1670 JFK RoadDubuque, IA 52002

563.582.1220www.hospiceofdubuque.orginfo@hospiceofdubuque.org

Winter 2011 Issue

Brian Sullivan, MD 2

Barb Zoeller Retirement 3 Upcoming Events,

Special Thanks 5

Annual Report 6, 7

Honorariums,Memorials 8, 9

Volunteers 11

BestFest 2011The voting has begun for BestFest 2011! This year’s event will be held Thursday, March 3, from

5:00 to 7:30 pm at the Grand River Center. Cast your votes today by visiting www.dupaco.com or

filling out a ballot throughout the month of January in the

Dubuque Advertiser. Once all the votes have been counted,

winners will be contacted and encouraged to participate by

showcasing samples of their products at BestFest 2011. The

night will include raffle and attendance prizes in addition to the

winner of the Best Band playing from 6:30 to 9:00 pm.

To join in the fun and the best the tri-states has to offer in food,

products and entertainment, be sure to get your tickets early.

BestFest has limited tickets and promises to be a sold out event.

Advance tickets will be available February 1 at all Dupaco

Community Credit Union locations and the Hospice of

Dubuque office. The price per ticket is $25.

Hospice of Dubuque is proud to be associated with BestFestand the major sponsors: Bud Light, Coca Cola, Diamond JoCasino, Dubuque Advertiser, Dupaco Community CreditUnion, Grand River Center, John Deere, OnMedia and RadioDubuque.

The entire community is encouraged to be part of the fun by

supporting their favorite businesses and voting today! Your

favorite business can only win if you vote! Then, plan on

joining us Thursday, March 3, at BestFest 2011!

A popular addition to BestFest is the prize

package to the highest online bidder for the

“Bud Bus”, courtesy of major sponsor, BudLight. The package includes admission

tickets for the winner and 10 friends, an

opportunity to enter BestFest 2011 before the

doors officially open, as well as other prizes.

Bids will be taken beginning February 1.

Check out the websites at www.dupaco.com

and www.hospiceofdubuque.org for updated

information.

“Bud Bus” online prize package

Hospice of Dubuque received $4,669 from a 2010 DRA grant to enhance

educational information regarding Hospice of Dubuque services. The grant

included materials to inform the community of the recent open house for

the remodeled offices and media coverage to educate the community on

hospice services throughout National Hospice Month. Hospice of Dubuque

would like to thank Mystique Casino and the Dubuque Racing Associationfor their generous support over the years.

With Thanks

The Hospice of Dubuque elveshelped Harry decorate forChristmas. For the completestory visit our website orFacebook page.

2

Medical DirectorsMark Hermann, MD, Co-Medical DirectorBrian Sullivan, MD, Co-Medical Director

Administrative StaffBarbara Zoeller, Executive DirectorLavonne Noel, Financial DirectorNancy Diehm, Psychosocial DirectorBonnie Hancock, Patient Care DirectorKaty Morrow, Nursing Services DirectorRenee Frith, Nursing Services Director

Officers, Board of DirectorsBrad Heying, PresidentSusan Bushman, Vice PresidentFr. William Joensen, SecretaryBruce Rehmke, Treasurer

Members, Board of DirectorsGreg BirkettCindy BurdtCarole CarrollLarry CremerVicki DirksenJared Freiburger, MDTom Giese Amy GilliganEileen LeMayAllen Meurer, MDRev. Kathleen MilliganFrancis “Chip” MurrayStephanie SavageChris Schiesl Betty Takes

Members, Foundation BoardDon FreymannRita HelleMike MartinBill MaiersBob MillerBruce RehmkeChuck Schrup IIIKen Snodgrass

Advance care planning in chronic illnessBrian Sullivan, MD, Co-Medical Director

The goals of advance care planning are threefold:

1. Enhance patient and family understanding about the illness, including prognosis

and likely outcomes of alternative treatment options.

2. Define the patient’s priorities in end of life care and develop a care plan that addresses

these priorities.

3. Shape future care to fit the patient’s preferences and values.

How does one facilitate a discussion regarding advance care planning? While this type of

discussion routinely occurs with hospice patients and families, it occurs less regularly in

settings outside of hospice. Here are some tips on facilitating such a discussion among

loved ones:

Select a time and place that is conducive to the conversation. Make sure there is plenty

of time available and distractions are minimized.

Take the lead in starting the discussion. Many patients are reluctant to initiate this

conversation themselves. Open the door by asking a question such as “How do you feel

things are going?” One can direct the discussion by asking a question such as “Have you

given any thought to how you wish to be cared for if your illness gets worse?”

Explain the rationale for the discussion. “I want to make sure I have a clear

understanding of your wishes.”

Identify a surrogate. In the event a time comes when the patient cannot make their own

health care decisions, it is important that it be clear who the patient wants to make decisions

for them.

