Cress News

July 5, 2008

Sherry Cress, an 18 year survivor, participates in the Stoughton, Oregon and McFarland Relay for Life. She has been active in the relay since 1994. Cress Funeral Service sponsored the survivor walk and the magnificent Monarch Butterfly Release.

September 12, 2008

SilverWind came out to Riverside Cemetery in Stoughton to perform a Dove Release for a family served by Cress Funeral Service. What a beautiful thing to see 15 birds take flight together after the family released them. The son and daughter opened the doors to the beautiful holding pens of the Flock of Angels. Once the flock took flight, the Spirit Dove was released to join the Flock of Angels. They circle a couple of times above the crowd and then they fly home to the east side of Madison.

October 1, 2008

Bill Cress, President of Cress Funeral Service and Amanda Conway, Funeral Director at Cress, spoke at the 2008 National Selected Independent Funeral Homes Convention in Washington D.C. at a session entitled, “Beyond the Talk: Implementing Eco-Friendly Practices”. Together they highlighted their efforts to implement green burial options for families and how to change the environmental impact of the funeral home’s daily business operations.

May 1, 2009

Amanda Conway, a funeral director at Cress on Speedway Road location, recently donated over 20″ of her hair to the charitable organization Locks of Love, which provides hairpieces to children diagnosed with cancer. Amanda donated her hair in honor of her friend Katy, who was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2007 at the age of 28. www.locksoflove.org

July 2, 2009

A crematory operator certification program was offered by instructors Andrew Johnson and David Gove from Cress Funeral Service, Sun Prairie in July, 2009 for any Wisconsin funeral directors. Cremation certification is a unique distinction given by CANA, Cremation Association of North America taught in Wisconsin by Andrew Johnson.

John E. Stanley, Dane County Coroner and Andrew Johnson, Cress Managing Funeral Director and Certified Cremation Specialist

July 3, 2009

Sun Prairie Relay For Life where the Cress Team, Erik Kubly, Walter Kubly, Dave Gove, and Claudia Murray had fun while raising much needed funds to fight cancer and raise awareness of cancer prevention and treatment. Teams of people camped out at the high school taking turns walking or running around the track. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Relays are an overnight event, up to 24 hours in length.

Sun Prairie Relay For Life

Cress Team: Erik Kubly, Walter Kubly, Dave Gove, and Claudia Murray

August 1, 2009

The new parking lot at the Cress funeral home in Stoughton was dedicated in the memory of beloved employee, Larry Burman. Larry’s wife, Pat Burman, family, friends, and the Cress Funeral Service staff gathered to remember Larry on Sunday, August 30, 2009. Among many, many other things, Larry was instrumental in the decision to pave the lot in concrete, so it was thought it fitting to memorialize him in this way. The Rev. Richard Halom officiated at the ceremony while Pat McNally, funeral director in Stoughton, made the arrangements.

March 1, 2010

Bill Cress, Sherry Cress and Carey Cress Fose supported American Cancer Society during their March Cancer Awareness program by ordering and delivering hundreds of daffodils to HospiceCare, Inc. and many families in Dane County. American Cancer society is the nation-wide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.

Bill Cress & Sherry Cress

May 2, 2010

June 1, 2010

Scott M. Kundinger, Operations Manager for Cress and Dan Fose, Vice-President participated in 14th Annual Catholic Charities Golf Tournament was held on June 21, 2010 at Blackhawk County Club.

June 5, 2010

August 5, 2010

The Cress Family sponsored the Monarch Butterfly release for the opening ceremony at the Sun Prairie Relay for Life.

Walter Kubly, Eric Kubly, Claudia Murray, Sherry & Bill Cress, and Dave Gove all participated in the event. Sherry Cress is a 20 year survivor.

Claudia, Dave, and Sherry get ready to release the four dozen Monarchs.

September 1, 2010

In the September 7, 2010 issue of The Cap Times, reporter Steven Elbow wrote about a proposed green’ cemetery in Verona. Managing Director, Pat McNally was interviewed about Cress’ commitment to providing eco-friendly funerals, and our partnership with the Green Burial Council.

Here is an excerpt from the article:

Pat McNally, managing director for Cress Funeral and Cremation Service, which operates eight funeral homes in Dane County, confirms that there is demand for green burials and that it’s growing.

Cress has for years tried to meet it by offering biodegradable products. One casket is crafted from sea grass, and they offer a cremation urn made of salt.

“We’re really pleased to hear there may be a green cemetery opening in the area because at this point people interested in it haven’t had a lot of options,”

McNally says funeral homes can arrange for burials in green cemeteries in other parts of the country, “but often they have to travel so far that they have to consider the environmental consequences of flying out to the east or driving. And also, it’s so far away it’s harder to visit.”

Cress has recently joined the Green Burial Council, a Santa Fe, N.M., organization formed five years ago to set standards for green burials and to certify that green burial products are as environmentally friendly as they claim to be.

For the full text, visit

http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/environment/article_4659fde6-b229-11df-a452-001cc4c03286.html

October 2, 2010

Rachel Bledsoe an advance planner for Cress was recently interviewed by Debra Illingworth Greene (a freelance writer and editor in the Madison area) for Neighbors. October 2010 (a publication of the Wisconsin State Journal). An excerpt of the article follows:

‘Rachel has a degree in theatre, but ended up in the funeral business after experiencing her grandmother’s death. “She had been battling cancer for years,” Rachel says. “The last time I saw her, her body was defeated by treatments. When she passed away I went in and saw her and it was just me and grandma in the funeral home and she looked beautiful and at peace. I will never forget what a gift that was — to see my grandma overwhelmed with peace. Something I started to think in the back of my head was, I wonder if I could give a gift like that.’

‘By day she helps people plan funerals. At night she’s the artistic director for a cutting-edge theatre company. How does Rachel Bledsoe manage two jobs that are so diverse? Well, maybe they’re not so different after all.’

“When I’m sitting down to figure out a funeral service for someone it’s an opportunity for me to creatively express life and memories and living. And theatre does the same thing — it’s about the enjoyment of living, the range of emotions, the creative expression.” – Rachel Bledsoe

February 26, 2011 Rachel Bledsoe, Advance Planning Consultant for Cress Funeral & Cremation Service was invited to share on WIBA 1310 Ask the Expert program her knowledge of planning meaningful funerals.

http://www.wiba.com/cc-common/podcast/single_podcast.html?podcast=atyourservice.xml

To read the complete articles please see the Wisconsin State Journal Neighbors October 2010 edition.

October 5, 2010

Jessica (a Funeral Director at Cress) and her family attended the National Convention of Selected Independent Funeral Homes in Florida.

(Selected Independent Funeral Homes was founded in 1917 as National Selected Morticians. We are a worldwide professional association of independent, locally-owned funeral homes. Our members operate under strict standards and strive to utilize best practices in offering families confidence and preserving their trust during times of need. )

The 92nd Annual Meeting was held Sep. 29 to Oct. 2 at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa , Lake Buena Vista, FL.

Some of the conference topics included: Developing Relationships with Hospice-Clergy-Other Community Professionals/Aftercare Programs; Disney Institute: Disney’s Approach to Inspiring Creativity, Part 1 & 2; and many other topics.

Here Jessica is pictured with out going President of Selected Independent Funeral Homes Tom Broussard of Beaumont, TX.

And of course no trip to Orlando would be complete without a visit to Walt Disney World.

Looks like Jessica and her family had a good time.

November 1, 2011

We are honored to serve the family of Jack O’Donnell, a genuine war hero, for whose courageous service we are forever grateful.

Please take a few minutes to read about Jack O’Donnell’s life in the Wisconsin State Journal.

Jack O’Donnell, who died Tuesday at age 89, wondered at surviving the Normandy invasion while all around him young men died. He survived, but he wasn’t really spared… 

Read more

Also, be sure to visit Jack O’Donnell’s obituary.

April 12, 2012

Welcome to our redesigned website. We hope you find it informative and helpful. Please explore our site and if you have any comments or suggestions we would value hearing from you.

If you are visiting Cress because a friend or family member has passed away, the Obituary & Remembrance section is easy to find on the Home page. Please add your favorite memory, picture, video or condolence as a tribute to the special connection you have had together. There you can also find maps and driving directions to the Service & Events.

Another feature to help families stay connected is the ability to share the obituary notice on your Facebook page so your Facebook friends will know of their passing. If you communicate on Facebook, please visit our Cress Facebook page and follow us. Our friends share inspiring stories and quotes, along with helpful messages for anyone journeying through difficult days.

June 28, 2012

Cress is a long time supporter of community events. On June 18, 2012 Cress staff members, Dan Fose, Scott Kundinger, and Harvey Winn participated in the 16th Annual Catholic Charities Golf Tournament at Blackhawk Country Club.

Last year’s tournament was a huge success and spots for foursomes sold out quickly! They had 144 golfers participate and raised over $63,000! It was a day filled with fun, friendship, food, and prizes at one of Madison’s best private golf courses. The weather cleared up and participants enjoyed 18 holes of golf, cart use, lunch, dinner and prizes. Proceeds went directly to our Adoption Services, Pregnancy Counseling and Youth Services – all programs that benefit children. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the event. Catholic Charities has provided help and created hope for children in an 11-county area in south central Wisconsin since 1946.

July 17, 2012

Sherry Cress and the Cress Funeral & Cremation Service started sponsoring the Sun Prairie Relay For Life in the early 1990’s. Just like many other participants and sponsors they were touched by cancer personally and have family, friends and colleagues who have been diagnosed with cancer. The Cress Family wants to do whatever they can to help find a cure for cancer.

Sherry was diagnosed with cancer when she was only 30 years old and had three young boys ages 8, 6 and 2. She was only given days to weeks to live and this year, 22 years later, she was blessed to see her first grandchild born in March. She recalls that her whole family, friends and neighbors were there for her, but mainly both her mother and her husband were her rocks of support. Her husband was there every day and at every treatment and hospital stay. After every treatment her mother stayed at their house to take care of her and help get the children ready for school. They both told her how much their family needed her, loved her and that she couldn’t give up. She feels she wouldn’t have made it without the love and support of her family. To anyone newly diagnosed with cancer Sherry would tell them to never give up. Tomorrow is always a new day and we don’t know when a cure is going to come.

The Cress family will sponsor the butterfly release at this year’s Relay for Life as they have done for several years in the past. The butterflies symbolize rebirth and a new beginning. Sherry’s hope is that a cure for all cancers can be found so that nobody ever has to hear the dreaded “C” word again! Join us at the Opening Ceremony, Friday, July 20th at 6PM where survivors will release butterflies into the evening sky.

July 18, 2012

On July 10th and 12th, many of our employees became certified in CPR and First Aid through the American Heart Association. Our staff members had the opportunity to learn infant, child and adult CPR and was also trained on the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AED). Katie Eckstein and Todd Wolf, Advanced EMTs with more than 25 years of combined experience and also employees at Cress taught the warning signs of heart attacks, seizures, strokes, allergic reactions as well as bandaging, splinting and how to handle choking. “On average people will utilize Emergency Services twice in their lifetime”, said Todd Wolf. Recognizing that emergencies can happen anytime or any place, Cress was pleased to have so many staff members participate. A dontaion will be made to the Dane County EMS Honor Guard.

