Our hospice care program is for persons living with serious, end-stage illness during the last six months or longer. With either program, our symptom management and supportive presence is intended to help people feel as well as possible.

The Hospice of Dubuque team tailors care to each patient’s and family’s values, goals, desires, and needs. At the start of each visit, we ask, “What is most important to you today?” This allows patients and families to exercise self-determination and drive their own plan of care. The “right care” from Hospice of Dubuque is individualized and compassionate. We recognize unique preferences and perspectives and take appropriate actions that are sensitive to individual needs.

Hospice of Dubuque’s care is brought to individuals where they are so the “right place” is wherever they reside.

For most people, most of the time, this is the place they call home—the place in which the surroundings are familiar and their personal items are located. We visit patients in houses, apartments, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, and in the hospital.

Excellence

E

Hospice of Dubuque is committed to excellence, and the data verifies that your local, nonprofit hospice delivers high quality care!

“I am a retired physician. This is the best hospice team I have ever worked with. They all were wonderful and we were very happy with the great, compassionate care provided our mom. Thank you!” – David L., son For the third consecutive year, Hospice of Dubuque maintained a perfect 5-star rating!

This is the highest quality rating available from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It is based entirely on responses to a standardized survey entitled, Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Provider Survey (CAHPS). This survey is completed by families after their loved one has died in hospice care.

Fiscal 2024 Annual Report

The surveys are handled by a third-party vendor that aggregates the results and sends them directly to CMS. Out of the 2,055 hospices nationwide that comply with this survey requirement, only 314 have a 5-star rating. That places Hospice of Dubuque in the top 15% of hospices reporting CAHPS scores to CMS. Hospice of Dubuque also maintained a perfect 10 on the Hospice Care Index.

This is another quality indicator that CMS tracks. It is based on ten quality indicators that are calculated directly from Medicare claims data. Hospice of Dubuque has had the highest rating of 10 since reporting of this indicator began in 2022.

Hospice of Dubuque is the only five star hospice serving the tri-state area.

Determining the right time can be more challenging. People may be willing to enter our palliative care program, even when they are actually eligible for the hospice care program.

This likely is due to the stigma associated with the term, hospice. However, in making this choice, they are denying themselves access to the broad range of services available through their Hospice Benefit under Medicare, Medicaid, or their health insurance plan.

Hospice care brings a comprehensive array of services, which include direct care and support from highly skilled hospice nurses, social workers, and aides; medical equipment and medical supplies for comfort and caregiving; prescription and over-the-counter medications; counseling services such as spiritual support; complimentary services such as massage and music therapy; and around-the-clock on-call nurses who are available to answer questions and make visits in the event of a crisis or concern.

Many people think hospice is focused on dying and death. In reality, our focus is on comfort, quality of life, and living as fully as possible. Former President Jimmy Carter died recently after receiving 22 months of hospice care, helping to dispel the myth that hospice is for the final days of life. The most frequent comment we hear is, “I wish we would have signed up for hospice services earlier.”

At Hospice of Dubuque, we meet people where they are and when they believe it is the right time for them, but we also continue to work on spreading the message that earlier admission to hospice brings so much more to individuals, their families and caregivers.

Through Hospice of Dubuque’s effective symptom management and compassionate support, our staff and volunteers journey with patients and families bringing life to each day.

“We would have been lost without hospice. They are extremely experienced and caring.” – Gary F., son “They were my angels! They helped me fulfill my wife’s wishes keeping her at home.” – Timothy T., spouse In addition to calculating the Hospice Care Index, CMS also looks at claims data to determine the percentage of hospice patients who received visits from a registered nurse or medical social worker on at least two of their last three days of life. Hospice of Dubuque’s percentage is 91.6%, which compares quite favorably to the national average of only 47.4%. The average for the state of Iowa is 71.1%.

The hospice star rating, Hospice Care Index, and other quality data measures are available on Medicare’s Care Compare website. For additional information, visit https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/

C A R E wherever you call home

“We appreciated all the help, love, support and respect from all your team members…thank you for giving us everything we needed during this chapter of our lives.” – Lois H., daughter “The hospice care my husband received during the five months was excellent! He received professional, compassionate, attentive care. So grateful for this organization and all the care we received.”