Continue the discussion with the patient’s physician or health care provider. The

conversation between the family and loved one may lead to further questions regarding

treatment options or prognosis. Schedule an appointment with the health care provider

specifically to discuss these issues if necessary. “If my condition gets worse, are there

other treatment options that would be helpful?” “What can I expect as this condition

progresses?” “How will this condition affect my ability to function day to day?”

Honest discussions between a patient and their loved ones can help ensure that the patient

receives care that is consistent with the patient’s goals and values at the end of life.

A cornerstone of hospice care is helping patients decide how future

medical interventions match their personal goals and values at the

end of life. This kind of advance care planning is a process of

communication between the patient, family/loved ones and health

care providers which leads to the clarification of treatment

preferences and ultimately to the development of individualized goals

of care. This process is helpful not just for hospice patients, but also

for the elderly and those with significant chronic illness.

Thank you to the followingfamilies and businesses thathave provided in-kind gifts to Hospice of Dubuque:

Phyllis Gross Family, for the

donation of a CD player for

patient use.

Midwest Business Products for

the donation of the new printer.

The family of Scott Eisenhuth,

for the copies of the book, Final

Gifts, to our lending library, in

memory of Scott.

The family of Norma J. Furry,

for the donation of a fall and

Christmas wreath

“My mom felt she did not need hospice, but I did. As an onlychild I was overwhelmed with how to provide her witheverything she needed. I did not even know how to begin. TheHospice of Dubuque staff took care of both of us!”

Anonymous

3

It was with much sadness that the Board of Directors accepted Barbara Zoeller’s letter of retirement at their

October board meeting. Barb had been contemplating her retirement for some time, but due to her dedication

she remained to lead the organization through the new Medicare conditions and the recent Building forCompassion capital campaign. With those large projects behind, she felt it was a good time to start a new phase

in her life.

Barb has served Hospice of Dubuque since 1987 and has been responsible for molding the organization into

what it is today. Her advocacy and passion has made Hospice of Dubuque one of the finest hospice’s in the

country. Barb will remain in her position through spring and has agreed to help in any way during and after the

transition period by assisting the new Executive Director.

The board is pleased to announce that Lavonne Noel, Finance Director for Hospice of Dubuque for over 20 years,

will become the new Executive Director. Lavonne has worked side-by-side with Barb through the growth of the organization and is the

perfect candidate to continue Hospice of Dubuque’s mission of providing compassionate care for the terminally ill and their loved ones.

Lavonne understands the inner workings of the organization and the hospice industry. Together with the leadership team and staff that is

in place at Hospice of Dubuque, Lavonne will take the organization confidently into the future.

We wish Barb much happiness in her retirement and Lavonne much success in her new role as Executive Director.

Barbara Zoeller announces retirementGreg Birkett, Hospice of Dubuque Board President

From presents to presenceRev. Penny Thomsen, Spiritual Care Coordinator

After the holidays, we may find ourselves feeling a bit blue. The newness of the gifts we’ve given and received

has faded and we are suddenly back to life as usual. We may find ourselves dissatisfied with our regular

routines. For families who have lost their loved ones during the holidays, an additional and profound sense of

loss has invaded their lives.

And yet, in the midst of these losses and dissatisfaction, we each can

remember to continue giving even more lasting and meaningful gifts to each

other throughout the entire year—gifts of our presence. Being present with

each other in ways that bless, encourage, strengthen and renew is not easy. It

requires self-discipline, intentionality and withholding judgment. Being

present asks us to be the best listeners we can be and it requires us to be solely

focused on the person we are giving ourselves to at that moment.

Even though quite challenging, the rewards of being present to others are lasting and eternal. These

gifts never fade and they do not need to be replaced. Instead, they are planted in our loved ones’ hearts

forever. I have been so privileged to witness the families of hospice patients be present with their loved

ones in 2010 in so many amazing and loving ways. So as the 2011 New Year unfolds before us, let us

all continue giving many gifts of the heart planted by our “ministry of presence” and in the process, be

excellent examples of how to share God’s love in the world.

My thanks and gratitude goes out to my patients and their families for the privilege of being a part of their final journey. I hope somehow

I have helped make their last days a little more comfortable.

“...remember tocontinue giving

even morelasting and

meaningful giftsto each other...”

Hospice of Dubuque has become associated with an easy way to choose and send a card to a loved

one from the comfort of your home or office. SendOutCards is a way to make a difference in the

lives of others, by sending "Acts of Kindness" in unexpected greeting cards, while also supporting

local charities. Phillip and Jessica Mihalakis are the Dubuque Owners/Managers of SendOutCardsand have included Hospice of Dubuque as one of the local causes they support. Check out their

website today at www.greetingcardcharities.org or call them directly at 563.543.3157.

