Carol Van Ahlers

If your loved one had pre-planned his or her service, this part is easy. Advanced planning provides an outline to design the components of a memorial service ranging from selecting the songs or readings to suggesting an invitation list. If you don’t have that road map to follow, best to always keep in mind the […]

There are no right or wrong answers to this question. When it comes down to it, the family should select the person that feels right for them. The officiant is the leader of the service, setting the tone and directing the program. Duties often include delivering the eulogy, introducing the hymns, readings or prayers and

Over the next several weeks, we will be presenting a blog series focusing on planning a memorial service. Hilgenfeld Mortuary’s knowledgeable staff are here to guide your family every step of the way as you face numerous decisions on how best to memorialize your loved one. Each blog will provide insight on a certain aspect

It was in the late 80s and 90s that the mixed tape had its heyday. The hip-hop culture is credited with the invention of the mixed tape as a carefully crafted compilation of beat-matching songs in one continuous program. Interest quickly spread to the general public and mixed tapes became an iconic method of sharing

Our last blog addressed those who have lost loved ones and are experiencing guilt hand in hand with their grief. This combination is very common and can be hard to understand. Once you realize that you have feelings related to guilt, what can you do about it? Here are a few suggestions. Assess: Set aside

Guilt, self-blame and regret often come hand in hand with grief when dealing with the loss of a loved one. They can also rise to the surface with other types of loss, such the end of a friendship, selling a family home, divorce or even an unexpected job loss. These emotions are very hard to

The flowers are gone, casseroles no longer fill the freezer, the mailbox contains few if any cards and the phone has gone relatively silent. Weeks, or even months, have passed since your friend has lost their loved one, but the grief is far from gone. Now, more than ever, is the time for you to

The families of veterans who have served our Country are entitled to certain benefits upon their death. Although over the years many of these benefits have been reduced due to budget cuts and lack of resources, there are still opportunities to specially honor those veterans, active or retired, who pass away. Hilgenfeld Mortuary’s staff is

Shortly after my father died, I remember stopping in to see my Mom and noticing how empty the house felt. She sat at her kitchen counter sewing and there was no other living presence in the house. It just didn’t feel right. My Dad had been such a presence; the quiet was extremely disquieting. After

It is often difficult to approach the subject of pre-planning funeral arrangements with someone you love. It is a personal and intimate discussion which many people hesitate to start. However, there are so many reasons to have this conversation, especially with those family members who are older and nearing the end of their lives. One