Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory

02/27/2026

When a loss occurs, the first 48 hours can feel like a blur of confusion and urgent decisions. 🕊️

From making those first critical calls to securing your loved one's estate, knowing what to prioritize can help you navigate this difficult time with clarity.

Our latest blog post breaks down the essential steps to help you manage the immediate logistics so you can eventually focus on healing. 🤍

To help you through this urgent window, we’ve created a free resource. Download "The 48-Hour Survival Guide: Answering Consumers Top 10 At-Need Questions" on our website today. 📲

The 48-Hour Survival Guide outlines the immediate, essential logistical and administrative steps families must take in the 48 hours following a loved one's death.

02/26/2026

Gen Z and Millennials are transforming final arrangements from a taboo subject into an act of responsible life management.

It's not about giving up—it's about taking control!

What's the most unique detail you've thought about for your own legacy? Share your thoughts below! 👇

Gen Z and Millennials are approaching funeral preplanning as an act of responsible life management and a creative project, rather than a taboo subject.

02/25/2026

Grief isn't a linear process, and it certainly doesn't follow a schedule. 🕰️

While our minds might understand a loss intellectually, our hearts need their own time to catch up and heal.

Be patient with yourself. Let your heart take the time it needs. 🕊️❤️

02/23/2026

Dr. Clyde Bernard Killian, PhD, 74, originally of Logansport, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Bethany Home.

A prayer service will be held at 4:00 pm Friday, February 27, 2026 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory followed by visitation until 7:00 ...

02/23/2026

The grief journey for families facing Alzheimer’s or dementia is often called “The Long Goodbye.” 💔

It’s a profound experience that begins long before the final farewell.

We see you, caregivers, and we want you to know: your entire grief—from the anticipatory tears to the final sorrow—is valid.

The article addresses the complex, years-long journey of grief for families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia, often called

02/22/2026

Richard "Dick" Harold Hefel, 87, of Dubuque, died Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Oak Park Place in Dubuque.

A prayer service will be held at 4:00 pm Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory followed by visitation until 7:00 pm.

The Mass of...

02/20/2026

Sister Mary Linus Coyle, PBVM, 101, died on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the Sisters of the Presentation (Mount Loretto), 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, Iowa.

On Thursday, February 26, 2026, friends may call from 9:30 - 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation, where there...

02/20/2026

Linda Judge, 83, of Dubuque, died on Monday, February 16, 2026, at her home in Dubuque.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Entombment will be at Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.

Linda was born May 22, 1942, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Harold "Hal" and Ella Rose (Lemo...

02/20/2026

Today, we honor the silent heroes: our caregivers! 💖

Whether family or professional, their dedication is the backbone of our community.

Let's make sure they feel seen and supported today. A little gratitude goes a long way.

Read more about the scope of caregiving and how you can help them get the rest they deserve:

National Caregivers Day, observed annually on the third Friday in February, is a dedicated time to honor the individuals who provide essential support to those in need. The article emphasizes that caregivers, which include both unpaid family members and paid professionals, are the

02/19/2026

What happens to your Facebook, email, and photos when you're gone? In our digital age, this is a crucial part of estate planning. 💻

Your online presence is a part of your legacy. Leaving a plan ensures your wishes are respected and saves your loved ones from added stress during a time of grief.

Our new blog post, "Your Digital Footprint," offers a compassionate and practical look at managing your digital afterlife.

It's a must-read for anyone active online.

For a detailed checklist and guide, download our free resource, "Your Digital Afterlife".

02/18/2026

Ever wonder what funeral director education actually looks like?

We’re sharing this recent post from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago showing students getting hands-on experience — learning how to safely operate a cot, and how to dress and casket with care and dignity.

For those outside our profession, this is a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the preparation, skill, and responsibility that goes into serving families well.

In the state of Iowa, becoming a licensed funeral director requires:

• A minimum of 60 college credit hours (separate from mortuary science coursework)
• Graduation from a mortuary science program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE)
• Passing the National Board Exam through the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards
• Completion of coursework in Iowa law specific to mortuary science, cremation, cemeteries, vital statistics, and preneed
• A one-year internship under the supervision of an Iowa board-certified preceptor

And the education doesn’t stop there.

Iowa funeral directors must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain licensure and stay current in our ever-evolving profession.

This work is both heart work and skilled work — and we are proud of the education, training, and lifelong learning that supports the families we serve.

02/17/2026

✨ Small Acts, Big Hearts ✨

Today is Random Acts of Kindness Day, and here at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, we witness the incredible power of a kind gesture every single day.

In the toughest moments, it’s often the smallest things that shine the brightest: a neighbor bringing over a warm meal, a friend sending a "thinking of you" text, or a stranger holding the door with a sympathetic smile.

Kindness doesn’t have to be a grand gesture to be meaningful. Today, we’re challenging our community to spread a little extra light. 🕯️

Looking for ideas? Try one of these:

☕ Pay for the coffee of the person behind you in line.
💌 Write a handwritten note to someone who has made a difference in your life.
🌿 Leave a bouquet of flowers on a neighbor's porch.
📞 Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while just to say hello.
💬 Leave a positive review for a local business you love.

Let’s turn "random" acts into intentional ones. You never know whose day—or life—you might change just by being you. 🤍

Tell us in the comments: What’s one act of kindness that has stayed with you? 👇