02/16/2026
Today we were proud to present David Markunas from Heart to Heart Hospice with our Heart of Caring Award for the month. We received five nominations for David that share about his heart of caring:
Sarah Ryan - "I would like to nominate David for the Heart of Caring Award. David consistently demonstrates a combination of compassion, professionalism, and empathy. He approaches every interaction ensuring that individuals facing some of life’s most difficult decisions are treated with dignity, and kindness. Families often share how supported they feel after meeting with David. Beyond his role as The area Director of Business Development, David is a steady source of encouragement to coworkers and a bridge between the community and our organization. For these reasons and so many more, David truly represents the Heart of Caring."
Tina Smith - "Dave has been a staple here at Heart to Heart Hospice for years & our facilities love him and always count on him when they have a patient in need of our services. Dave ALWAYS goes above & beyond to get patients and their family as much information as needed to feel comfortable with the decisions they are faced with. He is informative & compassionate with everyone he has encounters with & is very respected in our communities."
Terry Clees - "I have worked with Dave for over ten years as he has often been the first face of hospice to many people. His compassion and care acts as a soothing balm to many who are filled with uncertainty and anxiety over putting their loved one on hospice. He has asked me many times to provide bereavement care to people who he encounters in facilities who aren't on our company's services because he can't turn his back when someone is hurting or has a need. He is one of the few in our business who wears a suit over a heart of gold and puts compassion over corporate."
Erika - "What makes Dave extraordinary is that he gives his heart fully, every single day, without ever asking for recognition. I believe that it is an unconscious act on his part. He simply is here to help people. Dave has phenomenal powers of observation. He notices the little things others might overlook: the fear in someone’s voice, the exhaustion behind a caregiver’s smile, the silent panic of someone who doesn’t know where to turn next, the fatigue of a coworker, the way hospice can make us all feel just a little defeated. He doesn’t just observe though- Dave always steps in. He follows up, checks in, offers a dad joke, takes his suit jacket off, rolls his sleeves up, and offers to help. And- he means it, because he truly cares. He shows up for his team members with the same sincerity he shows to the families we serve. He supports without hesitation, listens when you need him, and brings kindness into every interaction. In a field that can be emotionally heavy, Dave helps carry the weight for the people who work alongside him. His heart was truly made for being caring and compassionate, and I am a better person for knowing him."
Loretta Kirbitz - "I would like to nominate David Markunas for the Heart of Caring Award. David has a big heart and has worked tirelessly to provide services to patients and families over a great part of Michigan. There is no end to how hard he will work or travel to get the information needed or meet up with a patient or family. He has an endless spirit providing lunches, wheelchair washes, ice cream socials, games, breakfast, popcorn and apples for staff, candy and jokes good or bad to keep you laughing. The click of his shoes coming down the hall, his laugh, his kindness and most of all his ability to always compliment his fellow workers daily and make them feel a part of Heart to Hearts patient centered care. Dave truly has a dedication and a caring heart for his patients, facilities, doctors and how he can help. I believe Dave is a true example of what the Heart of Caring Award represents. GO DAVE!!!"
As the winner of our Heart of Caring Award, David received a Heart of Caring glass heart, his name inscribed on our Heart of Caring Award plaque, and a $100 gift card. Thank you, David, for all you do for your patients and their families. We are proud to present you with this award!
If there is a hospice caregiver you would like to nominate for our Heart of Caring Award, you can nominate them through our online nomination form: https://www.sharpfuneralhomes.com/heart-of-caring-award