July 27, 2012

Procession Options – A funeral procession can be a tribute to a life well lived. It can be an expression of the interests and passions in a persons life. With planning, a procession can include a motorcycle or bicycle escort, tractors, fire trucks or even a marching band. At Cress Funeral Service, we are committed to working with you to make your procession meaningful to you and those participating in the service.

July 31, 2012

Cress Funeral Service has been awarded the 2012 Madison Service Award in the Funeral Service category by the Madison Award Program Committee.

Each year, the Madison Award Program Committee recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the Madison area. “We identify companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community. Congratulations on joining such an elite group of small businesses.”

Thank you for the honor and privilege of serving the Madison area communities since 1869. On behalf of the entire Cress family and staff, we appreciate the recognition and the confidence so many families have awarded us with.

With Best Regard, Carey Cress Fose, Vice President, Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

September 12, 2012

Please join Cress in supporting the National Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day to honor all the families who have lost a baby due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or in early infancy. The event will kick off with inspirational speaker, Kelly Farley, who is a bereaved father himself and founder of the Grieving Dads Project. During the memorial ceremony, each family will have an opportunity to say their baby’s name before the remembrance walk. The walk is followed by a dove release. 

Saturday, October 13, 2012 at McKee Farms Park, Fitchburg, WI

Please see www.foreverinourheartsmadison.com for more information.

September 17, 2012

Cress wants to reassure the families in our care regarding the recent news that a Dane County judge appointed a receiver to take over the operations of the Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association after questions were raised about the solvency of a fund for prepaid funerals that may be approximately $21 million short.

Cress is not a member of the Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association and has never participated or placed funds in the Wisconsin Funeral Trust. 

Families in our care who have prepaid their funeral arrangements did so using only top rated insurance companies or local banks, depending if they chose an insurance product or a bank trust to secure their individual funds.

We will be providing more details as information is available but the Cress prearranged families will not be impacted by this news.

Best Regards, Cress Family

October 20, 2012

At the Cress quarterly staff meeting, Jessica Pharo, funeral director, coordinated the collection of 82 pounds of food, baby and sundry items for the City of Stoughton Food Pantry Mission. The Food Pantry serves clients residing within the Stoughton Area School District and is located at 520 S. Fourth Street in the Municipal Utilities Building, Stoughton, WI. Jessica Pharo pictured with Rita Johnson from the Stoughton Food Pantry. Thank you Jessica!

November 13, 2012

Saturday• November 17, 2012

8:30 am to 12:30 pm at Promega Corporation

5445 East Cheryl Parkway • Madison, WI

Survivors of suicide loss gather at hundreds of simultaneous healing conferences around the world every year on International Survivors of Suicide Day to connect with others who have survived the tragedy of suicide loss, and express and understand the powerful emotions they experience.

The conference offers support and information about resources for healing after the loss of a loved one by suicide. While this Madison gathering is open to the community, survivors of suicide loss and those who are supportive or are interested in healing after loss are especially encouraged to attend. The local event offers opportunities for remembrance which survivors may find comforting before the holidays. 

Local Conference provided by Journey Mental Health Center, Survivors of Suicide Program (SOS) and H.O.P.E.S. of Wisconsin (Helping Others Prevent and Educate about Suicide)

For more information about the Madison conference, email Vicki Westrich, vicki.westrich@journeymhc.org or call 608-280-2435.

December 7, 2012

A day of remembrance in honor of the 2,400 Americans who died at Pearl Harbor.

At 7:48 a.m. on December 7, 1941, 353 Japanese fighter planes bombed U.S. air bases across the Hawaiian island of Oahu. At that moment, what in some alternate universe might have been a peaceful Sunday morning, turned into what Franklin Delano Roosevelt called “a day that will live in infamy.”

S P O R T S M E N ’ S 

R E C E P T I O N 

& M A N THERAPY

January 24, 2013

7-9 p.m.

Free and open to the public

Lussier Family Heritage Center, 3101 Lake Farm Road, Madison, WI

You may know Paul Quinnett as an awardwinning outdoor journalist and humorist whose over 1,000 stories, articles and columns have appeared in Sports Afield, Fly Rod and Reel and Audubon Magazine.

But you may not know Dr. Quinnett is also:

• Author of four books on suicide and mental health
• Clinical psychologist and President and CEO of the QPR Institute, an educational organization dedicated to preventing suicide
• Clinical Assistant Professor at University of Washington School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science
• An advisor to Man Therapy

“DID YOU KNOW THAT MEN HAVE PROBLEMS TOO?”

Man Therapy is a web-based public education & referral tool for mental health and suicide prevention targeting working-age men (25-54) that employs humor to cut through stigma and tackle issues like depression, divorce and suicidal thoughts.

http://www.mantherapy.org

Come hear fish stories from Paul Quinnett & learn how to save a life.

Suicide is Dane County’s #1 cause of violent injury death.

Middle-aged men are more likely to die of suicide than are any other segment of the population.

Sponsored by Safe Communities, Suicide Prevention Task Force

2453 Atwood Ave. Ste. 104, Madison, WI 53704; 608-441-3060; www.safercommunity.net

Safe Communities Madison-Dane County

January 28, 2013

The funeral is not about burial or cremation it is about healing and building families up. At Cress, we understand that some families want to stay together and be with their loved one every step of the way. This means different things to different people. We try to respect those differences by honoring the wishes of all people.

In order to effectively meet the needs that our diverse community has, Cress staff members must listen, encourage, and make suggestions that will enhance ideas and create a fitting and memorable time for family.

For some families who choose cremation, it is important for them to care for their loved one not only through the visitation and gathering but also through the cremation process. It is for these people that Cress provides dignified settings where family members can tour, view or participate in their loved one’s cremation.

The cremation areas are “family rooms” that allow for gathering, reflection and engagement in whatever way that is comforting and supportive of the healing process each person must move through. 

Cress is the only funeral and cremation service provider in this area that has facilities that are designed to allow families to care for their loved one until the process is complete.

We understand the need to care for your loved one in this way. Cress has invested in facilities to support you so that you can be there for your family member when their time comes. It is a healthy choice to make. Somehow in participation, surviving family members find connection and healing.

By Carey Cress Fose

January 29, 2013

A Place To Share Life’s Special Moments

Construction on the Cress Center at 6021 University Avenue, Middleton, which replaces a traditional funeral home on that site, has entered the final stages and will be available in late February, 2013. There is virtually no part of the the building that hasn’t been touched as part of this major renovation, said Dan Fose, Vice President of Cress Funeral and Cremation Service.

It is a multifunction facility designed to be a comfortable and adaptable venue that will meet the many differing needs of a modern remembrance service. The facility will feature a multi-purpose Great Room for large events; intimate areas, such as the Wisconsin State Room, for reflection; reception spaces for catered functions and community education; and an outdoor fireplace and terrace for a peaceful setting. Within that framework, there is no limit to what a family can do to pay tribute or capture a moment in their family’s history.

With much gratitude and praise to our design and construction partners, Ideal Builders of Madison and J. Stuart Todd, architects and interiors. Based on our experience, both are experts in project managment, creativity and client communication.

More details to follow soon. Come back to see what we can offer you and your family.

Carey Cress Fose, Vice President

February 21, 2013

6021 University Avenue, Madison, WI

April 22, 2013

The newly designed Cress Center at 6021 University Avenue is the perfect venue whatever your special occasion or off-site business need.

The Cress Center is about creating the opportunity for people to connect, remember and share their lives with family, friends and associates. We are about encouraging community and capturing moments in time together.

That is why the Cress Family redesigned an existing facility to allow families and business associates to host unique ceremonies, gatherings and conferences. You have an idea, a special event to plan! We can offer suggestions that will enhance your ideas to create an inviting, warm and memorable day.

The location is key. Along with a central and easily accessible location, Cress Center is a comfortably elegant setting which can be adapted to be the perfect venue for your next gathering. Envision a large great room with multi-media technologies for recording and display purposes, a full kitchen and relaxed dining area, outdoor terrace seating, bar and fireplace for cozy conversations. Just imagine it and we will help you!

Call today for a tour or planning session, 608-238-8406 and ask for Jeff Olson.

Best Regards,

Carey Cress Fose

May 10, 2013

Maureen F. Mengelt

Memorial Day 5K Race

Monday, May 27 ~ 12-5 p.m.

Orfan Community Park

2000 St. Albert Drive, Sun Prairie

Maureen Mengelt was a beloved wife and mother of three children. Her quick smile and positive attitude lifted everyone she met. Her passions were simple but her reach was wide: Family, friends, running, coffee, attending her kid’s music programs and sporting events – if she was doing one of these she was happy. She cared for all of the kid’s she came into contact as she did her own. She would walk children home from the bus stop to make sure they were safe. She loved rocking babies and would offer to help any new mother to give them a break.

This run has been created to celebrate Maureen’s passion for running and to bring the community together to celebrate her life. All proceeds will go to the Maureen Mengelt Memorial Fund to benefit Sun Prairie hockey, soccer and music. This is a non-profit 501.c3. Donations can be sent directly in care of the Maureen Mengelt Memorial Fund to US Bank , 2311 Windsor St, Sun Prairie, WI 53590.

To Register go to: www.maureenmengelt.org/register

June 6, 2013

Five Session Grief Support Group

Monday’s, July 8 – August 5, 2013, 2-4 PM

The Cress Center

6021 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53705

Please join us for an interactive grief support group designed to provide a safe and confidential environment in which those grieving the loss of someone in their life can share their thoughts and feelings freely.

Facilitated by Dr. Ridley Usherwood, M.Div, D.Min, Grief Support Coordinator, Home Health United – Hospice

Please RSVP if you hope to attend. For more information or to register, 608-415-2825 or 1-877-356-4514

www.HomeHealthUnited.org

July 18, 2013

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service received the 2013 Star of Madison Award, voted by the community as the #1 Funeral Service provider.

Thank you to the Wisconsin State Journal for hosting this exciting award.

Carey Cress Fose, responded by saying, “Thank you for the recognition. We appreciate the honor of the title and respect the privilege of serving the Dane County communities, neighbors, family and friends.”

With sincere gratitude,

The Cress Family and Staff Members

October 10, 2013

Service of Remembrance

Sunday, November 17, 2013 2-4 pm

The Cress Center, 6021 University Avenue, Madison

Come together to honor those whom we have lost in a memorial service designed not only to remember our loved ones but to acknowledge their abscense during this holiday season. Please join us for refreshments following the service.

For more information or to register contact Ridley Usherwood, Grief Support Coordinator, Home Health United, 608-415-2825, 608-241-7273 or 877-356-4514; HomeHealthUnited.org

December 2, 2013

Founded by the Marine Corp Reserves, the Toys for Tots program aims to send a message of hope to the less unfortunate children of the Madison area by collecting new, unwrapped toys during the holiday season.