– Linda J., spouse Fiscal 2024 Annual Report

Congratulations to...

Hospice of Dubuque Staff Melanie Oertel, BSN, RN, CHPN, and Megan Schmitt, MSN, RN, CHPN, on renewing the credential of Certified Hospice & Palliative Nurse.

Kris Haan, RN, CHPN, on achieving credentialing as a Certified Hospice & Palliative Nurse.

This certification is awarded by the Hospice & Palliative Nurses Association to nurses who demonstrate mastery in the practice of hospice and palliative care through completion of a comprehensive review and examination process. Obtaining this credential indicates commitment to excellence in end-of-life nursing practice and dedication to the provision of high quality hospice and palliative care.

Hospice of Dubuque welcomes...

Shay Lovelace, Hospice Nurse Case Manager, joined the team in November. She received her associates degree from NICC and is currently working toward her bachelors degree. Shay worked in Madison for 11 years, most recently in hospice care. She has a partner, Luke, his son, and a dog, Cinder. Shay enjoys kickboxing each morning and creates prints and cards with her art business.

Jamie Burger, Hospice Nurse Case Manager, joined the team in October. She graduated from NICC with her associate’s degree from NICC, and Clarke University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Jamie is a CCMC Certified Case Manager and has 26 years of nursing experience. She is married to Randy, and they have four children, Jackson, Nolan, Carson, and Addilyn.

Jamie enjoys nature and birdwatching.

Sympathy to...

Hospice of Dubuque Staff Jeremiah Smith, on the death of his father, William Smith, on October 27.

Hospice of Dubuque Volunteers Judy Tigges, on the loss of her motherin-law, Stella M. Tigges, October 31.

The Families of Phyllis Hoerner, who died November 23. Phyllis served as a Hospice of Dubuque Nurse from 2003 to 2009.

Jean Stierman, who died December 5. Jean was a Hospice of Dubuque Nurse from 1998 to 2002.

Shirley Strub-Baker, who died October 7. Shirley was part of the volunteer class of 2002 and served as a hospice volunteer for 15 years.

Volunteer Holiday Open House The annual Holiday Open House to extend sincere gratitude and season’s greetings to all Hospice of Dubuque volunteers was held on Thursday, December 12. A crowd of dedicated volunteers gathered at the Q Casino’s new Reflections Event Center to enjoy good food, conversation, and comradery.

Kerry Koopmann During the festivities, Kerry Koopmann was announced as the Hospice of Dubuque Volunteer of the Year for 2025. Kerry has been a Hospice of Dubuque volunteer for 18 years. She provides companionship to patients, respite visits for caregivers, and assistance in the office. She also volunteers with Camp Kaleidoscope and works at a variety of other Hospice events. We are blessed to have Kerry as part of our team and a member of our Hospice family. She will represent all of our dedicated volunteers at the Hospice & Palliative Care Association of Iowa recognition event in the fall.

Thank you Kerry for your years of service and for representing Hospice of Dubuque as our volunteer of the year throughout 2025!

Friend of Hospice 2024 Daryl Biechler On December 18, several members of the Hospice of Dubuque Board of Directors gathered at the Key West Volunteer Fire Department to surprise Daryl Biechler with the 2024 Friend of Hospice award. In presenting Daryl with this award, Executive Director, Lavonne Noel, stated, “I think of Daryl as an unsung hero— kind of like the stage crew that works hard behind the scenes to ensure the show can go on without a hitch. For years, Daryl has provided the equipment and crew needed to set up and take down the annual Tree of Life display. He has also supported Best Fest as a corporate sponsor and has been our go-to for electrical needs at the office. Daryl shows up for Hospice of Dubuque. That’s what a friend does. They support us when we need them, and we know they are there for us.”

Thank you, Daryl, for your service to Hospice of Dubuque! We also thank the Key West Volunteer Fire Department for helping us honor Daryl that night.

