Krause Funeral Homes Blog

Keith S.* asks “I’ve heard of a green burial but I’m not sure what’s involved. Can you provide more info?”

Green Burials are natural burial alternatives that often aim to avoid chemical preservatives or traditional metal and wood caskets. Remains may be put directly into the ground, either shrouded in cloth or buried in containers made of easily biodegradable materials, such as cardboard, wicker or pine. Outer burial containers may or may not be required. There are a few Southeastern Wisconsin cemeteries with dedicated sections for green burial. Options vary between cemeteries and Krause Funeral Homes can help families decide which would best serve their needs. As with any final resting place choice, a memorable service, visitation or gathering can be planned.

Call, email or stop by for more information.

Elizabeth S. asked Krause Funeral Homes about how to best comfort someone who is grieving.   She wrote that many “try to equate something in their own lives to the grief that another is feeling.  ‘I know how you feel; my cat of 12 years died of cancer too.’”

While clichés and advice may be well intended, they can add to feelings of grief.  Some phrases to AVOID:

* “I know how you feel.”
* “It was bound to happen.”
* “She’s better off now.”
* “Time heals all wounds.”
* “You have to keep busy.”
* “Things will be back to normal in a month or so.”
* “Now you can get on with your life.”
* “It’s all for the best.”
* “You’ll get over it.”

When you don’t know what to say, a sincere “I’m so sorry for your loss” is a good alternative to giving advice or using clichés.

For additional tips on funeral etiquette click here.

*For privacy reasons, we have changed or abbreviated the name of the person who has asked a question or posted a comment.

Welcome to the Krause Funeral Homes blog. For the past 75 years, we have served Wisconsin families, listening to their needs and answering a wide range of questions surrounding the death of a loved one.  We’d like to share that knowledge via this blog, which will cover a diverse range of topics.  We invite you to send us your questions (there is a reply box at the end of the blog).  For privacy reasons, we will change or abbreviate the names of the people who ask questions.

David P.* asks about the best way to help his father get through the upcoming holidays while grieving the loss of his wife and David’s mother. “My dad isn’t interested in taking part in family holiday plans this year.  How can we be supportive?”

This time of year can be difficult for a family celebrating the holidays for the first time without their loved one. If someone you care about is experiencing grief this holiday season, here are a few ideas on how you may be of help.

Be Available and Listen
Your loved one or friend may need to reminisce and share his or her feelings of grief.  Arranging a time to visit and listen is a simple but often much appreciated gift.  Some conversation starters include:  “I remember when he…” “One of my fondest memories…” followed by positive stories.

Offer a Lending Hand
Concrete assistance is more valuable than open-ended statements like “let me know how I can help.” While you might have the best intentions with a more general offer, it puts the burden on the bereaved.  Instead offer to run errands, help with household tasks (lawn care, snow removal, driving), deliver a meal or coordinate others to deliver meals.  This may be especially helpful if your loved one or friend is adjusting to life without someone to share household responsibilities.

Show Patience, Understanding and Persistence
If a loved one or grieving friend takes their anger out on you or refuses offers of help, reply with kindness.  We all handle grief in different ways; in some, it comes out in anger.  Be persistent in your sincere offers of help and stay in touch.  Even short phone calls or notes may go a long way.

Set Aside Special Time for Reflection
Especially during the holidays, many who are grieving find comfort in prayer and/or their house of worship.  Offering to pray for and/or attend services with your friend or loved one may be exactly what he or she is looking for.

At the end of each year Krause Funeral Homes hosts gatherings to remember and honor those we have lost.  Please join us for an hour of reflection and music at our Services of Remembrance.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at 7pm  9000 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee
Sunday, December 6, 2009 at 3pm  12401 W. National Ave., New Berlin

RSVP 414.464.4640 or click here.

For more information on grief and senior resources click here.

*For privacy reasons, we have changed or abbreviated the name of the person who has asked a question.