To be part of this message of hope , you can drop off NEW, UNWRAPPED toys at our drop off boxes until December 6, 2013:

Cress Funeral Home Cress Center

3610 Speedway Rd. 6021 University Ave

Madison, WI. 53705 Madison, WI. 53705

(608) 238-3434 (608) 238-8406

December 7, 2013

Help Cress support the Catholic Multicultural Center with their 2nd annual Radiothon with WLMV 1480 LaMovida.

Date: December 13, 2013

Time: 12:00-6:00pm

Place: The Catholic Multicultural Center, 1862 Beld St. Madison, WI

There will also be food and entertainment from 3:00-6:00pm. Special performances include poetry recitals, musicians, Ballet Folklorico Carlos and Sonia Avila, and a Broadway Ready, Set, Dance youth dance group.

For more information, contact the CMC :

Antonio Quintanilla : antonio@cmctoday.org : 608-441-3249

Laura Green : volunteer@cmctoday.org : 608-441-1180

Lilliam Post : lilliam@cmctoday.org : 608-441-3257

January 25, 2014

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS

Cranefield’s VFW Post 1318

133 E. Lakeside Street, at John Nolen Drive

Madison, WI 53715

Steak Night Fundraiser ~ February 8, 2014

5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Black Angus 8oz Tenderloin $15

8oz Sirloin $10

Served with all the fixings, Au Gratin or Baked

Potatoes, Salad Bar and Dessert

Your support is very much appreciated!

http://myvfw.org/post1318

February 25, 2014

The 3rd Annual Lung Cancer Yogathon was held Saturday, February 22, 2014 at Union South. Over 300 supporters came out to inspire and gather support for lung cancer patients, their families and research. Free to Breathe, is a partnership of lung cancer survivors, advocates, researchers, healthcare professionals and industry leaders. They are united in the belief that every person with lung cancer deserves a cure.” 

Help us educate our community and share the vision of doubling lung cancer survival by 2022!

Team Lobal Warming, 2014 led by Anne Nahn 

Help us educate our community

June 24, 2014

Join Cress in Supporting

Firecracker Freedom Run

July 5th, 2014. McFarland Wisconsin

“What better way to kick off the 4th of July weekend than with a family friendly Fun Run?”

McFarland’s favorite Fun Run is back! Formerly known as the “Firecracker 5000,” the Firecracker Freedom Run is returning in 2014 and will be bigger and better than ever! Over the years, the Firecracker has donated over $20,000 to McFarland schools through scholarships awarded and donations to the student needs fund. The Firecracker Freedom Run is excited to announce that the McFarland school district will once again be a recipient of funds raised.

This year, the “Firecracker Freedom Run” will also benefit a very deserving organization, Breast Cancer Recovery. Breast cancer is a horrible disease that affects everyone in one way or another. BCR is committed to improving the life of those fighting and recovering from breast cancer. Through wellness retreats and educational seminars, among other events, BCR’s commitment to stand with cancer patients is unmatched.

Date: July 5, 2014
Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: McFarland
City: McFarland
Contact: Donna Manring
Phone: 608-838-4011
Email: info@mcfarlandchamber.com

Website: www.mcfarlandchamber.com

Host: McFarland Chamber of Commercettp://www.bcrecovery.org

July 15, 2014

Behind the Cress commitment is a passion to learn, to inform, and to collaborate with our community. Our outreach includes YOU…

In July, we are hosting several educational events about The Importance and Value of Advance Funeral Planning. Come and learn with us!

Let us show you how to make the hardest day a little easier by joining us for a Free Meal and Learning Opportunity! Seating is limited so make a reservation today. Remember to invite a friend!

Thursday, July 24th, 11:00 am or Wednesday, July 30th, 11:00am 

West Madison Cress Center, 6021 University Avenue 

Please RSVP to 608-238-8406

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wednesday, July 23rd, 11:00am

at Waunakee Rex’s Innkeeper, 301 N. Century Avenue 

Please RSVP to 608-249-6666

Looking forward to seeing you!

August 22, 2014

The McFarland Chamber presents MOVIE By The LAKE!

The Lego Movie at Dusk

Cress is sponsoring along with the McFarland Chamber, a free family adventure day at Lake Waubesa Bible Camp on Saturday, September 6th. Activities start at 4pm and include zip lining, wall climbing, volleyball, kayaking, water slide, and a lot more fun! We will be showing The Lego Movie at dusk on the water. Pack a picnic and join us!! Free popcorn for the movie. Bring your chairs, blankets, bug spray, and picnic baskets and enjoy the afternoon!!

www.mcfarlandchamber.com

September 16, 2014

Madison Senior Center’s annual Health and Resource Fair was hosted on September 11th at the Madison Senior Center, 330 W. Mifflin Street in downtown Madison. This was the third year, the Madison Senior Center’s Health and Resource Fair brought together over 250 members of the Madison community, and hosted over 45 local businesses to educate and empower.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service is proud to be a regular supporter and educator at this community outreach event. Cress Care Team members, Rachel Bledsoe, Advance Funeral Planner and Tara Potter, Continuing Care Coordinator, were welcomed contributors sharing information and addressing all of your questions.

You won’t want to miss this annual event. Watch for the Fall 2015 event by following MadisonSeniorCenter.org or by contacting Pat Guttenberg, 608-266-6581, pguttenberg@cityofmadison.com

November 15, 2014

Grief Through the Holidays ~ Join Home Health United at the Madison Senior Center

Date & Time:

Wednesday, November 19, 2014 – 10:00am to 11:30am

Location(s):

Madison Senior Center

330 West Mifflin Street

Madison, WI 53703

The Unique Challenge of the Holidays! Holidays are filled with memories and traditions. When the person with whom we shared those memories and traditions is gone, the loss leaves a vast emptiness in our hearts. Home Health United offers a drop-in group that helps you embrace the up-coming holidays and introduces you to rituals and traditions that honor the memory of your loved one. Join Ridley Underwood at Madison Senior Center on Wednesday, November 19 from 10 – 11:30. Call 266-6581 to register.

Cost: Free

Registration Details: Please call 266-6581 to reserve a spot.

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Contact Name: Pat Guttenberg

Contact Phone: 608-266-6581

Contact Email: Pguttenberg@cityofmadison.com

http://www.cityofmadison.com/calendar/grief-through-the-holidays-0#.VGPCB-IXICA.email

December 11, 2014

Scott Kundinger, Operations Manager at Cress Funeral & Cremation Service was recognized last month for faithfully and energetically serving as the Funeral Service & Cremation Alliance of Wisconsin (FSCA of WI) Board of Directors President.

FSCA of Wisconsin is a unique trade association established for the purpose of providing an environment for the discussion of contemporary issues affecting the professional interests of the membership, along with educational opportunities and a pro-active political presence.

Thank you Scott for your leadership and unconditional service to the fellow FSCA funeral home members in the State of Wisconsin.

December 30, 2014

What is it about being outdoors in nature that calms our spirit and clears the mind? Have you ever had a bad day and after going for a walk, sitting by water, riding a bike or watching the birds – your negative feelings all but disappeared?

Maybe it’s by spiritual design, but nature contains within it all the wisdom that exists in life, living, death and rebirth. Just watch as flowers in a garden begin to brown and die off in late fall, but somehow tiny new buds begin to poke out with a brand new life after the snow melts — one tiny, individual life popping up as if to say, “Ahhh! Hello!”

The clearing out of the old to make way for the new is a powerful and subliminal metaphor for life. No words have to be spoken. Nature’s healing effect comes while you’re not looking. It’s subtle and Quiet, but overwhelmingly powerful.

Everything in nature is a teacher, when we slow down and look at the minute details. It shows us death and the fragile nature of life. It magically causes our brains to think; to reflect; even to wonder. When a loved one has passed away, whether person or pet, perhaps nature is a rescuer of the soul in ways we can’t measure or fully comprehend, but we know it somehow helps us to feel whole again.

Mourning the loss of a loved one is an especially good time to experience nature. It can be as simple as sitting by one tree that exists in the backyard of your city apartment. Cemeteries provide a peaceful haven that typically makes one slow down and contemplate life and living, while visiting those who died before us. There are people who enjoy visiting different cemeteries simply to learn about people and connect with divine order. Even old cemeteries from the 17th Century that have worn out stones or broken cement monuments, offer up a glimpse of history and a sense of peace.

If you’re feeling down today, make yourself go outside. If you have a favorite spot, go there. When you feel the need to clear your head and shake off negativity the world easily puts on us – give yourself permission to take a time-out. Whatever task or problem that’s on your mind will feel different after a date with nature. For people in mourning, eventually that date with nature will have changed you; and you don’t return entirely to your old feelings but instead feel ready for a new beginning.

May 28, 2015

Enjoy the video testimony from families in our care during the last year.

Cress, helping families since 1869.

A family funeral gathering should celebrate the relationships shared, the choices made, and honor the memory of your loved one. You have ideas and stories to share. Cress has the experience. Together we can arrange the perfect personalized life tribute or celebration.

If you’re interested in exploring the possibilities, or simply have questions about what your next step should be, please contact me.

Carey Cress Fose

cfose@CressFuneralService.com

October 6, 2015

Show your support for those protecting our communities!

2015 Sun Prairie Volunteer Fire Department Open House

Sunday, October 11, 2015 8am to 1pm

Fire Station #1, 135 N. Bristol Street, Sun Prairie

October 14, 2015

Join Us To Learn…more about the critical benefits of advance funeral planning, followed by an informal time of questions and answers.

Tuesday, October 20 at 11:00am McFarland, 5100 Restaurant, 5100 Erling Avenue RSVP 608-249-6666

OR

Tuesday, October 20 at 11:00am Middleton/Madison, Cress Center, 6021 University Avenue, RSVP 608-238-8406

Please call to reserve your free meal and a seat in our small group as reservations are limited.

October 23, 2015

SP Community BandJoin the Sun Prairie Community Band for a fall concert on Sunday, October 25th, 2:00pm at the Sun Prairie Library!

They will be playing Star Wars, Bolero (by Ravel), and March of the Trolls (by Grieg), among other pieces.

The Sun Prairie Community Band is a volunteer organization providing free performances open to the public.

Thank you to all those who share this wonderful spirit of music!

Friends of the Community,

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

October 29, 2015

Help Toys for Tots, “bring the joy of Christmas and the hope of a better future to the area’s less fortunate children”.

Cress Funeral Service is partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to be a convenient drop off site for new, unwrapped toys until December 9th. Soon after this date, the Marine Corps will be distributing toys to the children in our area.

Cress drop off locations are in Sun Prairie, Stoughton, Madison, Middleton and Waunakee. Official Toys for Tots drop off boxes in these Cress lobbies. Call us for an address near you, 608-238-3434.

Thank you for bringing holiday cheer to the many families and children in our area!

Justin Panske, FD

Cress Family and Staff Members

November 4, 2015

Be Our Guest for Coffee & ConversationAdv Plan Coffee

Enjoy a light breakfast while learning about the benefits of Advance Funeral Planning, followed by informal questions and answers.

Monday, November 9 at 10:00am, Madison Senior Center, 330 West Mifflin Street, Madison

OR

Tuesday, November 10 at 10:00am, Heritage Senior Living, 6206 Maywood Avenue, Middleton

Bring a friend and get some information about a topic you have always wondered about!