Honorariums and Memorials

Gifts received from October 1 through December 31.

Honorariums Gene Boyes Del Buchheit Mary J. Cain James Carr Doris Churchill Robert Dunn Mary Duster Lane T. Einsweiler Laverne Faber Diane Fasselius Friendship Blessings Becky Green Dave Harrenstein Evelyn Herther Hospice of Dubuque Iowa National Guard Brandon Kern Eileen Kluesner Lynda Kluesner Ronald Levens Robert Mueller Luella Pape Jake & Mary Parkin Tina Riley Mary Schlarmann Amy Schmitt Kristin Schroeder Schuster Family Phil Schwinn Carol Small Kathryn Struck Jeanette Wiegman

Memorials Wilma Ahlers Clem Ahmann Mary Jane Ahmann Michael “Mick” Allendorf Mary Beth Althoff Ambrosy Family Judith Ambrosy Loyd Andrew Henry Andrucki Charles “Mike” Ansel Cy Arensdorf Elmer Arensdorf Joan Arensdorf Daniel H. Arling, Sr. Jim Arthofer Lee Arthofer Neal & Sharon Asmussen Eileen Atchison Karen Averkamp James Wesley “Jim” Baal Rodney James Bakke Donald Balk Gary Bartell Larry Bartels Brad Bass

Frank J. Batka Susan C. Bauer Geraldine Beaves Margaret Beaves Don & Barb Beck Lois Becker David Becwar Ken Beeghley Alfred Behnke Bernice Behnke Melvin Behnke Patricia Behrens Patricia Bell Leora Bemboom Mike Berg Ivan “Ike” Berger JoAnne Bergfeld-Lehmann Virginia Berlage Ed Bernhard Gary Bernhard Mickey Bernhard Louie & Rita Berning Betty Berrie Gertrude Besler Doris Biermann Don & Madonna Birch Barry Blair Robert J. Blosch Thomas “Tom” Boever Jane Boffeli Tony & Betty Boland Henrietta Bourquin James R. Boyer Carol & Bill Boyes Roxy Boyes Mary Lou Bradley Jane Brandel Colleen Brandenburg Albin Bries John P. Brinkmann Bill Brosnahan Wallace “Wally” Brown Marian Brunkan Barbara Bruser Jennifer Michel Budde Michael Budde Erwin & Dorothy Buelow Jim Buelow Richard Buelow Sandie Buelow Victoria Buelow Regina Bughman-Matous Virginia Buol Tom Burds Steve Burgess Pat & Eleanor Burke Bernard Burkle Alex Bushman Mae & Joe Bushman Ellen Butler John P. Cain

Glen Callahan Lauren Carney Jan Carroll Peter Carroll Raul Castro Maryann Caudill-Loguidice James “Jim” Chaney James Chapman Sylvan & Catherine Chapman Joyce Christensen Opal Christensen Peggy Clayton Clemen Family Aloysius Clemen Betty Clemen Karen E. Clemens John Cody Mary Coffee Gerard Connolly Mary Ruth Connolly William A. Conzett Alice Thorpe Cook Mary Lou Cook Barb Cooley Phil Cooper Deanna Sue Cording Lois Corken Al Coulson Cowan Familiy Fran & Leo Crippes Barbara Culbertson Marie Cummer David B. Czarnecki Verrena Dagitz-Stein Mark Dalsing Hugh Dalton Denise R. Daniels Charlotte Danner Andy Daughetee Loretta Davis Anita Davison Bruce Dean Theodore M. DeBoor Alvin Decker Janice Decker Gerald & Luella Deiter John Del Degan Danny De Muth Rita & Fred Deutmeyer LeRoy Dietrich Clarence “Bud” Dietz Gertrude “Gert” Dietz Kenneth Dietz Jeanette Dietzenbach Monica & Merle Digman David & Denise Dolter Dick & Delphine Dolter Paul S. & Betty J. Dolter Dennis Donovan Thomas C. Donovan Norman Dorst

