Have The Talk Of A Lifetime
An individual’s story – memories made, principles and lessons learned – is a gift that should be shared with family and friends. O’Connell Family Funeral Homes, in conjunction with the Funeral and Memorial Information Council (FAMIC) has launched Have the Talk of a Lifetime, an awareness and education initiative to help families have important conversations […]
It’s time to rethink the stages of grief.
Five stages of grief?? I think not! The Kubler Ross stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance), also known as the 5 stages of grief, were first outlined in 1969, when Elizabeth Kubler-Ross’s book “On Death and Dying” was published. Her work was a reflection of the grief process of patients who had been diagnosed with terminal illness. Her work would become the […]
What are your options for scattering cremains?
Scattering Ashes: What You Need to Know Scattering ashes, also called cremated remains, is a popular choice when a person or family chooses cremation. If you’re seeking answers on what you can do with the ashes, look no further than the O’Connell Family Funeral Home. Below you can find guidelines about what you can do with the […]
Should Children Attend Funerals?
Should kids be seen and not heard? Therese Rando, a well-known grief and loss expert, explains that rituals allow structure for important events that happen throughout our lives, including death. A funeral offers a controlled time where individuals can emotionally and physically ventilate their feelings. Funeral rituals generate social support and offer opportunities to find […]
Proper etiquette when military honors are being performed
When a member of your family or a friend dies while serving their beloved country, most families opt to have a military burial. What can you, your family and friends expect when it comes to all of the military traditions associated with their funerals and how can you be respectful during a military service? Funeral […]
Valentine’s Day can be one of great loss
After the glitz and glamour of the major winter holidays, many people forget about the mid-February day dedicated to love and romance. While many resources focus on remembering and honoring loved ones during those major holidays, Valentine’s Day can be just as emotional for families, but with a broken heart. As Valentine’s Day approaches, people […]
Why having an on-site crematory is critical
First and foremost, your deceased family member never leaves our care! We are among very few funeral homes to operate our own crematory inside our clean and secure facility. It is important to understand that Wisconsin and Minnesota have strict regulations for cremation and crematories. In fact, many funeral homes offer ‘cremation services’ but rarely […]
Cremation: Can You Still Have A Funeral Service?
Cremation and Funeral Service When a loved one passes away, family members face a lot of tough decisions in regards to their remains. A cremation is a popular option, as it can be less expensive than a traditional service. However, deciding to cremate your deceased loved one does not mean you have to forego a […]
Heading South for the Winter?
6 proven benefits to document your pre-arrangements before heading south for the winter. One of the most valuable gifts funeral professionals have to offer families is the ability to facilitate important conversations about final wishes. Planning a funeral – whether it occurs in advance or at the time of need – is a deeply personal […]
On the Anniversary of a Loved One’s Death
There is no defined path for grief to take after the death of a loved one. Each person heals from a loss on their own timeline, but even years later, the anniversary of a loved one’s death is painful. You may feel fear or dread as the day approaches, perhaps reliving the moment over and […]
Funeral Personalization
Funeral Personalization to Celebrate the Life of a Loved One Customize a fitting tribute that reflects the life and passions of your loved one. The service can embody the life of the person being remembered. Personalization can help ease the pain of those suffering this loss. A funeral can be as simple or elaborate as you wish. […]