Cress Family and Advance Planning Advisers, 608-238-8406 or 608-238-3434

November 20, 2015

Thanksgiving Remembrance 2

On this Thanksgiving Holiday without your loved one, we wanted to share these thoughts with you. It is natural to miss your loved one’s presence this week. It’s okay to say out loud that you miss them. The simple act of including their memory on this holiday, is an important part of healing.

We are still here for you and your family, if you need anything from us. Even if you feel like calling to say hello, we would like to know how you are doing. As always, please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you.

Sincere Regards,

The Cress Family and Staff Members

December 3, 2015

Help Toys for Tots, “bring the joy of Christmas and the hope of a better future to the area’s less fortunate children”.

Cress Funeral Service is partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to be a convenient drop off site for new, unwrapped toys until December 9th. Soon after this date, the Marine Corps will be distributing toys to the children in our area.

Cress drop off locations are in Sun Prairie, Stoughton, Madison, Middleton and Waunakee. Official Toys for Tots drop off boxes in these Cress lobbies. Call us for an address near you, 608-238-3434.

Thank you for bringing holiday cheer to the many families and children in our area!

Justin Panske, FD

Cress Family and Staff Members

December 11, 2015

On behalf of the Cress family and staff, we extend our deep appreciation to everyone who donated a toy during our Toys for Tots drive. We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community members, whom we are so proud to serve and call home.

Your donation will brighten the Holidays for a child in our area and won’t be forgotten.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you so much.

December 19, 2015

There is still time to take in this fun family event in Middleton.

Take your family on a magical train ride this Holiday Season!

Dancing chefs, singing elves and a special gift from Santa himself – all of this awaits you and your family aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride departing from Middleton, just off the Beltline Highway. Join the festivities on this round-trip train ride to the North Pole – in your favorite jammies of course!

Departure Times: 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 5:30pm, 7:30pm but call for exact departure times, they vary by date

December: Today through the 23rd, 26th and 27th

Parking: 8546 Market Street, Middleton, WI

Book tickets by calling (855) 487-1430

Have Fun!

December 30, 2015

Holding on to feelings without a way to express them in healthy ways, can hinder your healing. Writing down what you’re thinking or feeling can be a surprising way to feel better, and even resolve something — unresolved.

Many people have found that sitting down to hand-write a letter to their lost loved one has offered incredible feelings of peace, resolution or simply feeling better. Journaling will also help you understand that all your feelings are legitimate—not right or wrong— and that they will probably decrease or change over time and will eventually become only a memory.

If you feel compelled, try this personal approach to helping yourself along. Remember, your writing doesn’t have to be grammatically correct. No one but you needs to know about your letter, or what it contains. This is simply a suggestion; a way to release emotions through the powerful process of writing. You can even go to the cemetery or a special place to read it aloud.

As always, please let us know if there is anything we can do you help.

Sincere Regards,

The Cress Family and Staff Members

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

January 7, 2016

Please join us for an educational discussion about the options and benefits of advance funeral planning. 

In Waunakee, Wednesday, January 20, 2016, 11:00am OR 6:00pm at Rex’s Innkeeper, 301 N. Century Avenue, Waunakee, (608) 238-8406

Call today and reserve your plate. Your meal is our treat! Reservations are limited. Thank you,

Heather Holy, Cress Advance Planning Specialist

January 28, 2016

On Sunday, Feb. 7th, our friends at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church will be having a pancake breakfast. Enjoy some good food and conversation.

Sunday, February 7, 8:00 am – 12:30 pm

QP Auditorium, 401 South Owen Drive, MadisonPancake

Please join us for a delicious morning of food and fellowship.

All you can eat pancakes, sausage and more, plus games for

the kids! Tickets – $5 adults & kids age 7 and older;

$4 for kids under 7 and seniors. Tickets available at the door,

or in the school office or from a QP student.

We hope to see you there!

February 11, 2016

Have you experienced a recent loss in your life? Please come join our caring professionals and others from the community to discuss topics on grief and loss. Our professionals are here to guide you and facilitate these conversations over a warm cup of coffee.

Where & When
17 Feb Wednesday
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Malabar Coast Coffee
2300 US 51-138 
Stoughton, Wisconsin 53589

Join us to learn about the options and benefits of Advance Funeral and Cremation Planning, followed by informal questions and answers.

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

11:00 am

Stoughton Country Club

3165 Shadyside Drive | Stoughton, WI

Please call to reserve your free meal, limited dining space, (608) 249-6666

OR

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

11:00 am

Cress Center

6021 University Avenue | Madison, WI 53705

OR

6:00 pm

Fitzgerald’s Restaurant

3112 Parmenter Street | Middleton, WI 53562

Please call to reserve your free meal, limited dining space, (608) 238-8406

Hosted by Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

March 8, 2016

St Pat's Day The 19th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Sunday, March 13, 2016 at the beautiful Capitol Square, Madison, WI

1:30 PM and free to the public

Join the Cress family and staff in celebrating the Irish! Come on down to the Capitol Square in Madison and join the company of others as we enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade route is counter-clockwise around the Capital Square, exiting at East Washington Avenue. This is a great, family friendly event and a wonderful way to help usher in spring.

Enjoy!

March 14, 2016

Better With Age! Taking an Active Role in Your Health Care

March 17, 2016

HOST: UW Health & Unity Health Insurance

Capitol Lakes, Downtown, 333 W. Main St., Madison, WI

Times: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Admission: Free

Details

Good health is not just about health care. It is a partnership between patients, their communities and their health care systems. Whether you are preparing for retirement and a healthy life or are already experiencing health issues, UW Health and our community partners want to provide you with tools that will help you age successfully. Join them for this free series on healthy aging, which is presented by the University of Wisconsin Division of Geriatrics. The speaker for this session is Dr. Melissa Dattalo, an advanced research fellow at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Administration Hospital Geriatric Research and Education Center (GRECC).

March 15, 2016

Have you experience a recent loss in your life? Please come join our caring professionals and others from the community to discuss topics on grief and loss. Event will take place 3rd Wednesday of each month.

Where & When

16 Mar
Wednesday
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Malabar Coast Coffee
2300 US 51-138 
Stoughton, Wisconsin 53589

March 22, 2016

As this season of Easter wraps itself in our midst and draws many families in our communities together for a time of fellowship and conversation, some are faced with a new reality. For some families, there now sits an empty chair around the dinner table; one less Easter basket of treats to be searched for; one less loving embrace to be given.

Grief surrounding the death of a loved one is hard every day, but I think it gets amplified around the holidays. We are faced with a new normal but are often unsure of how to best work through all the ‘stuff’ we are feeling. Some people find solace and comfort in their faith, some surround themselves in the presence of friends and family; for others, being in nature is therapeutic and has a calming effect on their souls. Still others find comfort in being in small groups with others who have faced a similar loss.

As we experience all that the Easter season means and welcome the coming renewal and rebirth that the spring season offers us, the Cress family and staff would like you to know, we are here to support you on your journey that is uniquely yours. As you experience this Easter season without your loved one, please know that all of us at Cress care deeply about you and your family, and are here for you. Day or night, we are just a phone call away.

As 2016 continues to move us all forward, know that Cress is here to support you; to listen, to share and to care. This year and in the years to come, we will be that shoulder you can lean on and that steady hand to help guide you on your journey of grief.

With warm regard,

The Cress Family and Staff Members

Written by Justin Panske, Funeral Director and Certified Celebrant

April 5, 2016

On Wednesday night we had a wonderful opportunity to present and participate in a conversation with a group of local graduate students from the UW Madison studying social work.

Heather Holy, Advance Planning Specialist and Justin Panske, Funeral Director and Certified Celebrant, talked about a wide range of topics important in both funeral service and social work.

Collaborating with colleagues and other professionals who support families during difficult times is important to the development of meaningful care teams.

Thank you for reaching out to Cress. We appreciate our relationship and mutual commitment to learning!

April 13, 2016

BE OUR GUEST AT A

CRESS LUNCH & LEARN

Join us to learn about the options and benefits of advance funeral and cremation planning, followed by informal questions and answers. From our experience, it is important to start the conversation early, before you think you need them.

TWO LOCATIONS TO PICK FROM

STOUGHTON, TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2016 11:00 am    

Cress Funeral Home, 206 W. Prospect Street, Stoughton, WI

Please call to reserve your free catered meal and a seat, as reservations are limited. 608-249-6666

MADISON, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2016 11:00am  

Cress Center, 6021 University Avenue, Madison, WI

Please call to reserve your free catered meal and a seat, as reservations are limited. 608-238-8406

We look forward to helping you start the conversation!

May 11, 2016

Stoughton, Wisconsin Syttende Mai Festival May 13 – May 15, 2016

For a complete schedule of events: http://stoughtonwi.com/syttendemai/schedule.asp

Syttende Mai is a very colorful, family-oriented weekend with many people wearing authentic Norse costumes. There are folk dancing performances by the world famous Stoughton Norwegian Dancers, exhibits of Norwegian rosemaling (painting) and hardanger embroidery, woodcarving, Norse costume style show, Norwegian church services, smorgasbord of Norwegian foods, a variety of musical performances, a community parade, 10 mile run, 17 mile walk and an Ugliest Troll Drawing.

Something for everyone!

We give special thanks to our very own, Laurie Furseth, Cress Continuing Care Coordinator, for her years of contributions on various Stoughton Syttende Mai committees and Chamber of Commerce initiatives.

This year Laurie is on the Syttende Mai Executive Committee which oversees all of the planning and committee work. Laurie said, “one of our really fun duties is choosing a King and Queen each year, honoring a couple that has selflessly volunteered and given back to our community throughout the years.”

Come to Stoughton this weekend! Laurie invites you to “enjoy the festivities and support the non-profit organizations in town, such as the Lions, Rotary, FFA, youth sports groups, etc. The money they generate over the weekend helps fund them all year. It would be hard to go away hungry as there are food booths everywhere !”

Laurie and Dale Furseth

May 21, 2016

Join us to learn about the options and benefits of Advance Funeral and Cremation Planning, followed by informal questions and answers.

Coffee & Dessert         

Tuesday, May 24 at 3pm Winn Cress Funeral Home – 5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee

Lunch & Learn Wednesday, May 25 at 11am Cress Center – 6021 University Avenue, Madison

Please call to reserve your seat, as reservations are limited, 608-238-8406

See you soon!

Heather Holy, Advance Planning Specialist

May 26, 2016

AMERICAN HEROES

Memorial Day is Monday, May 30th. Many of us will be enjoying the weekend with a brat or burger and spending time with friends and family over the grill. The cookouts and great food, along with the time with family and friends are part of what makes the Memorial Day weekend special. 

The other part, of course, is about honoring this nation’s fallen heroes. We are able to live in the greatest country on earth because of these heroic men and women. From the early battlefields of the Revolutionary War, to the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan, countless men and women have laid down their lives to protect our freedoms. All have their own stories. They were mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, granddaughter and grandson, friends and co-workers. While their stories may have been cut short on the fields of battle, the legacy they leave behind serves as an eternal tribute to them.

