04/01/2026
Every year on this date, I take a moment to pause and look back. Today marks 36 years since my first day serving families in our community, through my family business, Daleiden Mortuary. It’s hard to put into words what that time has meant to me, but “privilege” is certainly one that keeps coming to mind.
My work has never been just a job— it's been showing up for people on the hardest days of their lives, and helping them make decisions with care, understanding, and respect.
This year reminded me of that in a very personal way. Earlier this year, my family lost our beloved dog, Bushido. He sustained a serious injury and what suddenly followed were very difficult decisions and a lot of uncertainty. In the end, we had to say goodbye.
While I've had the unfortunate experience to have grieved for numerous loved ones, both friends and family, anyone with pets would attest that they are cherished members of the family, and the loss is profound as well. In a similar way to the human losses I've endured, I found myself feeling what so many families have said they felt over the years— overwhelmed and unsure of what decisions were right. Even though funerals have been my career, I still had a lot of questions. In the end, choosing burial at a pet cemetery was what felt right for us. It was something we hadn't considered before, but having someone there to help us understand our options made all the difference. It was a quiet reminder that even when you think you understand something, it can feel entirely different when something like this happens.
Over the years, the responsibility of guiding people through difficult times has only grown more meaningful. To everyone who has allowed us to be part of your family’s story over the years, thank you. It’s something I never take lightly.
— Anastasia Daleiden
Family-owned. Locally operated. Four generations of our family serving yours, since 1902.