4

The “face-to-face” encounterKaty Morrow, RN, BSN, Nursing Services Director

In 2011, Hospice of Dubuque’s patients will begin to receive scheduled visits from our medical director, Brian Sullivan, M.D. and our

new nurse practitioner, Lisa Tyler, ARNP. A new provision that was enacted as part of the health care reform law dictates that anyone

receiving the Medicare Hospice Benefit for more that 180 days must receive a “face-to-face” visit from the hospice medical director or

the hospice nurse practitioner prior to the patient starting his or her next 60 day hospice service period. Thereafter, these “face-to-face”

visits must continue to occur at least every 60 days. The purpose of the medical director or nurse practitioner encounter is to ensure that

each patient continues to qualify for the Medicare Hospice Benefit. Part of the assessment will include evaluating whether the patient

still has a prognosis of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course.

This new requirement will complicate the process of readmitting patients that have previously received hospice services. Patients leave

hospice care for a number of reasons. With the hospice plan of care in place, some patients begin to feel well enough to explore aggressive

treatment. Some become so well that they can no longer continue as hospice patients because their prognosis has become greater than

six months. Some patients leave our service area to visit relatives or a favorite place as part of their “wish list”. Whatever the reason for

leaving, if a patient later desires, and is eligible for, hospice services and he or she has previously completed the first two 90 day benefit

periods, the patient will require a face-to-face visit from the Hospice of Dubuque medical director or nurse practitioner before being

readmitted to the hospice program.

Patients who are discharged from hospice care have always been assured that, when their circumstances change, the Hospice of Dubuque

Interdisciplinary Team is ready to serve them. If a patient was discharged because his health improved, he is reminded that anytime his

health declines and he wants to return to hospice care, Hospice of Dubuque will be ready to readmit him. Or if a patient went out of

town, she knows that Hospice of Dubuque will be here when she returns to the service area. Due to this new regulation, we now need to

have the patient seen by Dr. Sullivan or Lisa Tyler before the readmission can occur. Both are busy practitioners who, while very

committed to providing care to hospice patients, are only available on a part-time basis. Thus, the challenge will be for Hospice of

Dubuque to readmit patients as quickly as possible, while minimizing the disruption to these practitioner’s busy schedules. Since this is

a challenge for hospice providers across the country, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization has been petitioning federal

regulators for reconsideration of this mandate. If the federal government would allow even a few days after readmission for the face-to-

face encounter to occur, services could be reinitiated more responsively. We’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime, we are grateful for

the assistance of Brian Sullivan, M.D., and Lisa Tyler, ARNP, in meeting this new regulation.

Christmas came a week early for Hospice of Dubuque patient, Marilyn Lemmer,

as she was able to have a dream fulfilled—to see The Nutcracker ballet performed

by the Dubuque Ballet Academy.

Marilyn’s day began at Dubuque Nursing & Rehab with her Hospice of Dubuque

nurse, Ann, and the staff from the Telegraph Herald taking photos and

interviewing Marilyn. As her volunteer, I was honored to accompany her on the

shuttle ride, provided by Advanced Medical Transport, to The Grand Theatre.

Marilyn seemed to take everything in stride.

Shortly after arriving at the theatre, Marilyn was greeted by Marina O’Rourke

and the cast from The Nutcracker who showered her with hugs and well wishes.

The cast told Marilyn that today’s performance was being danced for her. The

performers presented Marilyn with a rose and an autographed program, which

she kept checking throughout the afternoon. Once The Nutcracker began she was

totally mesmerized. She told me, “I have goosebumps, it’s so beautiful.” For

almost two hours her eyes were captivated by the beautiful dancers on the stage.

Marilyn had a great experience and I feel very fortunate to have been able to be

with her for her “dream day”. To see her eyes light up when the performance

started and how she truly enjoyed the entire day was magical. I guess my

Christmas came a week early too!

A magical experienceBev Unsen, Hospice of Dubuque Volunteer

5

Van’s Liquor Store, for the donation of $1,566 from the ticket sales of their Annual Fall Wine Tasting Night, held November 3.

Kathy’s Krystals, and owner Kathy Jo Steger, for the donation from a percentage of her jewelry sales at the Dubuque Farmer’s Market.

Blockbuster Video for sponsoring a recent fundraiser inviting customers to buy a bundled package of pop/popcorn/candy for Hospice of

Dubuque families.

Laura DuBord and The Market House Restaurant for their November donation of $310. Each November, during National Hospice Month,

The Market House Restaurant supports hospice care in this area.

The members of the band, Menace, for the donation of $375 from the raffle of an autographed guitar held New Year’s Eve at Knicker’s.

Common Cents Resale, for the $700 donation from a percentage of donated sales throughout the

last three months.

Ron Wartick, for sponsoring Hospice of Dubuque in Birdie’s for Charity at the John Deere Classic.

Special thanks to ...

If you are interested in attending an upcoming Bereavement Support

Group, or would like more information on the classes, call 563.582.1220.