As you enjoy your Memorial Day weekend, take some time to drive through a local cemetery. In these sacred grounds, you will see the final resting places of our American heroes. You won’t have to look hard, simply keep an eye out for the American Flags that mark the spot. These flags are placed in tribute to speak what words alone cannot. In that sacred space, you will also be a witness to their stories. Stories of loved ones no longer with us, but heroes whose stories will continue to speak to us so long as we keep their memory alive.

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” ~ Thomas Campbell ~            

This year and every year, Cress is humbled and honored to memorialize and care for Veterans and their families. Their stories speak to us and move us. We are forever thankful to them for their unique sacrifices.

The Cress Family and Staff

Written by, Justin Panske Cress Funeral Director and Certified Celebrant

June 2, 2016

Thursday June 9th, at 11 AM, an all encompassing educational opportunity! 

All are welcome! A good time to ask your questions and get help understanding more details about investments for the later years, getting your estate in order, long term living care instructions, final tributes and funeral preferences.

Come to Reach Out Lodi at 601 Clark Street, Lodi, WI

June 21, 2016

Are you looking for a fun, family friendly event this weekend?

Festival Foods Shake the Lake is set for Saturday, June 25, 2016 over Madison’s Lake Monona and will feature live music, food and family activities beginning at 4 p.m. on John Nolen Drive between Broom St and Blair St. The event will conclude with Wisconsin’s largest fireworks display, the Festival Foods Fireworks show, starting at 10 p.m.

Did you know that last year’s event resulted in a $3,000 donation to the Madison Parks Foundation!

We hope you can take the opportunity to enjoy a great Madison summer evening with family and friends.

Enjoy!

June 27, 2016

Cancer survivors, Fran Point, Sherry Cress and Patrick Cress lead the “Survivors Lap” at the Stoughton-Oregon-McFarland Relay For Life annual walk Friday, June 17, 2016.

The event, which raised more than $77,000 for cancer research this year, allows cancer survivors, caregivers and other supporters to come together to support each other and ending the disease.

“Cancer didn’t bring me to my knees, it brought me to my feet.” Michael Douglas

July 14, 2016

ADVANCE FUNERAL & CREMATION PLANNING

LUNCH or DINNER, plus learn about the options and benefits of Advance Funeral Planning, followed by informal questions and answers.

Several Presentation Locations For Your Convenience:

Sun Prairie, Prairie Athletic Club, 1010 N. Bird St. Tuesday, July 26 11:00am

East Madison, Benvenuto’s Italian, 1849 Northport Dr., Wednesday, July 27 5:00pm

RSVP for east side locations at 608-249-6666

Madison, Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd., Wednesday, July 27 11:00am

Middleton, Blackhawk Church, 9620 Brader Way, Wednesday, July 27 11:00am

RSVP for west side locations at 608-238-3434

All questions are encouraged! Call and reserve your seat at the table.

August 3, 2016

All of us at Cress are passionate professionals who are honored to care for the members of our communities as they journey through the loss of a loved one. As such, we take our commitment to you and your family very seriously. Part of that commitment means we continue to develop our professional knowledge and skills to offer your family the best service possible.

Last month, two of our staff members, Yvonne Slonaker, Managing Funeral Director and Celebrant, and Justin Panske, Funeral Director and Celebrant, traveled to Memphis to attend ICCFA University. ICCFA (International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association) is an innovative organization composed of more than 9,100 cemeteries, funeral homes, crematories, memorial designers and related businesses worldwide. It is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, funeral service, cremation, and memorialization profession.

Yvonne attended courses on Management and Justin attended courses focusing on Leadership development. This college is renowned for having nationally renowned speakers who are experts in their field.

This was Yvonne’s 4th year of attending the University and she earned the privilege of participating in this year’s graduation! She worked hard, learned a lot, and made life-long connections. The Cress Family is proud to support the professional development of our staff members. 

Great job Yvonne and Justin!

September 3, 2016

Family Day at the Lake

McFarland Chamber of Commerce

September 10, 2016

4pm to 10pm ; Waterfront movie starts at dusk

Join us for a fun community event, the 3rd Annual Family Day at the Lake! Come out and enjoy all that Lake Waubesa Bible Camp has to offer. Beautiful scenery, peaceful setting, so much to explore and enjoy. Zip lining, water slide, Wa-Wa ball, kayaking and canoeing, just to name a few. A popular movie will be shown on the big outdoor screen just after sunset on beautiful Lake Waubesa.

This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Free popcorn will be provided during the movie by the Chamber to all guests. Food may be purchased onsite for a nominal cost. Culver’s will be onsite with dinners for $6 to include hot roast beef or BBQ pork sandwich, chips and cookie, custard will be available, plain custard $2, custard with sundae toppings $3. McFarland House Cafe food cart will be onsite with $4 walking taco’s and $4 Chicago Dogs and beverages for sale.

September 15, 2016

AGING WITH DIGNITY

Edward Jones Financial Advisors are organizing a time for all to explore some of the challenges we may face as we grow older. Our local experts will walk us through different solutions for you and your family to best help you age with dignity.

When: Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 4-5 pm

Where: Cress Center, 6021 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53705

RSVP: Dana at Edward Jones, 608-238-3604

Learn about aging in place and staying in your home as long as possible; Darian Dalsen, Comfort Keepers

Explore options for transitioning from apartment living to assisted living to skilled nursing care; Keith VanLanduyt, Oakwood Village

Hear about how to set up an advance funeral plan and celebration of life; Heather Holy, Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

September 22, 2016

Please Join Us! Take a drive…

Advance Planning Educational Event at Lucky’s on the Lake in Lodi, Lake Wisconsin

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service invites you to an educational experience on the “how to’s” of Advance Funeral Planning, followed by questions and casual conversation. We want to host you and a guest(s). Space is limited so kindly respond today.

Wednesday, September 28th

Lunch at 12pm

*OR*

Dinner at 6pm

Lucky’s on the Lake at W11579 HWY V Lodi, WI 53555

Your Meal is our Treat!

Reserve your meal and a seat today by calling us at: 608-238-3434. We can also offer you directions to Lucky’s on the Lake.

Here to help you get started! Cress Advance Planning Specialist, Heather Holy

October 4, 2016

Stoughton Senior Expo

Wednesday, October 5, 2016 9am-Noon

With lunch and entertainment to follow    

At the Stoughton Wellness and Athletic Center,

2300 US Hwy 51-138, Stoughton

For more information, contact the Stoughton Courier Hub at (608) 845-9559

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service will be hosting a table with information and answers to your questions. Stop over and check in for your chance at the drawing!

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, October 5th.

October 5, 2016

Family Fun Night!

Join the Madison Capitols on Friday October 14th for the Home Opener at the Coliseum for a 7:05pm Puck Drop!

$10 Lower Bowl Tickets: BUY NOW: https://madcaps.isportstix.com/order/group/openingnight2016/

Rally Towel Giveaway First 500 Fans!

https://www.facebook.com/madcapshockey/?fref=hovercard

October 6, 2016

“Twenty five companies rose to the top of The Madison Magazine’s annual survey conducted by Quantum Workplace.”

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service # 1

They measured six key engagement categories:

• Communication and Resources
• Individual Needs
• Manager Effectiveness
• Personal Engagement
• Team Dynamics
• Trust In Leadership

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service scored highest for medium sized companies in Dane County, 51-100 employees. It all started with being nominated by an employee, Kevin Collopy, and culminated with all employees sharing their views and perspectives on how the Cress workplace inspires them to do their best in serving the families in their care.

We are proud to pause and celebrate this special moment in our history as a family business, serving the Dane County communities and neighborhoods at the difficult time of a loss. The Cress Family

October 7, 2016

You’re Invited to Buck & Honey’s in Sun Prairie

LUNCH & LEARN with CRESS FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICE

DATE: Tuesday, October 11th

TIME: 11:30am

Darrin Kolka will be hosting a Lunch & Learn at Buck & Honey’s Restaurant in Sun Prairie, WI. Everyone will learn about the options and benefits of Advance Funeral & Cremation Planning, followed by informal questions & answers. This is a great opportunity for you to gather information on how this all works AND get a free lunch.  

Those in attendance will also be entered in to WIN a $30 gift card to Buck & Honey’s Restaurant.

WHERE: Buck & Honey’s

804 Liberty Blvd., Sun Prairie, WI

RSVP: 608-249-666

Hope you can join us! Darrin Kolka, Advance Planning Specialist

October 12, 2016

October 21, 2016

Halloween at the Farm – Schumacher Farm Park

Where Dane County’s Rural Heritage Comes Alive!

October 22, 2016

Schumacher Farm Park

5682 Hwy 19, Waunakee, WI 53597
Phone: (608) 849-4559

Hosted by the Dane County Parks

Bring the whole family out to the only Halloween event geared towards children under 12! There will face painting, fortune telling, and Halloween yard games to enjoy. Gather around and listen to (not so) scary stories or live music in the barn. Wagon rides will also be offered through our haunted prairie (appropriate for all ages). Don’t forget to come in costume!

Times: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

After sunset @ 6 PM, there will be wagon rides through the haunted prairie

Admission: $5.00

http://www.schumacherfarmpark.org/event-2312117

Have Fun!

November 1, 2016

November 4, 2016

Please contact Deb Wood Brown, Advance Planning Specialist

with any of your questions!

608-444-3609 : dwoodbrown@cressfuneralservice.com

November 12, 2016

Marine TOYS FOR TOTS 46 Days To Christmas!

Help us make the world just a little more joyous with your kindness and support this holiday season!

ALL CRESS FUNERAL HOME LOCATIONS are official drop off sites for the Marine Toys For Tots contribution program.

Madison locations: 

3610 Speedway Road

6021 University Avenue

3325 East Washington Avenue

Waunakee location: 5785 Hwy Q

Sun Prairie location: 1310 Emerald Terrace

Stoughton location: 206 W. Prospect Avenue

McFarland location: 5801 Hwy 51

Deerfield location: 201 Bue Street

Thank you for your help! Have fun knowing you are showing kindness and joy to a special little someone.

The Cress Family and Staff

November 15, 2016

Want help writing your burial or cremation wishes down?

Be Our Guest for Lunch OR Dinner Cress Final Logo2

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

11:30am OR 5:30pm

Kavanaugh’s Esquire Club

Join us to learn about the options and benefits of Advance Funeral and Cremation Planning, followed by informal questions and answers.

Darrin Kolka, Advance Planning Specialist for Cress Funeral Service will be available to help you take out the guesswork.

Please call to reserve your seat, as reservations are limited to a small group, 608-249-6666.

Join us at the Kavannaugh’s Esquire Club

1025 North Sherman Avenue

Madison, WI 53704

November 18, 2016

The United States Flag is a beautiful site to all the Veterans who endured so much while defending freedom at home and around the globe.

Never…will I look at the American flag the same way after sharing a few hours with many of our local heroes from the United States Military. Their stories are very personal, very enlightening and very compelling.