Pat Dougherty Beverly Drapeau Mary Ann Drees Henry & Juanita Droessler Lisa M. Droeszler James & Lorraine Dunkel Bob Duster Carol Duster Rog Duster Ron Duster Roger Earle Odra Eberhardt Arthur & Felice Echternacht Kathy Egan Margaret Ehlers Allan Ehlinger Paul Ehlinger Ehrlich Family Mary Eiffes Sherry Eiffes Leon T. Einsweiler Shirley Einsweiler John Eisbach Peter Eisbach Gary Elgin Stephanie L. Eline Karol Elliott Thomas J. Emerson Marilyn Engling Scott T. Ensign Shirley Eppler Paul Ericksen Michael L. Erickson Gary Erion Bob Ervolino Annette Even Tom & JoAnn Fangman Don & Cleo Farquar John Fasselius Tom Feipel Dale Feldmann Mark Feldmann Millie Feldmann Bruce Ferguson Lionel Ferring Bob Fitzgerald Mary Fitzgerald Vincent Fitzgerald Allen Fitzgibbons Jacquelyn Fitzgibbons Jane Fitzgibbons Jean Ann Fleege Marion Fleege Patricia Ann Fleege Colleen Fleming Pat Fleming Lee Foecking Sally Folsum Sandy Foster Marylee Fox Richard & Darlene Francois

Eldon & Ruth Frederick Sandy Frederick Joyce Freiburger Tony & Virginia Frommelt Luella Frye David & Janaan Funke Kathleen “Dolly” Furlong Nancy & Don Furuseth Elaine Galliart Lillian Galliart Marianna “Ruth” Gansemer Sr. Joan Garrity Constance “Connie” Gassen Mary D. George Sandy Gerhards Bart Germaine Rebecca J. Gessner John & Mary Gette Josef C. Gindorff Don Glab Harold Glasson Mary Glennon Norma Glynn Toby Goffinet Regina Goldhagen Joyce Graybill Lois & Arnold Green Charlie Greve Deanne Grice Barbara Groom Robert Gross Carol Jean Grzelak Raymond “Ray” Gschwend James J. Gudenkauf Deanna Gulyash Vern Haberkorn Eileen Hagemann Art & Jeanette Hahlen Jean Hammel Tom Hammel Gary “Poncho” Hancock John & Mona Hanley David R. Hansel George & Goldie Harmon Alvin Harrenstein Deloris Harrenstein James “Jim” Harrison Peggy Harrison Mary Josephine Hartwig Brandon J. Hartzell Richard Hatfield Richard & Carolyn Havel Genevieve Hay Ronald Hayes Tim Hayes Loren Heber Danielle Heck-Lonning Linda Hefel Marilyn Hefel Mary Heim Bill Heister Deborah Heitmann Al Heitzman Anne Helling Ann Hemmer

Melanie Henrichs Frank & Joan Heraver Jeanne Herkes Paul D. Hermann Christopher Herrig Cletus Herrig Ida Herrig Joan Herrig Marge Herrig Patrick Herwig Nancy Hess Sherry Schauer Hinz Ricke Hirsch Jack Hochberger Jeanette Hochberger Rosemary Hocking Ellen Hoefer Phyllis Hoerner Ron Hoffman Charlotte Holm George Hoppenjan Bob Horbach Margaret C. Hosier Harold & Celina Houtakker Marge Hrynkow Mary Hubbard Robert Hubert Helen Hudson Robert Hughes Leonard Hunter, Sr. Mary Lou Hutton Lorlee A. Ihm Carolyn Ann Irwin Grady Ivy Clara Jaeger D.J. Jaeger Jerome & Arlene Jaeger Paul C. Jarding Kathleen Joester Leslie “Les" Johns Carl Johnson Gary W. Johnson Joseph Johnson Patricia Johnson Ronald Johnson Joyce Joos Dr. Donald L. Kahle Luke Kalb Millie Kalb Jim Kane Joe & Helen Kapler Bernie Kass Norma Steffen Kean Marilyn J. Kelley Ken Kemen Kevin Kemen Tom Kennedy Liam Kenniker Milo Kettmann Eileen Keuter Carol Kieffer Russell Kieffer Mrs. Donald Kilburg Judy Kincannon Bob Kirsch