SPRING SUPPORT GROUPSMondays, April 11– May 16 Wednesdays, April 13– May 18

Time to be determined Time to be determined

The employees of Cartegraph who joined together throughout the third and fourth quarters of 2010

to raise $1,849 for Hospice of Dubuque. The employees held various fundraisers including, bake

sales, a chili cook-off, Halloween costume party, coffee bar and raffles. In the photo to the right,

Emily Steffen and Natalie Sacco present Barbara Zoeller with the check from these fundraising efforts.

Bowling for Hospice of Dubuque

Looking for a way to spend a Saturday afternoon in January? How about bowling up some fun while

supporting your community nonprofit hospice. Bowling for Hospice of Dubuque will be held Saturday,

January 29, at Bowling & Beyond. This year there will be three sessions of bowling, 12 noon, 2 pm and 4

pm. Sign up at any of the following locations: Jumpers, Knicker’s, P.J.’s, Sandy Hook, Screaming Eagle

or the Hospice of Dubuque office. The cost is $25 per couple and payment is required at the time of sign

up. The day will also include an auction, raffle and party to follow at Knicker’s. This enjoyable event fills

up fast, so sign up today! For more information, call Hospice of Dubuque at 563.582.1220.

Dancing with the Stars: Dubuque StyleThe Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism has announced the celebrities that will take the stage for the second annual Dancing

with the Stars: Dubuque Style. This contest involves 10 local chamber celebrities dancing for their selected charity. Hospice of Dubuque

is excited to have been selected as the charity of dancer, Joey Anderson. Joey and her dance instructor, Adam Kieffer, will be dancing to

a rumba on April 16 at the Hotel Julien. Each $1 vote cast for Joey will also be a vote for Hospice of Dubuque since 100% of the proceeds

from this event go to the selected charities. Watch for more information on this fun event in the upcoming months and plan on voting

and cheering on Joey as she dances her way to stardom!

Upcoming Bereavement Support Groups

6

Clinical excellence &consumer satisfaction

• 97% of patient/family goals were met.1

• 92% of patients’ pain was at the patient’s desired

level of comfort within 48 hours or less after

admission to Hospice of Dubuque.2

• All respondents (100%) to the 2010 NHPCO

Family Evaluation of Hospice Care survey

indicated that:3

■ Hospice of Dubuque helped with the

patient’s feelings of anxiety and sadness.

■ Hospice of Dubuque helped with the

patient’s breathing.

■ The client received enough instruction on

patient care to feel confident in role of

caregiver.

■ The client received the desired amount of

information on pain management

medications.

■ Their loved one received excellent or very

good care from Hospice of Dubuque.

■ They would recommend Hospice of

Dubuque to others.

Community covenant

• Compared to the previous year, 17.5% more

patients were admitted in fiscal 2010.1

• Hospice of Dubuque served 50% of all Dubuque

County decedents.4

• Nearly 4,000 hours of volunteer service, resulted

in approximately $80,000 in cost savings for the

organization this fiscal year.1

• 89% of all patients referred to Hospice of

Dubuque were admitted, compared to 75%

nationally.5

• Over 2,000 community members received

bereavement services from Hospice of Dubuque

in 2010.1

1 Hospice of Dubuque’s 2010 Quality Assessment and Performance

Improvement (QAPI) Program

2 Outcome Concepts Systems (OCS) QAPI Snapshot

3 National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) Family

Evaluation of Hospice Care

4 Dubuque County Recorder Death Statistics Nov 2009—June 2010

5 National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) National

Hospice Data Set

Fiscal 2010 Annual Report November 1, 2009—October 31, 2010

A mission of compassionate careFor over 27 years, tri-state residents have valued the services provided by

Hospice of Dubuque and have supported this organization’s mission of

compassionate care. With this support and a commitment to the mission,

Hospice of Dubuque has expanded its services through the years to respond

to community needs. Through the generosity of tri-state businesses and

individuals, Hospice of Dubuque relocated to a permanent home in 2010. The

new facility provides for operational efficiency, accessibility and adequate

space for current and future needs. The move to the new facility was

accomplished in May and the community was welcomed to an open house in

September.

The quality indicators to the left outline Hospice of Dubuque’s effectiveness

in serving the residents of the tri-states. Hospice of Dubuque continues its

covenant with the community by providing compassionate care and expert

symptom management. National benchmarking provides feedback to the

organization, and also provides consumers with comparative information for

evaluation of their community nonprofit hospice.

The Hospice of Dubuque Interdisciplinary Team is highly skilled at enabling

clients to remain in their place of residence through death. In fiscal 2010, 96%

of Hospice of Dubuque’s patients died at their residence, compared to 69%

nationally, with the remainder dying in inpatient facilities. Not only are families

assisted to keep their loved ones at home, Hospice of Dubuque consistently

exceeds state and national benchmarking results for pain and symptom

management. The expertise of the Hospice of Dubuque clinicians enables

clients to achieve comfort and dignity throughout the dying process. Again

this year, 100% of family survey respondents indicated they would recommend

the services of Hospice of Dubuque to others.

