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, non profit hospice.
Gold Sponsors
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.
Fiscal 2024 Annual Report
Dear Friends,
“People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care”
― Theodore Roosevelt
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
A R E wherever you call home
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
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.
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.
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.
The 7 C's of Hospice &
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.
Accountability
AHospice 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
RRight Care, Right Place, Right
Time
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
EHospice 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.
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
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.
The Families of
Hospice of Dubuque Volunteers
Judy Tigges, on the loss of her motherin-law, Stella M. Tigges, October 31.
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
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
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
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
Al Heitzman
Anne Helling
Ann Hemmer
Mrs. Donald Kilburg
Judy Kincannon
Bob Kirsch
Dorothy Kluesner Lucas
Kathryn Ludwig
Robert Lueken
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, and Matching Gifts
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
Mary & Keevin Franzen
Galena United Women in Faith
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
St. Anthony Catholic Church
Sibley Family Charity 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 PartnersMichelle 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.
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
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.
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
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
