December 7, 2015 at 4:06 p.m.
Hope and healing: Funeral homes host holiday memorial services
Hope and healing: Funeral homes host holiday memorial services
By Kayla Thomason-
Carlson Funeral Home
Carlson Funeral Home has been hosting its Christmas Memories service for 24 years.
"It's been a wonderful thing and we've had some people, we've had a couple ladies, that have been here for every one of them, all 24 years," said Bruce Carlson, president of Carlson Funeral Home.
"It's a time of sharing for the families, with each other, showing them they're not alone during this time of year," he added.
Chaplain John Uhlarik of Ministry Saint Mary's Hospital and Reverend Ellen Rasmussen of First United Methodist Church were the guest speakers. They shared the word of God.
Those who attended the service had the opportunity to have an ornament engraved with the name of a deceased loved one.
"It's not a piece of gold or anything but it's awfully special to those people," Carlson said.
Several poems, some of the best student poems that have been read at past Christmas Memories programs, were read during this year's service. The poems included "Forever to Stay," written by Cassandra Grys in 2003, "Dancing with Angels," written by Moriyah Montezon in 2007, "I Am," by Lindsey Maloney in 2010, and "Without You," by Sydney Schallock in 2012.
Below is Maloney's poem.
I Am
By Lindsey Maloney, 2010
(Dedicated to my Nana, Joy Stefonek)
"I am the whisper that you hear
A voice that sings so softly
That makes you smile from ear to ear
I am the spirit in your Heart
Beating slowly but loud enough to hear
Making you wish we weren't apart
I am the tears in your eyes
Rolling slowly down your cheek
Hot and wet every time you cry
I am the feeling inside
When you knew I had to go
Your love for me I know will never die
I am your best friend
Looking down from above
Smiling to myself
Knowing that I am loved."
Hymns and Hyrs played holiday music for the audience. The group has performed at the service for years.
"It makes me feel really good," said Beatrice Kerner, director and accompanist of Hymns and Hyrs. "To see their faces, to see their tears, to see their smiles, to know it means a lot to them, it makes me and the group feel very good about doing it."
The music selection is carefully chosen to raise the audience's spirits, give them comfort and help them heal, Kerner said.
"We try to select songs that have words of comfort in them but also some are very thoughtful and we try to select something that is also upbeat to bring the smiles to their faces," she said.
Some of the songs played Saturday were "O Holy Night," "Advent Cry," and "Over My Head."
Kerner said she thinks the simple service can have a profound effect on those whose hearts are hearing.
"I think it's a wonderful thing for people because this is hard for them emotionally and it gives them a little support and comfort," she said.
Carlson Funeral Home started this event to help a few people and it grew.
"I've got some people that say that this is how they know Christmas is starting, when they come to this each year, which is awfully nice, especially if that's what they get out of it," said Carlson.
"It's just a wonderful, typical small-town community get-together of caring and support among people," Kerner said.
Hildebrand-Russ Funeral Home
Hildebrand-Russ Funeral Home also held a Holiday Memorial Service this past weekend.
The service, which is has been an annual event for approximately 20 years, is open to those who have lost jobs or relationships, but the majority of attendees have lost a loved one.
"I think it's very important that families attend and it's a difficult time and it's very emotional for families coming back here and they've suffered a loss and they're going to be celebrating holidays without somebody that's been dear to them and loved by them," said Tom Kniewel, owner and funeral director.
The guest speakers were Amy Kitsembel, bereavement coordinator at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau, and Father Kevin Farrell of Nativity of our Lord Catholic Church.
Kitsembel shared information on the grief process while Farrell offered words of comfort and encouragement.
Customized ornaments were handed out to those in attendance who then placed them on the Tree of Hope. After the ceremony the participants got to take their ornament home.
New this year was a candle lighting ceremony. A lit candle was passed around to light other candles. The event was followed by a dinner at the funeral home.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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