The mission of compassionate care also drives decisions regarding Hospice of

Dubuque staffing patterns. Hospice of Dubuque’s registered nurses initially

meet with referred client families, so that symptom management needs can be

identified and addressed immediately upon admission to the hospice care

program. In addition to scheduled visits by the Hospice of Dubuque

Interdisciplinary Team members, the registered nurses are also available 24

hours a day, seven days a week to respond to client needs.

Hospice of Dubuque’s mission has guided all organizational and patient care

decision-making since 1983 and will continue to direct the organization into

the future.

Hospice of Dubuque Mission

Providing compassionate care for the terminally illand their loved ones

7

Looking forward

Competition from for-profit hospices will continue. Nationally, the

percentage of for-profit hospices has been steadily increasing over

the past few years. The National Hospice & Palliative Care

Organization reports that, in 2009, 47% of all hospices in the United

States were for-profit hospices. Due to the high Medicare population,

the Midwest region, and Iowa in particular, has been targeted for

business development by for-profit hospices. Thus, to receive the

end-of-life care this community has come to expect, tri-state

residents must ask for Hospice of Dubuque by name.

Governmental mandates will also continue, with regulatory

requirements and scrutiny expected to increase both in quantity and

scope. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has

already increased data collection requirements and has adopted a

more restrictive interpretation of the Medicare Hospice Benefit.

Additionally, Medicare rate reductions are anticipated, along with

continued evaluation of the hospice reimbursement methodology. A

requirement that hospices implement electronic medical records is

also expected. As always, the challenge will be to meet these

mandates, while staying true to the Hospice of Dubuque tradition of

compassionate care.

Thank you to:• the individuals and families that the Hospice of Dubuque

staff and volunteers are privileged to serve.

• the Hospice of Dubuque Board of Directors and the

Hospice of Dubuque Foundation Board of Directors for

their leadership and commitment to the mission.

• Medical Directors, Drs. Mark Hermann and Brian

Sullivan, for their expertise and guidance in providing

this service.

• the Hospice of Dubuque Volunteers, for their dedication

to the individuals and families served by this organization.

• the highly skilled and compassionate Hospice of Dubuque

staff members, who carry out the mission of compassionate

care each day.

• the tri-state community for valuing the work of Hospice

of Dubuque and supporting the mission for over 27 years.

Welcome to:• Members, Board of Directors: Amy Gilligan, Eileen

LeMay and Chris Schiesl.

• Nurses: Angela Nauman and Elizabeth Riffel

• Social Worker: Amy Ellerbach

• Spiritual Care Coordinator: Penny Thomsen

Congratulations to:• Paula Giese, who was honored as the 2010 Dr. Larry Kukla

Volunteer of the Year. Paula’s contributions to Hospice of

Dubuque were recognized at the fall conference of the

Hospice & Palliative Care Association of Iowa.

With appreciation to:• Darlene Conzett for her years of service on the Hospice of

Dubuque Board of Directors. Since 1987, Darlene has

completed two nine-year terms on the Board. During her

tenure, Darlene chaired the committee that conducted the

Medicare feasibility study, served as newsletter editor for ten

years, served as board president for two terms and board

secretary for a number of years. She also helped with staff

education for the conversion to clinical software in 2001.

Darlene was named the Hospice of Dubuque Volunteer of

the Year in 1994.

Fiscal 2010 Revenues

93% Service Income

7% Gift & Investment Income

The Building for Compassion capital campaign was launched in the

spring of 2009 with the goal of funding Hospice of Dubuque’s new

facility. Hospice of Dubuque thanks the tri-state community for

their generous response to this capital campaign, which is separate

from Hospice of Dubuque’s operational budget. At the conclusion

of fiscal 2010, this campaign has raised 90.5% of the cost of the

project.

Patients served in fiscal 2010Age:

00—49 2%

50—69 16%

70—79 18%

80—89 38%

90—99 25%

100+ 1%

Gender:

Male 42%

Female 58%

Duration of hospice care:

< 8 days 31%

8—180 days 59%

> 180 days 10%

State:

Iowa 85%

Illinois 9%

Wisconsin 6%

Type of diagnosis:

Cancer 37%

Dementia 19%

Heart 12%

Lung 7%

Other 25%

Reimbursement source:

Medicare 92%

Medicaid 2%

Insurance 5%

None 1%

Fiscal 2010 Expenditures

94% Programming:

Hospice Services

Bereavement

Community Education

6% Other Expenses

Winter 2011 Honorariums/MemorialsWe gratefully acknowledge these monetary gifts, and donations made to our loan closet, received between October 8 and January 4.If a name is inaccurate or missing, please notify Community Relations at 563.582.1220.

HonorariumsDr. Bruce Abele

Dr. Honorio Caceres

Thomas Christ

Donald E. Conzett, Jr.