William “Sonny” Simon, VFW Post 8216 said, “Cress Funeral and Cremation Service put on a Veterans Day brunch for veterans located throughout the Madison area community. Some very inspiring stories were told by many of the attendees. Thanks for including us and for the opportunity to hear from true American Heroes.”

Cress would like to extend many thanks to the Waunakee American Legion Post 360 for conducting a very touching Flag Raising Ceremony allowing us to show respect for our magnificent national symbol.

Also, we would like to thank Lisa Loichinger and the Middleton, Kromrey Middle School 5th graders for writing notes and drawing pictures to remember the important history of the military mail call. It had a special role in bridging the isolation for those deployed far from home.

Please support your local veterans group. Their memorial sites and associations are worthy causes for charitable giving. Veterans have given up so much for us and all future generations.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for attending our Veterans Appreciation Brunch. We will see you next year. If you missed sharing the morning with us, please watch for this special day in November 2017!

Carey Cress Fose

November 23, 2016

Stoughton Victorian Holiday Weekend

The Opening Gala is hosted by the Stoughton, Oregon & McFarland American Cancer Society Relay For Life at the Stoughton Cress Funeral Home. Just the beginning to a wonderful and fun-filled weekend in downtown Stoughton!

Opening Gala is Friday, December 2, 2016 from 6pm – 10pm

at the Cress Funeral Home, 206 W. Prospect, Stoughton

Come and enjoy the sophisticated vintage music of Second Swing Around, a beautiful assortment of hors d’oeuvres as well as a wine and beer bar.

The silent auction of themed baskets is sure to be jaw-dropping, and all proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Stoughton, Oregon & McFarland.

For a $5 suggested donation at the door, you will not want to miss this fun event!

Then the weekend continues in downtown Stoughton where you take a step back in time to celebrate the holidays the old-fashioned way! A weekend full of family-friendly activities, entertainment and shopping is in store for this 23rd annual Victorian Holiday Weekend.

Here is a sampling of what you and your family can do during the Victorian Holiday Weekend:

Horse Drawn Carriage Rides! Santa’s Workshop, Arts and Crafts Show, Illuminated Fire Truck Parade, Breakfast with Santa, Performances of A Christmas Carol, Holiday Lights Tree Display, Carolers roaming Main Street, A Dickens of a Run & Walk 5K and 1 mile, bake sale, holiday gift shopping and so much more!

November 30, 2016

Reach out to us with your Advance Planning questions and we will make sure you have the correct information to help you make a plan for your family!

Info@cressfuneralservice.com or 608-238-3434

Thank you!

December 10, 2016

December 19, 2016

A Blue Christmas

To everything there is a season

A time of love, a time of sharing and a time of memories

In each season, let yesterday’s memories lead you

In every time of need

Count your blessings as well as your tears.

Fill your heart with the best of the past

And hope will come to you

Keep your eyes on the good times

And feel the love surrounding you

There will always be times of trial

But for every sorrow, there is hope

For every tear there is love.

As you work your way through your valley of sadness

May strong and lasting memories be your comfort

As you journey down this road of many branching paths

Let’s walk together.

As the Christmas rituals and festivities envelope us in their presence, I want to dedicate this blog post to those members of our communities who are in the midst of experiencing an impending loss and also to those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Those dear people for whom the lights of the season won’t shine as brightly for, the numerous Christmas carols may ring hollow and the family gatherings too sad with an empty space in the circle of the family. Each person’s grief journey is a unique and singular experience. Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed by emotion or perhaps you quietly tuck your sadness inside and walk along in silence, buffeted by the jostling crowds and the frenetic activity. Please know that all of us at Cress stand alongside you on your sacred journey.

I think the thing I enjoy the most about my career as a funeral director are the stories I get to hear. I am allowed to be present to people who are deep in the pain of loss, and I have learned something very important from each family I am called to serve. I have learned that the stories of our departed loved ones matter. They impact us as we journey forward in our life and they speak to us from beyond the grave. Part of the process of learning to live again after a loss is to find a small joy each day. Something that is simple. Something that touches your heart and allows for even a moment of relief, of inspiration, of a chance to smile.

Unlike the popular holiday song, the Christmas season is not always ‘the most wonderful time of the year’. For those who are experiencing the death of a loved one, it is indeed a very difficult time. A time of uncertainty, uneasiness, loneliness, and sadness, among other emotions.

My wish this Christmas season is that everyone who is on a journey of grief may find comfort in the stories their loved ones leave behind; that you may find peace in your heart; that you may be surrounded with people in your life who bring you joy and a respite from loneliness; and that you may, in your own unique way, find the faith and courage to put one foot in front of the other, to continue on your journey thorough this life. It is indeed a life with sorrow, but also with much joy. May you carry the spirit and memory of your loved one close to your heart, for it is there that they will never be far from you.

All of us at Cress wish you the peace and tranquility this season provides. We are honored to walk alongside you on your journey, before, during, and after the loss of a loved one. May we all be a source of strength for you and together offer you a shoulder to lean on, a steady hand to guide you when the path twists and turns, and a calm voice to comfort you and let you know that you are not alone.

 “Love is not written on paper, for paper can be erased. Nor is it etched on stone, for stone can be broken. But it is inscribed on a heart and there it shall remain forever.”

~ Rumi ~

In Peace,

The Cress Family and Staff Members

Written by ~ Justin Panske, Funeral Director and Certified Celebrant

December 28, 2016

Finding Meaning and Purpose in the New Year

There’s something interesting about how we react to New Year’s: part of us is apprehensive about what’s ahead, while another part of our brain feels a small spark of excitement at the possibilities in our future. There’s conflict built right into the celebration; after all, New Year’s Eve marks the time of letting go. New Year’s Day is set aside for reflection and looking forward. It’s a push/pull situation, especially for someone who has experienced a significant loss during the last 12 months.

(It doesn’t always have to be the death of someone dear to you; there are many significant losses– the end of a marriage, the loss of a job, the foreclosure of your home, the end of a friendship–each ‘rocks your world’ to its foundation. And, it’s a hard truth: as we age, rarely a year goes by without multiple losses.)

So, here you are, in the dark of winter and in sadness, caught in the space between wanting to hang on to the past and needing to move forward into the New Year with (some measure) of enthusiasm. You do that by opening your mind, heart and spirit to happiness. Oh yes, you also have to….

Trust in the “Magic of Beginnings”

Those aren’t our words; they belong to the 14th century German theologian Meister Eckhart, who captured the kernel of anticipation we can feel when there’s the promise of change:

“And suddenly you know: It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.” 

Can you still feel the ‘magic’ in this time of beginnings? If you can, one morning, step outside to watch the sun rise. The joy in witnessing the magical transition between dark and light is what you’re looking for; hang on to it.

Can you trust in yourself to begin living in a new way? Chances are you’ve been compelled to re-invent yourself before. Yes, it can be a challenge, but you’re up to the task. Just remember, big changes don’t happen overnight.

Set both Resolutions and Goals

All by themselves, resolutions can be nasty, disappointing things. In 2015, the folks over at Statistics Brain determined that almost half of all Americans make a resolution at New Year’s and, of that number, 24% of them fail in the effort. That’s because there wasn’t a related goal attached to it. Here’s an example: you’ve set the resolution to “try something new” in the coming year. But what’s your plan? What “new things” do you want to try – and when?

As Melody Beattie wrote, in The Language of Letting Go, “The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals.” This is the time of year to ask yourself what you’d like to happen in your life this coming year. Write it down. Then make the next decision: what one thing can you do right now to get started?

Before we go, we’d like to share these 14 words from poet Alfred Tennyson which, for us, captures the magic and promise of the New Year:

“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come,

Whispering ‘it will be happier’…”

Wishing you peace and joy,

The Cress Family and Staff

January 10, 2017

February 7, 2017

The deep of winter, when the season is at its coldest, when the days are dark and short–and the nights longer appears to be the natural time for reflection. American artist Andrew Wyeth captured both the season’s barrenness and our instinctual awareness that–at this time of year– ‘something waits’ to unfold:

 “I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape – the loneliness of it…Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn’t show.”Andrew Wyeth 

Winter is a natural time to think and dream–about things and people; about how we want to “walk through the world” in the coming year. Whether we’re ready or not, winter nudges us, reminding us to slow down, reflect, and seek peace in our lives.

So what is peace? 

It’s obvious you can’t become peaceful if you’re not sure what the word really means. At its most basic, we can describe the word as the absence of conflict; conflict not only between nations, but conflict within ourselves. A peaceful person is one who is tranquil, harmonious and serene.

Each of the world’s four major religions – Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Buddhism – asks followers to seek peace. Biblical scripture advises “They must…do good; they must seek peace and pursue it” (Peter 3:11). Peace, according to the Jewish sages, is the ultimate purpose of Hebrew scriptures, the Torah: “All that is written in the Torah was written for the sake of peace.” (Tanhuma Shoftim: 18). In Islam, the ideal society, Dar as-Salam, literally, means “the house of peace”. Buddhists cultivate inner peace, following the assertion that true peace comes from within, not from without. As the Dalai Lama XIV recently said, “We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.”

Winter is the Time to Find Peace… Within

Real inner peace; that elusive sense of contentment–that all’s right with your world–must come from within. It’s fairly obvious we cannot change or control the world around us; but it is possible to change and control the world within us. And most simple way to do just that is meditation. Fortunately, it’s easier than you think.

You don’t have to spend hours sitting on the floor in meditation; less than 5 minutes a day can shift your world view – even in the dark days of winter.

Start by Smiling

“Peace begins,” said Mother Teresa, “with a smile…” Try it for yourself: sit quietly in a comfortable chair, place your hands on your lap, and your feet flat on the floor. Close your eyes, take two natural breaths; then slowly turn your mouth into a gentle smile, in imitation of the Buddha.

Remain smiling, filling your mind with loving compassionate and peaceful thoughts about yourself, others; the world. You can also recite one of the following mantras (a word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation):

May the entire universe be filled with peace and joy, love and light.

May all beings everywhere be happy and free. In some way, may I contribute to that happiness and freedom for all.

Continue to breathe. When you’re ready to end your meditation session, open your eyes. But don’t stand up right away; instead remain seated for a few more minutes. This is the time your brain fully integrates the changes you’ve made in establishing peace as a foundation for your day-to-day life.

Winter’s Gift

Here in the deep of winter, for many, literary giant Edith Sitwell’s words ring true: “winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.”

As you settle into winter, gather with friends or family to celebrate your chosen holiday–whether secular or religious, we wish you peace.

Copyright © 2017 Funeral Innovations, All rights reserved.

March 3, 2017

March 23, 2017

April 20, 2017

Be Our Guest to Learn More about Advance Planning

for Funeral and Cremation Services

Tuesday, April 25 at 12:00pm at 5100 Bar & Grill, 5100 Erling Ave, McFarland, WI

OR

Thursday, April 27 at 11:30am at Sprecher’s Restaurant & Pub, 1262 John Q. Hammons Dr, Madison, WI

Please call to reserve your meal, at no cost to you. Seating and reservations are limited.

RSVP by calling 608-238-3434 or email: info@cressfuneralservice.com

Darrin Kolka and Heather Holy

Advance Planning Specialists

April 27, 2017

Agrace offering free grief support groups for children 5 to 18. 

