4 reasons to pre-arrange a funeral

O’Connell Family Funeral Homes knows families have the best intentions when having to plan a funeral, but sometimes people have different opinions on what they think their loved ones might have wanted – thus causing conflict. Intense emotions, personality conflicts, and financial pressures to pay for services can bring additional stressors. Pre-arranging your funeral assures […]

Woman are helping lead the way in the funeral business

The funeral industry is built with rituals and consistency. Funeral rites are as old as the human race itself. But today, the funeral industry is one of constant change and trends. An exciting trend happening is women entering the field to become funeral directors. Several decades ago, it was very uncommon for women to be […]

You Can Save up to Three Lives in Just Fifteen Minutes

The O’Connell Family Funeral Homes Blood Drive The O’Connell family has a long and proud history of serving the communities of Hudson, Baldwin and the greater St. Croix Valley. That’s why we are so excited to host a Red Cross blood drive on August 28th at our Hudson funeral home; 520 11th Street South.  But […]

Thank you for helping us celebrate Dad’s life

This month was very special and very difficult at the same time. We said goodbye to our patriarch, Thomas ‘Tucker’ O’Connell. After 91 years, his body was tired, his mind gave all it had, and he missed mom more than life. But it wasn’t until after the funeral and seeing the wonderful tribute, that I […]

Buy from your local flower shop.

Buy from your local flower shop. When it comes to getting flowers for your loved ones, it seems like ordering online will save you a few bucks. But in the end, you will be more satisfied with flowers purchased from a local flower shop. Time and time again, we see boxes of flowers left outside […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]