Kessler Fahrenkrug Funeral Home

01/30/2026

How to Support a Grieving Caregiver

Grieving caregivers are doing one of the hardest jobs there is—loving someone through loss while often losing parts of themselves along the way. Support, when offered with patience and understanding, can be a lifeline. By seeing their grief, honoring their experience, and standing beside them, we help ensure they are not carrying this burden alone.

Support doesn’t require grand gestures. Often, small, consistent acts matter most.
• Listen without judgment or advice: Allow caregivers to talk openly about their feelings without offering solutions or comparisons.
• Acknowledge their grief: Don’t assume grief only begins after a death. Acknowledge ongoing losses and emotional pain, even if the person they care for is still alive.
• Offer practical help: Assist with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, or running errands to alleviate their burden. Don't ask "How can I help?" Offer concrete support: "I'm bringing dinner on Tuesday" or "I'll mow the lawn this weekend".
• Encourage rest: Gently remind caregivers that taking breaks is not selfish—it’s necessary.
• Check in regularly: Continued check-ins regularly to prevent isolation.
• Supporting Self-Compassion: Encouraging self-compassion can help them cope more sustainably.

01/29/2026

Joan A. Ziegler, age 66, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Silverstone Memory Care in Appleton. On December 20, 1959, Joan Alice was born in Appleton to Robert and Gladys (Hooyman) Ebben. While in high school, Joan met Michael “Wally” Ziegler. A year following her 1978 high sch...

View Joan A. Ziegler's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

01/28/2026

Can I Be Buried With My Phone—and Will It Still Work?

Yes, you can be buried with your phone, but it won’t function as a means of communication. In addition, a cell phone battery must not be cremated.

Key Points to Consider:
• Burial vs. Cremation: Phones cannot be cremated because their batteries can explode. Funeral directors must be notified so the device is removed before cremation.
• Functionality: Cell service does not reach six feet underground, making signal reception impossible.
• Battery Life: Even if powered on, the phone will only remain active until the battery is depleted.
• Reasons: Phones are often included for symbolic reasons—serving as a “digital legacy” or a way for loved ones to feel connected by leaving messages.
• Trends: Some families continue paying for service so they can call the number and hear the deceased’s voicemail.

Because of these factors, it’s important to discuss any such wishes with a funeral director in advance.

01/26/2026

It is with a sad yet joyous heart that we announce the passing of our dear friend and brother. He truly was “One of one” and “Did it his way.” So, the next time you think of Jimmy or Tee It Up, let it bring a smile to your face and a warm sensation to your heart.
A celebration of Jimmy’s life will...

View James "Jim" "Col." Henebry's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

01/24/2026

Donna J. Robinson, age 79, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Maple Ridge Memory Care in Plover. On August 1, 1946, Donna Jean was born in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, to Robert and Norma (Schulz) Young. Following her high school graduation, Donna had worked for a telephone company be...

View Donna J. Robinson's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

01/23/2026

Gilbert I. McKenzie, age 79, passed away peacefully, yet unexpectedly, on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Meadowbrook of Appleton. On October 13, 1946, Gilbert Ivan was born in Charles City, Iowa to Earl and Lucille (Maulsby) McKenzie. Following his graduation from Charles City High School, he contin...

View Gilbert "Gib" I. McKenzie's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

01/23/2026

Gentle Ways to Recognize and Navigate Caregiver Grief

Caregiver grief is real, and when it goes unacknowledged, it can quietly weigh heavily on the heart. While this kind of grief may not disappear, it can be named, held with care, and supported. The following approaches may offer comfort and steadiness along the way:
1. Naming the grief - Acknowledging that what you are experiencing is grief. Giving it a name helps remind you that your feelings are valid and understandable.
2. Making room for mixed emotions
It’s natural for love and frustration, devotion and exhaustion, to exist side by side.
3. Reaching for support
You don’t have to carry this alone. Support groups can lessen feelings of isolation.
4. Practicing self-compassion
Caregivers often expect more of themselves than anyone reasonably could. Offering yourself the same patience and kindness you give others is an act of care.
5. Protecting a sense of self beyond caregiving
Even small moments of personal time, creativity, or meaningful connection can help you stay grounded in who you are, not only in what you do for others.
6. Honoring loss in personal ways
Some caregivers find comfort in journaling, marking meaningful moments, or creating gentle rituals.

01/22/2026

Donna L. H**p, age 78, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Peabody Manor in Appleton. On September 22, 1947, Donna Lea was born to Elwyn and Rose (Wambold) Horton in Oshkosh. A couple of years after her 1965 graduation from Oshkosh West High School, she moved to Neenah where she started her ...

View Donna L. H**p's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

01/22/2026

Gary L. Tonn, age 67, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026, at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah. On January 20, 1958, Gary Lee was born to William and Judith (Kamps) Tonn.
Gary enjoyed being creative with his woodcarving and also enjoyed fishing.
He will be greatly missed by his da...

View Gary L. Tonn's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

01/21/2026

Donna L. H**p, age 78, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 19, 2026.

A full obituary for Donna will appear here soon.

The Funeral Service for Donna will be held at 4:30 PM on Monday, January 26, 2026 at Kessler Fahrenkrug Funeral Home, 304 S. Commercial Street, Neenah, Wiscon...

View Donna L. H**p's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

01/21/2026

Once again, St. Gabriel and St. Margaret Mary parishes are collaborating on hosting the grief support group and the GriefShare program. Please see the attached posters for information about the February 12th Loss of a Spouse offering, and the full 13-week GriefShare program.

All are welcome from our communities and the surrounding Fox Valley. Share this information with people who have lost loved ones, whether a recent death or years ago. There is no timeline on grief.

Please reach out to Ellen Mommarts at 920-729-4560 x4106 with any questions. People may register by emailing emommaerts@smcatholicschools.org or visit the GriefShare website and search by zip code at www.griefshare.org and click on "Find A Group."

01/21/2026

The question sounds strange because funerals are culturally tied to finality. But socially, funerals aren’t really about the body—they’re about closure, shared stories, and meaning.

An alternative is what’s often called a “living funeral.” It’s a real practice, and people choose it for many reasons:
• To hear what loved ones would say while they’re still alive
• To say goodbye on their own terms
• To spare others the guesswork about their wishes
• Or simply to celebrate life without the logistics of death

A living funeral can take many forms:
• A traditional service without a body
• A roast instead of a eulogy
• A party with speeches, music, and memories
• A quiet, reflective gathering with letters read aloud
• Or even rules like “no black clothing, no crying”

Historically, this idea isn’t unusual. In Japan, such ceremonies are known as seizenso.