Kids Grief Support Group is a five-week support group series for children 5 through 18 who are grieving a death.

Children are resilient, but they need opportunities to discuss their feelings and talk about the person who died. This group gives them the chance to find comfort through meeting other kids who have been through a similar loss. They also participate in activities and projects that encourage self-expression.

All are welcome: Children are welcome to join this free grief support group even if the person who died was not an Agrace patient.

MADISON Campus: Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg

Thursdays, May 25 – June 22, 2017; 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

If you are interested in registering, call Madison – Jessie (608) 327-7135 or visit their website, agrace.org/grief-support/griefgroups/grief-support-inquiry/

June 2, 2017

July 27, 2017

August 22, 2017

September 29, 2017

On July 22, 2017 the William “Sonny” Simon Post 8216 dedicated the Middleton Community Veterans Tribute to the people of Middleton, Wisconsin.

Reprinted:

MIDDLETON (WKOW) — The Middleton community has a new place to honor our local veterans.

VFW Post 8216 unveiled the new Middleton Community Veterans’ Tribute Saturday morning at Lakeview Park. The memorial was built as a thank you to those who have served our country.

Service members say it’s the perfect place to quietly honor our local heroes.

“This is a moving tribute for those who already have a deep connection to the sacrifices of military service and for them this is a place of solitude, quiet reflection, a place they can be alone with their thoughts,” says Lt. John Hall, with the U.S. Army Reserve.

You can buy a brick to pay tribute to a service member and help pay for the memorial. http://middletoncommunityveteranstribute.org/index.html

October 30, 2017

Please join us in supporting our local veterans by attending a free Veterans Day Appreciation Brunch at the Cress Center, on Wednesday, November 15, 2017, 6021 University Avenue, Madison, WI.

All are welcome…Veterans, active and non-active duty personnel, family, friends, neighbors and community members!

All attendees will be served with a warm meal, friendship and a time to gather around the flag. Meal time begins at 8:30am; Mail Call at 10:00am; assembling for the Flag Raising Ceremony, at 10:30am.

The Flag Raising Ceremony is a special time of respect and honor. Celebrate our wonderful flag and the Veterans who endured so much while defending freedom at home and around the globe. The ceremony will be conducted by the Waunakee American Legion Post 360.

How can we show appreciation on or around Veterans Day? 

Attend an event in your area, like the Cress Veterans Appreciation Brunch!

Fly a flag or attend the Flag Raising Ceremony at the Cress Veterans Appreciation Brunch!

Ask someone about their service, possibly, while you enjoy a hot brunch with Veterans at the Cress Veterans Appreciation Brunch!

Write a note or email that recognizes their service to our country that can be shared with a Veteran at the Cress Veterans Appreciation Brunch!

Let’s make it a great day of recognition for those special people and their family’s, who served honorably in the military and answered the call for duty to our country, the United States of America! 

Please attend and RSVP at 608-238-8406; Space is limited so call by Friday, November 10th. Thank you!

Carey Cress Fose

For an extra treat this Veteran’s Day, check out the beautiful memoir, Lucky, Lucky Man x 12, written by local veteran, Jim Foseid, about his time serving in Vietnam.

November 11, 2017

Announcing the book release of local veteran, Jim Foseid’s memoir, A Lucky, Lucky Man x 12.

We received our copy today, right in time for Veteran’s Day.

Inspiration to document his own story came to Foseid after attending our Veteran’s Day Brunch last year.

An except from the forward,

“We were all brought up being very patriotic. Our country was at war at the time, and we did what we thought was the right thing to do: stick up for your country. My brother Tom was a radio operator in Da Nang. My brother Mark was in the Marine Corps Reserves. Mike had been in the Navy for Bay of Pigs, too … I went into the service on September 17, 1967.” 

To download the memoir (as a pdf) simply click on the following link: https://www.cressfuneralservice.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/20/files/2017/11/LuckyLuckyManX12.-5docx.pdf

Please enjoy the work of this beautiful memoir. Thank you!

Carey Cress Fose

November 21, 2017

Sending you warm Thanksgiving wishes from home to home and from heart to heart~ The Cress Family

As you’re aware, this holiday is a seasonal expression of gratitude; a time when we’re to acknowledge the abundance in our nation and in our own lives. But for people who have experienced a significant loss, it can also be a time of mixed emotions brought on by a flood of (often) bittersweet memories.

As these folks watch the leaves fall from the trees and see others setting out seasonal decorations–pumpkins at Halloween, garden flags featuring a cornucopia reminding passers-by to ‘give thanks’ in November–their holiday enthusiasm diminishes. They ask themselves “How can I be expected to celebrate when my heart is so badly broken?”

In “Lifts to the Heart: Preparing for Thanksgiving”, bereaved parent Elaine Stillwell affirmed this internal struggle when she wrote, “Many of us who are grieving feel that Thanksgiving is a useless and painful holiday because we do not feel very thankful with our terribly hurting hearts.” (See Sources and Resources for the full citation).

So, in this situation, what can you do?

You’ve Really Got Three Options

You may not realize it, but this situation presents you with a valuable opportunity. When everyone around you is preparing to celebrate and you just don’t know why, or how, you should be involved, there are three options to choose from:

1. Adhere to traditional family practices, perhaps working to integrate meaningful “new” elements

2. Still acknowledge the event, while working to “change things up completely” in terms of ritual activities

3. Throw the whole holiday “out the window” and choose not to participate at all

It’s a very empowering moment. Carol Brody Fleet, author of the best-selling book Widows Wear Stilettos, concurred when she wrote; in a 2012 Huffington Post online article (see Sources and Resources for the full citation): “Taking control over your approach to Thanksgiving (and the holidays that follow) can help brighten your outlook and bring you a measure of peace.” Here are some valuable suggestions, from Ms. Fleet and other grief experts, which can help to ease this year’s holiday experience:

Prepare and eat your loved one’s favorite menu item. “You will be surprised at how much comfort something as simple as a favorite dish or dessert will bring to you,” wrote Ms. Fleet.

Prepare all new celebratory foods. Instead of being reminded of your loss through the preparation of the “old standards” shared with your loved one, find brand new menu items to try. Two highly-recommended food-related websites are listed in the Sources and Resources section of this email.

If your tradition involves going around the dinner table having each guest share something they’re thankful for; ask guests to also share a story about your deceased loved one.

To hold the special “place” your deceased family member held in the family, give them a place at the table just as you did when he or she was alive.

Arrange to have the Thanksgiving meal in a neutral location, such as a restaurant (if you choose your loved one’s favorite restaurant, it could become a tribute to him or her).

If it’s all “too much” for you, then get away from it all: take a mini-vacation. Next year you can choose to do something different but, if you feel this year it’s impossible to participate, go away.

There are other creative things you can do at this time of year, both in celebration of the holiday and as a tribute to your loved one:

Create a Keepsake Memory Box. A keepsake box or memory box is designed to store mementos, in this case, mementos of someone special. A keepsake memory box can be of significant help in the grieving process. If this sounds like an exciting Thanksgiving project, there are two inspiring web articles listed in the Sources and Resources section to help guide you.

Use collage to create a visual “portrait” of the deceased. Gather together snapshots, pictures of things she or he enjoyed, and images that represent great times you had together. If you’re tech-savvy, the Creative Bloq article listed in the Sources and Resources section, “The 18 best photo collage maker tools” is worth your review. However, if you’re “old school”, the WikiHow article, “How to Make a Collage”, offers step-by-step instructions (again, see the Sources and Resources section below for the citation).

Create a Shrine to Your Loved One. It would effectively be a dedicated, sacred space, where you can sit in quiet meditation and reflection. In “Creating Shrines and Altars for Healing from Grief”, Karla Helbert writes of their purpose: “Shrines and altars are ways of showing in tangible form what might be happening in our hearts and spirits. Creating shrines and altars gives us opportunities to remember, to reflect and to honor, as well as to help heal the pain of loss through the act of creating.” (See Sources and Resources for full citation.)

Craft a memorial quilt from your loved one’s clothing. This project may be too much for some; in that case, an expert quilter can be hired to complete the project. However, the publishers of “Memorial Quilts: Wrap Yourself in Loving Memories” noted “Just the gathering of women (and men!) for quilt making can provide much-needed emotional and social support in your time of bereavement.” They suggest using:

Old work shirts with name tags, patches or badges

Shirts or jackets with pockets that you remember getting candy out of as a child

Dad’s favorite old ties, suspenders, or even hats

Grandma’s aprons or gloves

Wedding or Honeymoon items

Old handkerchiefs, doilies, even beaded or cloth purses

Unfinished quilt tops or blocks someone was making

Items with buttons or any other types of embellishments

Old baby clothes

Find a Way to Feel Gratitude

“Though it may not feel like it right this minute, you do have reasons to be thankful”, wrote Ms. Fleet, who advises readers to “Stop and take a moment to think about that for which you are thankful — your health, your family, your loved ones, your home and whatever else you treasure in and about your life. Most of all, embrace and remember that you had the love of a wonderful person — whomever that person is — whose legacies of love and memories will be with you always.”

Ms. Stillwell is equally confident in the value of counting your blessings and feeling gratitude. “Maybe we could prepare our hearts for Thanksgiving by peeking into them to find at least one and maybe even more blessings that we could count at this special time of the year.”

Sources & Resources:

• Allrecipes, Thanksgiving Recipes
• Breene, Sophia, “33 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes Made With Real Food (Not Tofurkey)“, Greatist, November 5, 2015
• Fleet, Carol Brody, “Getting through the “Giving Thanks”: 4 Thanksgiving Tips for Those Who May Be Feeling Anything But Thankful“, Huffington Post, November 19, 2012
• Helbert, Karla, “Creating Shrines and Altars for Healing from Grief“, Good Therapy, August 31, 2011
• “Memory Boxes“, Country Living, June 25, 2007
  “10 Ways to Create a Unique Keepsake Memory Box“, Urns Online, July 13, 2015
• Stewart, Craig, “The 18 best photo collage maker tools“, Creative Bloq, June 8, 2016
• C Stillwell, Elaine, “Lifts to the Heart: Preparing for Thanksgiving”
• WikiHow, “How to Make a Collage“

Give Some Thought To This…

Join us to learn about the options and benefits of Advance Funeral and Cremation Planning, followed by informal questions and answers. Please be our guest! Reserve your meal and seat today, as reservations are limited.

Where & When

21

Feb

Wednesday

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

5100 Club

5100 Erling Ave 

McFarland, Wisconsin 53558

February 8, 2018

Join us to learn about the options and benefits of Advance Funeral and Cremation Planning, followed by informal questions and answers. Please be our guest! Reserve your meal and seat today, as reservations are limited.

Where & When

21

Feb

Wednesday

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Sprecher’s Restaurant and Pub

1262 John Q Hammons Drive 

Madison, Wisconsin 53717

February 21, 201

Tuesday, March 20th, we invite you to attend!

If you or someone you know has been caring for a friend or loved one, please join us for a couple hours with no program, just warm food, a relaxed mood and time away for yourself.