Lusy Kirsch Mary Kirsch Gloria Klaas Joe & Janie Kleeman Ileen Klein Marina Klein Rita Kloser Kluesner Family David Kluesner Gerald Kluesner Jeff Kluesner Donald & Nancy Knockel Barbara Koeller Thelma Koehler Delores Koenig Konrardy Family Fred W. Konzen LaVon Kottman Janet Kowalski Rick Kragenbring Darrell Kramer David J.A. Kramer Fred Kramer Robert J. & Donnabelle Kramer Ruth Leslein Kramer Christina Kraus Jeanne Kress Clarence Kruser Joseph Kruser Robert & Beverly Kubesheski Merlyn & Viola Kuehl Mary Lois Kueter Barbara & Randy Kuhlmann Floyd D. Kunkel Kenneth F. Kutsch Marc & Theresa Lahey Margaret Lakin Steve Langas Dorothy A. LaPointe Beverlee Larson John “Jack” Lawler A.J. Lechner Elva Lechner Becki LeClere Audrey Lee Mary C. Lee Ruth Lehmann Verla Lehmann Nancy Leibfried Joan Leibold Tom Leibold Antonio Lessei Mary Levens Anthony Liberato Link Family Lyle Link Michael Lippert James B. Loeffelholz Judy Loeffelholz Kathy Lombardi Harmon Loney Maurice Losey Dorothy Kluesner Lucas Kathryn Ludwig Robert Lueken

Robert J. Lynch Jim Lynn Helen Maiers Ronald N. Maiers Richard Majerus Sharon Mangler Lee Manternach Lois Manternach Sharon Manternach Phyllis Markward Frank Marshall Anne Martin Kermit Marty Henry & Dolly Marxen Roger F. Massey Duane Matt Richard Mattas Hugh & Dorothy McCarron Dorothy McCarthy John McCoy Greg McDermott Margaret McDermott Neal McDermott Monica Meissner William Meissner Patty Melin Gilbert & Bernice Mescher Susan Metcalf Alicia Metz Eric Metz Jim E. Metz Celestine Meyer Eileen Meyer Jerome & Bernice Meyer Melvin Meyer Mildred Meyer Clarissa C. Meyers Kathy Michel Joseph J. Michels, Jr. Todd Middendorf Darlene Millard Harry Millard Donna & Doug Miller Marion & Fred Miller Shirley A. (Bennett) Miller William “Bill” Miller Richard “Dick” Molony Shirley Mae Moody Velma Moor Debra Morgan Harold “Ray” Morgan Eugene “Butch” Morton Phyllis E. Moser Ernest Motsch Eugene Motsch Sharon Mueller Gilbert Muir Lois Muir Mark Muir Delores Muntz Richard “Dick” Muntz Dan Murphy Laura & Cletus Murphy Dorothy Murray Bill Nagel

Honorariums and Memorials contd.

Fred Neiers Julian G. Nemmers Deb Nesteby Robert Nesteby Dave Neuhaus Lavern & Joyce Ney Jeanette A. Nilles Audrey Noel Wayne Noel Edna “Betty” Noonan Evelyn Norton Mary Nugent Eleanor Nunez Al & Dorothy Oberbroeckling Ann O’Brien Delores O'Brien Pat O’Brien Pam Ohms Susan Ohms Eileen Olberding Terry Orton Diane O’Shea Deb Ostwinkle Ernest & Del Rose Ostwinkle Juanita Ostwinkle Ron Ostwinkle Sandra Ostwinkle Lorrayne Oswald Elaine O'Toole David Ough Ken & Monica Pancratz Viola M. Pankow Louie Pepperdine Karen Pfab Janis K. Pfeiler Darlene Pfiffner Irma Pfiffner Carol Pfohl Luanne Pieper Bob Pierce Kim Tigges Pins Ella Pitz Sylvester “Ves” Ploessl Richard “Dick” Polfer Gladys Porter Wayne Pregler Edward & Freida Quade Roger Quade Rance Rada Jeff Ransom Sylvester “Bud” & Eileen Rauen Ruth Rea James Reardon Marv Recker Vernon & Ruth Redfearn Dorean L. Redfern Anna Reiter Fred & Mary Reiter Melvin Reittinger Doris Riekena Ron Riekena