Nick Conzett

Kate Dean

John Donahue

Dale French

Mary Fritz

Gary Hancock

Diane M. Hanson, 40 years with

Alliant Energy

Chris Healy, Birthday

Ken & Audrey Hindman

Irv Hubbard

Jon Kabara

Dr. Osamah Khatib

Carol Kleitsch

Nancy Knipper &

Michelle Watters

Regina Licht

Patricia Manders

Dr. William Manzel

Bertha McAleece

Margie McMahon

Ronald L. Metz

Marilyn Meyer

Libby Miller

Bernard L. Murray

Dolores Nauman Family

O’Connell/Shanahan Families

Roxanne Pfab

Eileen Rosenow

Donna K. Sieverding

Margaret Simon

Stephen Spates, MD

Dr. Brian Sullivan

Rev. Penny Thomsen

Bob & Carol Wagner

Wegmann/Horsfield Families

MemorialsLavon Abitz

Jeanne Adams

Margaret E. Adolphs

Clarence J. “Jim” Ahmann

John Altfillisch

Carolyn Anderson

John R. Anderson

Mary Jo Anderson

Luane C. Anglin

Edith Apel

Mona Arbogast

Mrs. Lee Arthofer

Robert L. Ball

Grace R. Banfield

Monica Barrett

Richard Bartell

Darrel & Roberta Barth

Paul Barton

Marshall & Florabelle Bass

Jodi Bausman

Leta Beadle

Catherine Bechen

Kay Beinborn

John Bell

Donald Bennett

Melvin Bennett

Theresa Benson

Marvin Berg

Marguerite Berndt

Emma Berning

Betty Berrie

Robert M. Bertsch

Clarence & Wilfred Bettcher

Carmen J. Bickert

Lina Bilka

Milton Blosch

Sylvia Blum

Donald Boardman

Betty Boge

Leo G. Boge

Robert Boleyn

Joyce Borgerding

Lois P. Bowerman

Bruce Bowman

Carol A. Boyes

Pete & Harriet Boyes

Dorothy Brandel

Mary Elayne Breitbach

Albin Bries

Herbert Brimeyer

Mary & Verle Bryant

Dorothy & Erwin Buelow

Jim Buelow

Robert Buelow

Mary Buesser

Virginia R. Buol

Patricia Burgmeier

Patrick J. Burke

DuWayne Burns

Wilma Burns

Joan Burrows

Francis & Esther Busch

Anne Bussan

Gretchen Bussan

Howard Campbell

Robert Carmack

Peter Carroll

Shirley Cartee

Helen Chapman

Ray Chezer

Agnes Christopherson

Rick Collins

Connolly/McAuliffe Families

Cletus Connolly

Marvin Connolly

Wilbert Connolly

Mary Coohey

Charlotte Cook

Nan Corken

Catherine Cornwell

James Cotant

Maxine Cottrell

Robert F. Cronin

Dorothy Crowley

Ruann Curran

Rosemary C. Cushing

David B. Czarnecki

Donald Davis

James C. Davis

John H. Dean

John L. Dean

Kathy Decker

Mary & William Decker

John Derks

LeRoy Dietrich

Monica Digman

Sandra S. Dix

Richard A. Dolter

Eileen & Bill Donovan

Ivan & Evelyn Dow

Patricia Driscoll

Henry L. Droessler

Robert Drozda

Mary Ellen Duccini

Lorraine Dunkel

Ray Dunne

Norbert Dupont

Eldora Eddy

Alice Eggleston

Bob Eichacker

Sharon Eiffes

Larry Eimers

Elaine D. Einsweiler

Paul & LaVonne Eisbach

William A. Eisbach

Scott Eisenhuth

Dorothy Jean Emerson

Dominic & LouMae English

Scott Ensign

Neil Ernster

Harold Ernzen

Norman D. Faber

Donald Farquar

Jane Federwitz

Thomas L. Feipel

Mary Agnes Feltes

Mary Y. Fleckenstein

Jean Ann Fleege

Florence Flesch

Rosalie Flood

Patsy Foley

Sandy Foster

Kay & Jim Fox

Marylee Fox

Mrs. Madonna J. Frain

Cheryl A. Franzen

Bernadine Freiburger

Steve Frericks

Laura Frey

Earl Friederick

Rosalie Friederick

Katherine Friedman

Joe Frommelt

Phyllis Fry

Edward Funke

Norma J. Furry

Keith Gaber

Doran Gau

Carol M. George

Mary Gette

Bill Giese

Bonnie S. Gloeckner

Elaine Goedken

Richard Gorrell

Jeanne Gott

Darlene Wiegand Graf

Ralph “Red” Graham

Egbert & Margaret Green

Lucy Green

Phyllis Gross

Mary J. “Betty” Grutz

Carol Gudenkauf

Gary A. Gukeisen

Tom & Mike Gulick

Charles Guns

Jim & Lora Habel

Ken Haberman

Frank & Carma Hall

Teresa Hall

William R. Hallahan, Sr.