An evening is being planned for caregivers to gather, to relax, and to rejuvenate in a local community setting while enjoying the comfort foods from JL Richards Catering. A complimentary buffet meal will be served while you enjoy the company of other caregivers who share your role.

Hosted by: Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

Limited Space for 24 guests

Call 608-873-9244 to reserve your place at the table.

Where & When

20

Mar

Tuesday

4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Chorus Public House

154 West Main Street

Stoughton, Wisconsin 53589

February 24, 2018

March 9, 2018

Tuesday, March 20th, we invite you to attend!

If you or someone you know has been caring for a friend or loved one, please join us for a couple hours with no program, just warm food, a relaxed mood and time away for yourself.

An evening is being planned for caregivers to gather, to relax, and to rejuvenate in a local community setting while enjoying the comfort foods from JL Richards Catering. A complimentary buffet meal will be served while you enjoy the company of other caregivers who share your role.

Hosted by: Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

Limited Space for 24 guests

Call 608-873-9244 to reserve your place at the table.

March 26, 2018

April 4, 2018

A wonderful evening was hosted by Cress Funeral & Cremation Service for area caregivers to gather, to relax and to rejuvenate in a comfortable community setting. Thank you for all who shared their time and their story of love and care to a family member, a friend, a neighbor or a client.

Please enjoy a few photos and call 608-238-3434 if you would like to be notified of our next night out with fellow caregivers.

Thank you for the generous and thoughtful gifts from the Stoughton area businesses who sprinkled the evening with kindness.

June 26, 2018

Thank you to the Cress Relay For Life Team that volunteers to raise funds and awareness, becoming a voice of the American Cancer Society in order to help “save lives and celebrate life”.

Relay For Life is the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Relay is staffed and coordinated by volunteers in thousands of communities and 27 countries. Volunteers give of their time and effort because they believe it’s time to take action against cancer.

On July 20th, 2018, the Cress team, with the cancer survivor’s wearing purple shirts, will be participating in the Relay For Life of Stoughton, McFarland and Oregon, at Mandt Park, Stoughton, WI.

For decades, Cress Funeral & Cremation Service has supported the American Cancer Society and Sherry Georgi Cress has volunteered, hosted, led committees, along with being a guest speaker at various Relay For Life events. Sherry, a 28 year survivor of cancer, and the others from Team Cress, make us proud and we are humbled by their personal journey’s with cancer.

July 16, 2018

Stoughton Hospital Foundation

900 Ridge Street

Stoughton, WI 53589

Fax: 608.873.2355

July 24, 2018

Jessica Pharo, Managing Funeral Director at Cress Funeral & Cremation Service is also giving her time and talent as Vice President of the Stoughton Hospital Foundation Board and the Golf Outing Promotions Committee.

Stoughton Hospital Foundation, Inc. raises friends and funds to benefit Stoughton Hospital.

The Stoughton Hospital Foundation recently hosted its 14th Annual Swinging for Health Golf Outing and Card Party, raising $19,000 to benefit the creation of a new wellness garden. During the event, members of the Stoughton Hospital Foundation Board welcomed special guests, local Olympians, Matt Hamilton, Becca Hamilton, and Nina Roth, all members of the U.S. Olympic Curling Team.

Congratulations to this fine organization for another successful community outreach and fundraiser.

On behalf of the Stoughton Hospital Foundation, who cordially invites you to share their commitment by helping your friends and neighbors. They have been a good neighbor to the community for over 100 years. With the support of people like you, they will remain a good neighbor for years to come. Thank you for your support!

August 1, 2018

September 11, 2018

October 15, 2018

October 17, 2018

Cress Funeral Service is proud to introduce you to a very interesting staff person, Funeral Director Apprentice, Jordan Tyjeski, also a World Class competitor!

What interesting lives and stories people have to tell. Jordan competed at the World Championship of Kettlebell Lifting 2018 , winning three gold medals representing the United States! The competition was at the Daugavpils Olympic Center in Daugavpils, Latvia, a country along the Baltic Sea, Daugavpils, being a city about 500 miles west of Russia.

Kettlebell sport lifting is a repetitive weight lifting sport performed with kettlebells in a given period of time. Competitive kettlebell lifting has a long history in Russia and Eastern Europe, but developed as an organized sport under the name kettlebell lifting during the 1960’s.

We are proud to embrace our world class staff person, Jordan Tyjeski, who has embodied hard work, passion and compassion as a young person growing up in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Now, as she begins to serve families in our care, Cress Funeral & Cremation Service, she hopes to support and help families in the Madison and Dane County area who are in the midst of or preparing for, a time of loss and hardship.

CONGRATULATIONS JORDAN TYJESKI on all that you have accomplished!

November 20, 2018

December 18, 2018

January 10, 2019

March 6, 2019

Thank you Cress Funeral Directors for dedicating your lives to helping families heal and lift up the memories and accomplishments of their loved ones ♥ who have passed in death. 

Cress has been blessed with an amazing team of kind hearted professionals. We are grateful to work along side of each of you.

In 2008, Congress passed a resolution designating March 11th as National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day.

March 19, 2019

AN INVITATION TO JOIN US

Enjoy pizza and flexible time for questions and answers.

April 10, 2019

APR 17

Free Lunch & Learn Seminar

Wednesday, April 17 2019 ⋅ 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Buck & Honey’s Restaurant

804 Liberty Blvd,

Sun Prairie, Wisconsin 53590

We invite you to learn how planning for your final wishes may shield your family from unnecessary emotional and financial burden. Join us for a light meal and learn more about pre-arrangements, veteran benefits, cremation, burials and mo

April 19, 2019

April 23, 2019

Our Administrative Professionals

Hands down, the best!

With kindness and grace, you offer a “pause”, to any in need, giving all you can. Feeling the call to help and support, you research and guide, both for the community and the work associates. We feel your love and strength every day and are forever grateful.

Our full time professional Administrative Team:

Best Wishes to our full and part time administrative team:

Caralyn Stellflue, Renee Gray, Debbie Olson, Connie Bakken, Rebecca Plitzuweit, Darlene Kohn, Mary Mueller, Colleen Little, Judy Laufenberg

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your professional and compassionate care 

The Cress Family and Team Members

April 27, 2019

May 11, 2019

May 21, 2019

We invite you to learn how planning for your final wishes may shield your family from unnecessary emotional and financial burdens.

Join us for a light meal and learn more about pre-arrangements, veteran benefits, cremation, green burials and more. 

Please RSVP at (608) 205-4277

May 29, 2019

June 24, 2019

Refresh Your Mind with Simple Meditation Tips for Beginners

Our waking lives are filled with millions of thoughts every single day. One thought is connected to an emotion that triggers another thought or memory. Our minds are busy all the time. Neuroscientists have studied this phenomena and how meditation helps to change brain chemistry, even creating a healthier brain in the process and reducing running thoughts and a focus on negativity. But getting the mind to quiet down and stop thinking of anything is no easy task, as beginning meditators will tell you. With a few techniques, anyone can practice meditation and receive its benefits.

Why meditate?

Meditation affects the mind, body and spirit all at once. The benefits of meditation are widely known and a wide body of knowledge is available through scientific studies. According to Deepak Chopra, M.D, highly acclaimed author and neuroscientist, the benefits of meditation include the following:

Lowered Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels

Improved Immune Function

Increase in production of anti-aging hormone DHEA

Decreased depression, insomnia and anxiety

Reduces stress and burnout

It is also widely known that meditation helps to heal grief and loss experienced through the loss of a close person or an animal companion. But you don’t have to go to an expensive meditation center to reap the benefits. Meditation is something you can do at home or even in your office chair, for just a few moments, whenever you need a boost.

How to meditate

Learning all the forms of meditation in a brief article isn’t possible so we have taken the liberty to mention one of the common forms to help get you started, and the one we feel is the easiest to accomplish without giving up.

Keep in mind that meditation is designed to help train the mind, just as exercise is designed to train the body. The mind can unlearn and learn old beliefs and negative thoughts, and replace them with new ones through training. When just starting to meditate, the most important goal is to ‘Observe and learn’ how thoughts operate in your mind, and learn to dissipate each one. Once this technique feels comfortable, you can move on to other more complex methods of re-training your brain for maximum benefits.

Basic Mindfulness Meditation

This technique is perhaps the easiest. It’s about focusing on your breathe and your body as it breathes in and out. The idea is to sit or lie down, close your eyes, and put all of your thoughts and attention on your breath, and only your breath. Noticing this happen is all you need to do. Sounds simple, right? It is simple, but may not be easy at first.

The first time you try this, it will be difficult as your mind will have a thought, and another and another. One thought leads to another. Your job is to catch these thoughts and simply focus back on your breathing. When just beginning, start with just 3 minutes.

With each breath and a new thought enters your mind, just continue bringing your attention back to the breath. Do this over and over no matter how many times your mind wanders, but continue for 3 minutes. It’s actually helpful to have a timer or set a cell phone alarm for the time.

As you expand in your ability, your meditation time will grow. Eventually if you do this every day for even 30 days, you will begin noticing that you are not thinking of anything at all!

This is the magical space, between thoughts, that you may have heard about from the ‘gurus’. In that space between a thought lies what many consider a connection to ‘all that is’. This may sound a bit out there if this is the first time hearing this.

One thing that is proven scientifically, however, is that space between thoughts somehow holds the keys to high creativity, productivity and compassion on the part of the meditator (among other benefits).

One final note: It’s important to understand that while you’re learning to quiet your mind and relax, you are still receiving the restorative benefits that meditation provides. No matter how many times you lose concentration and have to tell yourself to focus on your breath, it’s okay. This is all part of learning to meditate. Perhaps the reason people give up on meditation is because they are judging themselves for not being perfect. Meditation isn’t perfect. It’s simply a process of doing, just as exercise. Some days are better than others, just like exercise. But when you keep at it, the muscles in the brain work better. The value of meditation has been known since ancient times and proven in scientific studies over the past century. Formerly thought to be a practice for Monks in some distant land, meditation today is a popular way to help manage stress in everyday life. Many forms of meditation practice are taught the world over with some related to world religions, however, the benefits are available to everyone no matter if you’ve never done it before or believe in a different religion.

July 12, 2019

“Conversations That Matter” at the Oakwood University Woods,

Community Room on July 26, 2019 at 11:00 a

6205 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53705  

August 19, 2019

August 20, 2019

SHARING THE LOVE OF LEARNING – Dominic’s Ripple

In September of 2018, Dominic would have started kindergarten. His naturally curious nature meant he was truly looking forward to starting school. After his passing, we decided to ask that backpacks and school supplies be donated in his memory. We hoped sharing Dominic’s love of learning would inspire others to help give children in our community the items they needed to start the school year. We never could have imagined the outpouring of support – more than 200 backpacks and hundreds of other supplies were donated. Each backpack held a note of inspiration and a photo of Dominic, so that the children receiving the backpacks would know they were donated in his memory. We hoped these messages would encourage the children to share the same excitement Dominic had for school.

Please read the whole story of Dominic’s beautiful memory at, http://www.dominicsripple.com/portfolio-items/education/