This year, I have been truly grateful for the opportunity to create and participate in numerous community events, representing Schramka Funeral Home as a trusted resource, educator, and pillar of the communities we proudly serve. While conversations around death are never easy, knowing where to turn in a time of need is essential, and there is no better place than a funeral home that is deeply invested in strengthening and supporting its community.
In October, our Gather Them Home event brought families in with their cremated remains. We gave permanent, dignified placement to twelve loved ones who might not have found a final resting place without our involvement.
At the end of the month, we were the presenting sponsor for Nightmare on Elm Street, Downtown Thiensville’s growing family-friendly event hosted in the Village Park. This event featured a trunk-or-treat (led by our hearse), food trucks, music, games, a costume contest, and more.
In November, we hosted Veteran Resource Fairs at all three of our locations. These events brought together veterans, their families, and community partners, including county Veteran Service Officers, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Menomonee Falls Legion Post #382, senior helpers, and more. The events featured a presentation by VA Detail Clerk Jaime Price, who shared details on veteran burial benefits, including military honors, veteran cemetery options, and survivor benefits. The information was invaluable to attendees and prompted quality questions and discussion.
Also in November, I was honored to give a presentation titled “Have the Talk of a Lifetime” to senior care providers in the community, including hospice professionals, home care aides, assisted living staff, and more. The topic presented ideas not only to help start the conversation about end-of-life wishes but also to connect more deeply with family members to share memories and leave a lasting legacy.
Finally, in December, we hosted our annual Services of Remembrance for all the families we served in the last year. This service is always a special time for both the families and our staff to reconnect and remember the loved ones lost. The holiday season, especially the first holiday without a loved one, can be difficult, so we want to offer our families some comfort and remind them that they are not alone.
I’m looking forward to planning and creating more events for 2026, focused on grief support, education, and community involvement. Our Coffee and Conversation group is growing and will continue each month. Look for upcoming events like our Valentine’s Widows Brunch on our website and Facebook page.