Charlotte Hanley

John H. “Doc” Hanley

Michael Hanson

Thomas H. Hantelmann

Kenneth Harris

Peggy & James Harrison

Agnes Squire Hartig

David Stuber Hartig

Hazle Hartshorn

Ralph Haxmeier

Earl & Jean Hayes

Marcie Heer

Matt Hefel

Eileen Heiberger

Patricia Heiberger

June Heiderscheit

Ruth E. Heike

Kathryn Heim

Olive Heim

Dennis Heinricy

Carl Heitz

Clara Heitzman

Merlin Helbing

Matt Helle

Robert Helling

Elizabeth Henker

Peter A. Henrichs

Harry G. Herold

Claude Hill

Mr & Mrs Courtland Hillyard

Beverly Hodge

Evelyn Hohnecker

Ken Holthaus

Eleanor Honda

Zeta Hoppenjan

Thomas W. Hoppman

Virginia Hoppmann

Harold Hoeweler

Art & Alvina Hoxmeier

Marge Hrynkow

Diane M. Hubbard

JoAnn Hunstad

Lorlee Ann Ihm

William “Bill” Ihm

Edwin C. Jertson

Barbara Johnson

Pauline Johnson

Marie Johnston

Donald Jungk

George Kahler

Jean & Bob Kaiser

Justin (J.T.) Kaiser

Ron Kann

Ed Karwoski

Linda Kauffmann

Virginia Kean

Dee Kelley

Linda Kelley

Mary V. Kenneally

Iola Mae Kerper

George Ketoff, Jr.

Amy L. Kienzle

George Kinmonth

I. W. Kircher

H. Wayne & Marion L. Kirmse

Mary Kirsch

Emmet Klein

Robert Kleinschrodt

Carl F. “Dutch” Knautz

Raymond Koenig

Betty Koerperich

Tilly Konrardy

Carol Konzen

Jack Kramer

Bill & Gert Kraus

Veronica Kremer

Marie Kronlage

Ed & Helen Krueger

Arnold Kueter

Gregory Kueter

Stella Krug

Howard Kuhl

Robert G. Kueter

Elmer F. Kunkel

Mark Kupferschmidt

Betty Kurt

Mary Lou Kurt

Kelli Kutsch

Cyril J. Lahey

Theresa Lahey

Robert & Darlene Lange

Myrene Lattner

Mae Laughlin

Bruce Lauritsen

Irene Lawson

Becki LeClere

Audrey Lee

Sally A. Leeser

Florence M. Leifker

Anita Lenz

Terry Leshock

Ellie Leuchs

Mike Levins

Mary Susan Lewis

Jack & Lenore Leytem

Dennis Licht

Elsie L. Lightcap

Bob Lindauer

Dale Linden

Lyle P. Link

Sylvester Link

Stanley & Mary Logsdon

Donald Lombardi

John & Ruth Ludescher

Dick Ludwig

John Lyden

Garland Lynch

Jeanette C. Lynch

Helen Maiers

Ronald N. Maiers

Richard Majerus

Frank & Dale Makovec

Steve W. Makovec

Luella Manternach

Orland Manternach

Mrs. Paulene Marsden

Alvin Marshall

Marilyn Martin

Amelia Mazzanti

Hilda McCarron

Donald “Joe” McCarthy

Tania McClain

Delbert McCullough

Marien McDermott

Elinor McDevitt

Patricia & Wayne McDonnell

James McGeeney

Charles McKinney

Patricia McLaughlin

Isobel McPhail

Richard McQuillen

Diane Meehan

Elsie Meehan

A.L. “Gus” Meloy

Mr. & Mrs. Cyril Meloy

Louis G. Metz

Jerome J. Meyer

Melvin E. Meyer

Verda Meyer

Robert Miehe

Mildred Miller

Shirley A. Miller

Shirley L. Miller

Margaret Miner

George Mootz

Ed Mottet

Harold & Hank Muchow

Pat Mulgrew

Gemma Myers

Charles Nauman

Diane Nauman

Henry Nauman

Bob & Charlotte Neenan

Shawna Neis

Richard Nesteby

Catherine “Kay” Neyens

8

Hospice of Dubuque is committed to respecting your privacy. You have received the Hospice of Dubuque newsletter because you or a familymember have used Hospice of Dubuque services, have made a donation or have volunteered for one of our fundraisers. You can be assuredwe will never disclose our mailing list to anyone for any reason. If you would prefer to have your name taken off the list, or choose toreceive the newsletter by email, please contact us at 563.582.1220 or info@hospiceofdubuque.org.

