Hohlt & File Funeral Home

04/05/2026

03/31/2026

March 31st is National Tater Day! This day recognizes all kinds of potatoes which provide us with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Potatoes are quite versatile, which might explain why so many people like them. They are the number one consumed vegetable in the United States. And when you consider how many ways we can eat the over 200 different kinds of potatoes in the United States, you shouldn't be surprised.

First off, we can bake them. Who doesn't like a baked potato? And you can bake them twice with all sorts of delicious toppings. Secondly, we can boil them. And from the boiled potatoes we can make soups, salads, or make one of the world's all-time favorite potato dishes - mashed potatoes. Mashed potatoes have numerous different recipes, you can't have shepherd's pie without mashed potatoes. Dice them and slice them and we can make scalloped, fried, or even hashbrowns.

But have you heard of Funeral Potatoes?

Funeral potatoes are a creamy, cheesy baked casserole made with hash browns, a condensed soup (like cream of chicken or mushroom), sour cream, and cheese, topped with a crunchy layer of buttered cornflakes or crushed crackers, and named for their popularity at post-funeral gatherings. This comforting side dish is a staple at potlucks, holidays, and family dinners.

Our favorite recipe for funeral potatoes are linked below!

https://cookinginthemidwest.com/blog/cheesy-funeral-potatoes/

03/28/2026

Monday, March 30 is National Take a Walk in the Park Day, a gentle reminder of the healing that can be found in simple moments outdoors.

For those carrying grief, the quiet of nature can be a gentle companion. The rhythm of your steps, the breeze through the trees, and the stillness of a park can create space to breathe, think, and remember.

Grief doesn’t disappear with a walk, but movement can help ease the heaviness. A path through a park can become a path through memories, reflection, and moments of peace.

If you’re grieving, consider taking a walk on Monday. Walk slowly. Notice the sky, the trees, the quiet. Let nature hold space for your thoughts and your heart.

Grief has no timeline, but caring for your heart and mind is important. Sometimes the path to healing begins with simply putting one foot in front of the other. 🌿

Here nestled in the heart of Vandalia, we have two beautiful walking paths available for you to discover.

Illinois Central Railroad River Walk
Established in 2011, the Illinois Central Railroad River Walk is a level, unpaved, scenic nature trail that is located on a portion of the former “main line” of the Illinois Central Railroad. The trail, just under one mile in total length takes people to the Kaskaskia River which was key in the founding and development of the City of Vandalia. Along the trail you will find several “Did You Know” signs that tell walkers the history of the Illinois Central Railroad.
https://www.vandaliaillinois.com/for-visitors/explore-vandalia/illinois-central-railroad-riverwalk/

Lincoln Walking Trail
Through the efforts of numerous organizations and agencies, the City of Vandalia constructed a scenic walking path through several of our major parks in 2001. The Lincoln Walking Trail is approximately one mile in length.
https://www.vandaliaillinois.com/for-visitors/area-recreation/park-district/

03/20/2026

March 20th, World Storytelling Day

Many of us go throughout the day engaging in storytelling without even realizing it. Have you ever made up a bedtime story for your children? Have you ever told a friend about your most embarrassing moment? What about recounting a childhood memory with a sibling or sharing a memory of a loved one passed?

The best way for you to observe this day is to simply tell someone a story. Another way to participate is to sit with family or friends and take turns telling stories and reminiscing about a loved one.

Embracing storytelling with future generations is important to preserve memories and maintain a lasting legacy.

03/18/2026

I’m honored to be able to share my journey of being a business owner with this great group of students.

They toured the whole funeral home, from the chapel where we have funerals, the selection room with caskets, the prep room where we embalm, and even our new crematory.

The students had plenty of great questions, I love breaking down barriers and showing them the behind the scenes of funeral service.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ac6vZSBV9/?mibextid=wwXIfr

We are so thankful for our visit to Hohlt & File Funeral Home and for their support as an investor in our program.

Sue Kistler shared her unique journey of working at the funeral home for years before purchasing it, giving our students a great perspective on stepping into an established business while honoring its legacy.

More than anything, it was clear how much she cares. This is not just a business, but a way to support families during some of their hardest moments. We are grateful for her time and the impact she made on our students and community. 💛

03/11/2026

Happy National Funeral Director & Mortician Day - March 11

02/28/2026

We plan for college
We plan for careers
We plan for family
We plan for parties
We plan for vacations
We plan for retirement
But have you thought about planning for your funeral?

Pre-planning and prepayment options can provide significant financial benefits. By paying in advance, you can lock in current prices, ensuring cost stability for the future.

At Hohlt & File Funeral Home – Burnam Crematory, we collaborate with two companies to accommodate different needs. One offers flexible, leisurely payment plans, while the other provides options for full payment or scheduled auto-payments over 3-5 years. Both plans feature competitive growth rates designed to keep pace with inflation, guaranteeing the services you select today will be available at the same quality in the future, even decades later.

This approach offers peace of mind and financial security for families planning ahead.

Click the link below to get started

https://www.hohltandfilefh.com/resources/planning-checklist

02/14/2026

Valentine's Day is traditionally celebrated as a day of love and affection, a time when individuals express their feelings to those they cherish. However, for many, this day can also evoke feelings of grief, especially when love has been lost or when memories of a departed loved one resurface. The intersection of grief and Valentine's Day creates a complex emotional landscape that many people navigate each year.

While Valentine's Day can be a challenging time for those experiencing grief, it also offers an opportunity to reflect on the enduring power of love. Love does not end with loss; it transforms and persists in memories, actions, and the ongoing process of healing. Recognizing this can provide comfort and strength as individuals navigate their emotional journeys during this poignant day.

02/01/2026

Random Acts of Kindness Week is February 14-20; a dedicated time to foster compassion and positivity through simple, thoughtful gestures. This initiative aims to cultivate a culture of kindness that extends beyond the designated week, embedding it into daily life within schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.

Engaging in small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on individuals and the community at large. Examples of such acts include complimenting a stranger, paying for someone’s coffee, leaving uplifting notes in public spaces, or offering a helping hand to those in need. These gestures, although seemingly minor, can significantly brighten someone’s day and foster a more empathetic environment.

It is important to recognize that everyone is fighting their own battles, often unseen. A simple smile, a kind word, or a moment of genuine concern can be a beacon of hope for someone experiencing grief, stress, or hardship. Whether someone is mourning the loss of a loved one or simply having a bad day, acts of kindness serve as reminders that they are not alone and that kindness is a powerful force for good.

The goal of Random Acts of Kindness Week is to make kindness a habitual part of our lives. By encouraging individuals to perform thoughtful gestures regularly, we can create a ripple effect that promotes understanding, patience, and compassion across all facets of society.

Ultimately, kindness is a universal language that transcends barriers and connects us all. Participating in this week’s activities not only benefits others but also enriches our own lives, fostering a sense of fulfillment and community.

Remember, you never know what someone is going through, so always choose kindness—because a simple act can truly make a world of difference.

01/01/2026

As a new year begins, we carry forward the memories of those we love.

May the year ahead bring peace, comfort, and moments of quiet healing to all who are remembering someone special.