Ryan Funeral Homes

04/22/2026

This Earth Day, many families are thinking about how their values can be reflected in every stage of life, including the end.

Green burials offer a way to return to the earth naturally, without chemicals or materials that impact the environment.

It is a choice rooted in:

• Simplicity
• Sustainability
• A deep respect for nature

For some, it is also a way to leave behind a legacy that aligns with how they lived.

If you are curious about green burial options or want to learn more, we are here to guide you.

04/21/2026

What makes a service truly meaningful?

Often, it is not just what happens, but how people are invited to be part of it.

We have seen families create beautiful moments through shared stories, music, quiet reflection, or simple rituals like placing flowers or spending time together outdoors.

These moments bring people closer and create space for connection and healing.

If you are thinking about how to make a service more personal, we talk more about this in our latest article - https://www.ryanfuneralservice.com/blog/article/creating-a-meaningful-green-funeral-service-

04/15/2026

Today is Tax Day.

And what many may not realize is that those who have passed within the past year still need to have taxes filed on their behalf.

This responsibility typically falls to a spouse, family member, or the executor of the estate, and it can feel overwhelming during an already difficult time.

A few key things to know:

• A final tax return is filed for the year of passing
• The executor or personal representative usually handles the process
• Any refunds or balances are managed through the estate

It is one of those tasks that often goes unspoken, yet it is an important part of settling affairs with care.

If you or your family are navigating this, you are not alone. We are here to help guide you and connect you with trusted resources when needed.

04/14/2026

What if a funeral felt more like being in nature than sitting in a room?

There is something incredibly grounding about bringing natural elements into a service. We often see families choose locally grown flowers, simple greenery, or materials that reflect the outdoors, and it completely shifts the atmosphere.

It becomes quieter. More peaceful. More connected.

It is not about doing more. It is about choosing what feels true.

If you are curious what a green service can look like, we shared more ideas in our latest article - https://www.ryanfuneralservice.com/blog/article/creating-a-meaningful-green-funeral-service-

04/12/2026

It’s National Grilled Cheese Day, and here in Wisconsin, that feels like something worth celebrating.

Whether it’s classic cheddar on white bread or something a little more gourmet, grilled cheese has a way of bringing comfort, connection, and a little nostalgia to the table.

Food often plays a meaningful role in how we gather and remember. Sometimes it’s the simplest things that bring people together.

What’s your favorite way to make a grilled cheese?

04/11/2026

Today is National Living Donor Day, a reminder of the incredible impact one person can have on another’s life.

Becoming an organ donor is a deeply personal decision, but it is also one of the most meaningful ways to give life, even after your own.

Registering as a donor:

• Can save and improve multiple lives
• Provides hope to families waiting for a transplant
• Leaves a lasting legacy of generosity and care

It only takes a few minutes to register, but the impact can last a lifetime and beyond.

If you have not had the conversation yet, today is a powerful day to start.

04/08/2026

More families are choosing green burials, but what many don’t realize is that the service itself can also reflect those same values.

A meaningful green funeral is not about perfection. It is about intention.

Here are a few thoughtful ways families are creating more personal, eco-friendly services:

• Bringing nature into the ceremony with biodegradable decor, natural flowers, and simple greenery

• Inviting participation, like placing flowers, sharing stories, or offering a handful of earth

• Creating quiet moments for reflection, whether through music, poetry, or time spent outdoors

• Hosting gatherings with reusable dishware or offering seed packets as a lasting remembrance

At its heart, a green service is about connection. Connection to the person you are honoring, to each other, and to the earth.

If you are curious what this could look like for your family, we are here to walk alongside you.

Read more on our blog: https://www.ryanfuneralservice.com/blog/article/creating-a-meaningful-green-funeral-service-

04/02/2026

Welcome to April! This month, we have lots to look forward to. The coming of Spring and warmer weather (please oh please come), more featured articles on our website, and some fun surprises along the way. Stay tuned for more!

03/26/2026

A couple of weeks ago, we hosted our first interactive Natural Dyeing and Green Burial workshop at the Ryan Funeral Home Legacy Center. Hosted by our own Brenda Emerson, we learned all about green burials, natural end-of-life options, and then did a hands-on natural dyeing experience. Attendees brought t-shirts, hoodies, and fabric to practice this process on. It was such a hit!

Check out some of our before-and-after photos!

Stay tuned for more interactive experiences like this in the summer!

03/16/2026

We had an amazing Natural Dye-ing + Green Burial Workshop yesterday! Even with the crazy weather, we still had a lovely group brave the experience and come out! Stay tuned for more events like this! And in a few days, we'll share the after photos from the natural dyeing!

Here are some highlights from the experience:

8 new items · Memory by Robin Finney

03/10/2026

Join us Sunday for an afternoon of creativity, conversation, and learning at the Ryan Funeral Service & Legacy Center.

On Sunday, March 15 from 1:00 to 3:30 PM, we’re hosting a small community gathering exploring natural living and green burial options.

The afternoon begins with an optional hands-on natural dye workshop from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, where you can learn how plant-based dyes are created and dye your own natural fiber item. Bring a cotton, linen, or wool piece, or use one of the extras we’ll have available.

From 2:00 to 3:30 PM, join Brenda Emerson, Ryan Funeral Home’s Green Burial Specialist, for an introduction to green burial and earth-conscious end-of-life options. Guests will also have the opportunity to tour the Legacy Center, enjoy light snacks, and ask questions in a relaxed setting.

There is no cost to attend, but we ask that you RSVP so we know how many to expect.

Reserve your spot by scanning the QR code on the flyer or signing up here: https://forms.gle/9tReK6YJkS7gC7g79