Carol Van Ahlers

When a family is faced with planning a final farewell, one of the first decisions is whether to choose cremation or burial. Each option carries its own traditions, benefits, and possibilities for personalization. As a fourth-generation, family-owned funeral home, we have seen many families faced with this decision and know the importance of giving them […]

Giving a eulogy is a deeply personal way to honor a friend or family member who has passed away. While the task may feel overwhelming, it’s also an opportunity to bring comfort, share memories, and celebrate a life well lived. The first step is to prepare, by taking time to gather your thoughts and reflect

At my father’s memorial service years ago, my mother asked one of the sons of my parent’s best friends to speak at the service. I remember talking to him before the service and he was nervous and not really sure if he was the right person for the task. To this day, I am so

Every June, the Northern Hemisphere experiences the longest day of the year—a moment marked by ancient rituals, bonfires, festivals, and quiet reflection. This day is known as the summer solstice, and while the exact date can vary slightly each year—falling on June 20 or June 21—its significance has remained timeless across cultures and generations. This

It’s been awhile since we have talked about planning a memorial service for a family member or friend. Often, if the loved one had a pre-planning arrangement, the overall plan for the service may have already been outlined. Even so, there are always ways to add special touches to help those who are grieving and

Memorial Day is a day steeped in history, reflection, and honor—a time to remember those who gave their lives in military service to the United States. As we gather with family and friends for barbecues or long weekends away, it’s worth remembering the deeper meaning behind the holiday. Here is a bit of information you

Margie Hilgenfeld Field was Hilgenfeld Mortuary’s third generation leader as she took over the operations of the business from her father, Melvin in 1987. Serving in the role of president until her passing in 2015, Margie brought compassionate and loving care not only to the families Hilgenfeld Mortuary served, but also the community that had

In our last blog we featured the growing trend of women leadership in the funeral industry. One of the most positive outcomes has been a different approach to the way families experience their interactions with a funeral home. When facing one of life’s most difficult moments, working with a woman-owned or family-owned mortuary can bring

As a family and woman owned business, Hilgenfeld Mortuary is proud to be a part of the trend that sees an increase of female ownership in our industry. Many women enter the field through family-owned mortuaries, but there is also a growing number of women who are establishing independent funeral homes. Women bring a unique

Today is Pi Day, have you sent a card? It’s on the calendar, it must be a special day. There are so many “special days” and holidays that it can seem like everyday is worth a celebration. Our world is filled with digital notifications, emails and social media reminders of any day that might be