Sandra Ring Jay Reuter Merlin Reuter Thomas & Jeannette Richard Shirley Richardson Gary Ricke John Robbins Mary T. Roberts James Rogan Charles “Chuck” Roling Jerome Roling Thomas Roling Rosemary Hahn Rondinelli Peter J. Roth Phyllis S. Roth Wayne Roth Dan Roush Don Ruden Ellen Ruroden Jeanette "Jen” Russell William “Bill” Sabers Tom & Betty Sacco Norma Sanchez Marian Saylor Candace Schaefer Daniel W. Schamper Laura Schemmel Kathleen Scherbring Pat Scherrman Grace & Jerome Schieltz Patricia Schildgen Niculae Schimbeski John Schissel Andy Schlarmann Colleen Schleicher David Schleicher Raymond Schmit Amy Schmitt Eileen Schmitt Gerald “Jerry” Schmitt Kay Schmitt Madonna Schmitt Gerry Schnieders Gladys Schnieders Bill & Magdalen Schockemoehl Ralph “Bud” & Helene Schoenhard Ronald & Corina Scholbrock Thomas Scholl John D. Schreiber John P. Schreiber Bette Schrobilgen Wayne Schrobilgen David O. Schroeder Al Schulte Gerie Schulte Peter Schulte Elaine Schumacher Juanita (Frederick) Schumacher Quent Schumacher Bob Schwendinger

Toby Sejkora Daryl Seiler Daniel R. Sertle Herbert A. Shay, Jr. Paul Shellenberger Mary Jo Sherman Donna K. Sieverding George & Mary Simon Judy Simon John Sjobakken Mike Skahill Edward Small Wayne Small Doyle Smith Ken Smith Bob Smrcina Armella & Vincent Snyder Helen Soat Victor Soat Betty Soltow Bob Soltow Judy Soltow Carole Soppe Dr. Diane Sorenson Kathleen (Ryan) Spahn Joe Spark Evelyn Specht Sandy Spensley Mildred Spiegelhalter Denise Spielman Ira & Rita Splinter Jack & Jane Spoden Elmer J. Sprank Joseph “Buzz” Sprengelmeyer Bob & Lu Stecher Carol Steffen LeRoy Steffensmeier Cleo & Walt Steger Janet Stenberg Rose Ann “Rosey” Stephan Jean Marie Stierman Eleanor Stocke Andy Strittmatter Shirley Strub-Baker Albert Stuart Kathy Stumpf Margaret Sullivan Jim Sysko Harold & Pauline Takes Charles Taylor Dr. Joseph R. Terry Jim Theisen Marita Theisen Florence “Pat” Thill Robert & Joyce Thilmany Colleen Thiltgen James “Ernie” Tigges Stella Tigges John W. “Jac” Tilton Alfred Timmerman Kathleen Timp Camilla Tjarks

Vi Tjarks Char Townsley Skyler Tracy Doris D. Trader James A. Trannel Doris Trausch Alberta Trebian Bernice F. Troester Donna Tuegel Ruth Turnis Jude Ubersox Elsie Unsen Mary Jane Vaassen Donna Vaske Joan Vogt Daniel Vondran Grace Vivian Vondran Robert M. Vondran Tina Vondran Vicki Vondran Claudette Dawn vonKeltz Wagner Family Kay A. Wagner Bob Wahlert Fred & Georgia Wallace Marian & Walter Walsh Mike Walsh Barb Weber Ben Weber Ray & Mary Weber Robert & Lorraine Weber Mike Weeber Judith Wehrle Rex Wellman Brad Welter Margaret & Norbert Welter T.J. Welu Richard “Dick” Werner Kathleen Wesenberg Jackie Westergaard James W. White Wiegand Family Paul Wiegman Delia Wiese Dirk D. Wiese Werner Wiese Eugene E. Wiest Gerry Wilson Eugene Winders John Winner Angela Winter Joanna “Jo” Wolbers Adrian Wolfe Patricia G. Woodard Elaine Woodrum Mike Wulfekuhle Phil Wulfekuhle Jacob Zamolewicz Pat Zelinskas Pauline & Howard Zigler Tom Zwack

Businesses, Groups, Mary & Keevin Franzen St. Anthony Catholic Church and Matching Gifts Galena United Women in Faith Sibley Family Charity Fund Andersen Corp.

