The O'Connell Blog
Blogs about life and death and how we can help.

Debunking Myths on Embalming & Cremation
In this episode, Amber and Pete delve into the world of embalming and cremation myths. They discuss the fate of jewelry, metallic teeth fillings, and

The Price of Saying Goodbye: Insights from a Funeral Director
In this month’s episode, Amber and Pete explore the often-misunderstood topic of funeral costs and the crucial role of funeral directors in managing the intricacies

Sacred Grounds: Unveiling the Significance of Cemeteries in the Grief Process
In this episode, Pete and Amber are joined by Mike Miller of the Willow River Cemetery in Hudson, WI. Mike shares his personal journey, recalling

Carrying the Load: Roles of Pallbearers
In this episode, host Pete Waggoner and Amber Miller of O’Connell Family Funeral Homes discuss the role of pallbearers in funeral services. They explain the

Heartwarming Ways to Honor Your Mom This Mother’s Day
In this episode, host Pete Waggoner and O’Connell Family Funeral Homes’ Amber Miller discuss the importance of remembering and honoring moms on Mother’s Day. They

Dealing With Stress, Burnout, and Compassion Fatigue
In this episode, host Pete Waggoner and O’Connell Family Funeral Homes’ Amber Miller welcome Stress Awareness Month by discussing the different aspects of stress. From

Local Resources to Help With the Grief Journey
In this episode of Good Grief, Amber Miller and Pete Waggoner discuss local resources that can help those going through a difficult period of grief.

Honoring a Loved One through Funeral Personalization
In this episode of the Good Grief podcast, Amber Miller sits with host Pete Waggoner to discuss the topic of funeral personalization and how it

Funeral Preplanning Expectations With Amber Miller
O’Connell Funeral Homes’ Amber Miller and host Pete Waggoner welcome the new year by discussing preplanning expectations in this episode of Good Grief. Amber shares

How We Can Help Those Who Grieve
In this episode, Mike O’Connell and Amber Miller sit down with Pete Waggoner to discuss how one can be of assistance to those who are

My Health, My Decisions: A Discussion on Advance Directives with Mike O’Connell & Dr. Kirsten Severson
In this episode, Dr. Kirsten Severson along with Mike O’Connell and host Pete Waggoner explores the concept of advance directives and how they work. Dr.

How Preplanning Your Funeral Can Benefit You and Your Family
In this episode hosted by Pete Waggoner, Mike O’Connell and Amber Miller discuss the process of preplanning one’s funeral and its multiple benefits. They go