A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Charitable Fund Berning Family Fund Butler Family Foundation Timothy & Nancy Butler Gift Fund Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home

Heinle Family Charitable Fund Interiors by Design Iowa Fields of Opportunities Kwik Stop Stores/Dairy Queen John & Lynn McCullough Charitable Fund Jim & Jane Meyer Charitable Gift Foundation New Melleray Abbey James R. & Venice B. Richardson Fund

Ashton Siegert Charitable Trust Sisters of Charity Sisters of the Presentation Sisters of St. Francis Spahn & Rose Charitable Foundation Chris & Pam Theisen NonEndowed Donor Advised Fund Donna Wahlert Donor Advised Fund YourCause

In Kind and Loan Closet Assured Partners Michelle Schmelzer Betty Jane Candies Biechler Electric, Inc. Big Apple Bagels Dubuque Specialty Care Hawkeye Care Center Lange Sign Group Leonard Funeral Home Sunset Park Place

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.

Special thanks to...

Schoen Family Charitable Trust for the generous three-part grant that funded a color printer for our bereavement program, specialty wound supplies for patient care needs, and stethoscopes for our nursing staff.

Interiors...by design for the donation of $1,000 from their 12 Days of Christmas charitable giving event.

Spahn & Rose Charitable Foundation for the donation of $2,500 from their 2024 Building Our Communities Giving Program.

Board of Directors, Members Stasia Brannon, President Lois Schueller, Vice President Sue Bushman, Secretary Mike Sinkey, Treasurer Tom Anderegg, PhD Greg Birkett Paul Carty Vicki Dirksen Kathy Dolter, PhD Bonnie Hancock Msgr. Daniel Knepper Tina Knockel Rev. Jim Mehltretter Allen Meurer, MD Zac Scherrman Bryson Winsky Troy Wright Jeremy Wulfekuhle

Medical Staff Brian Sullivan, MD, Medical Director Mark Hermann, MD, Hospice Physician Kate Hermsen, MSN, ARNP Sue Houselog, MSN, ARNP Jessica Steger, MSN, ARNP Foundation Board Dick Cody Bob Donovan Mike FitzPatrick Don Freymann Dave Ludovissy Bruce Rehmke Mike Sinkey Newsletter Editors Cheryl Fuller Katie Wade

Leadership Team Lavonne Noel, Executive Director Jackie Brehm, Director of Finance & Administration Kate Hermsen, Director of Clinical Services Angela Nauman, Director of Compliance Lisa Patterson, Director of Social Services Megan Schmitt, Director of Nursing Betsy Barna, Clinical Services Coordinator Rose Guler-Ludowitz, Clinical Services Coordinator Community Education Diane Fasselius

CARE

Winter 2024 Newsletter | Volume 36, Number 4

A quarterly publication of Hospice of Dubuque

Compassionate CARE

Compassionate

LOCAL

For a second year, the Hospice of Dubuque staff held a Monthly Jean Day. With a donation, staff were able to wear jeans on the fourth Friday of the month. The funds raised by the staff were given to other local nonprofit organizations as a way to thank the community for supporting Hospice of Dubuque. Each month, a different tri-state nonprofit was selected to receive the funds the staff collected. In total, the Hospice of Dubuque Team donated $1,415 to other tri-state organizations during 2024.

2024 Monthly Jean Day Results!

JEAN DAY for Charity

Tree of Life

Tuesday, May 20:

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

BestFest

Thursday, March 27:

Mark Your Calendar!

1670 JFK Road Dubuque, IA 52002