Thank you to the followingorganizations that haveprovided matching gifts toHospice of Dubuque:

Alliant Energy Foundation

Matching Gifts

Grainger Matching Charitable

Gifts

IBM Employee Charitable

Contribution Campaign

McGraw Hill Employee Giving

Campaign

Mae Noel

Wayne “Bud” Noel

Claire & Bill Noonan

Maleta Norman

Alois Oberbroeckling

Cleone O’Brien

Steven O’Brien

Mr & Mrs Francis O’Connor

Del O’Hea

Charlotte O’Rourke

Margaret Odem

Pearl Ohnesorge

Lester A. Osterhaus

Juanita Ostwinkle

LeRoy Pape

Patricia Papenthien

Dale Patton

Ruth Perkins

Walter F. Peterson

Carl J. Pfeifer

Carl & Frances Pfeiler

Carol L. Phillips

Dorothy Phillips

Bob Pierce

Richard C. Pike

Arthur Pins

Clarence J. Pins

Loretta Pitz

Donald Ploessl

Lavern Ploessl

Joan & Reading Pollitt

Clarence & Myrtle Porter

Arthur Potter

Lenore Prandy

Fred Price

Angela Prieto

Thomas Prochaska

Jan Quere

Ardith Ransdell

Rawson Family

Eunice Redding

Alice Reed

Fred Reiter

Judy Rettenmeier

Ann T. Richardson

Katie Ridenour

Jean T. Riesberg

Jeanette Rigdon

Shirley Riniker

George & Susanna Robey

Mr & Mrs Joe Rokusek

Lawrence C. Roloff

Benjamin Rosenthal

Charles “Chuck” Rosenthal

John & Irene Rosenthal

Jeanette Rottinghaus

Jack Ruley

Gerald & Mary Runde

Selma Ruth Saeugling

Hipolito Sanchez

Mike Sand

Joyce Sanderson

Kenzo Sato, MD

Viola Scharpf

Lois Steffen Scherbring

Joseph & Greta Schiessl

Donald R. Schlader

Margaret Schleicher

John A. Schlueter

Patricia Schlueter

Philip, Steven & Karen

Schlueter

Jim Schmid

Delores “Jean” Schmidt

Gerald Schmitt

Dr. James Peter Schmitz

Edward Schneider, Jr.

Erwin Schneider

Mary Ellen Schroeder

Otto “O.J.” Schultes

Jean Schuster

Frank J. Schwartz

Colleen Schwers

Rita M. Schwendinger

Clarence Sedbrook

Axel Seikola

Gloria M. Shearer

Lillian Sherlock

Lawrence & Ramona Sherman

Lucille Sieverding

Jim Sigman

Mark Sigman

Merlin Simon

John Sindahl

Raymond Slattery

George W. Smith

Herb & Rosemary Smith

Marjorie A. Smith

Donna Smock

Armella & Vincent Snyder

John Snyder

Joe Spark

Adelaide M. Spielman

Charles M. Spielman

Dorothy Splinter

Ione M. Spoerre

Robert Spofford

Laura K. Stafford

Maureen Ann Steele

Ralph & Florence Steffan

Calista Steffen

Julius Steffen

Walt Steger

Donald Steil

Bob Steuck

Robert Steuer

Anna Stevens

Rita R. Stevenson

Joseph Stieber

Melvin Stillmunkes

Vertus Stillmunkes

Bill Streif

Andy Strittmatter

Lorine “Rene” Strumberger

George Sudmeier

Herbert & Ambrose Tauke

Dorothy Taylor

Jolene Temperley

Mary & Melden Temperly

August “Bud” Thill

Ann Thompson

Alfred Tigges

Robert Timmerman

Norma Timmers

Viola Tjarks

Anna Mae Tobin

Florence Tranel

Art Trausch

Bob Trilk

Bernice F. Troester

Mark, Betty & Dick Turnis

Jeannette Udell

Edna Udelhofen

Tony Van Natta

Herbert Van Zile

Mary Jane Vincent

Betty Vogel

Walter Voigts

Hank Waechter

Caroline Wagner

John D. Wagner

Dave Walech

Ronald Walters

Rose Walton

Bernard Weber, Jr.

Bernard Weber, Sr.

Phil Weber

David Wegmann

Patricia Weidemann

Lynne Welter

Daniel Welu

Dick Werner

Mrs. Josephine Wheeler

Werner Wiese

Patricia J. Willett

James Williams

Marie Wilwert

Sheila Winch

Lorraine Wise

Dana Witt

Jeanette Wolf

Eldon Wolfe

Margaret Wood

LeRoy F. Wubben

Muriel Young

Ernie Zalaznik

Norman A. Zeckser

Norman Zepeski

Groups orBusinesses

Addoco, Inc.

American Home Patient

American-Iowa Mfg.

Berger Benefit

Catholic Daughters of America

Court #1287

Curtis-Straub Co.

Dubuque Bank & Trust Co.

Dubuque Rheumatology, P.C.

Dubuque Thunderbirds

Booster Club

Dunleith Township Community

Durrant Group

E. J. Voggenthaler Co.

Holy Family Church, Peosta

Immanuel Women’s Fellowship

Medline

Mississippi Valley

Running Assoc.

St. Raphael’s Cathedral

Sunset Park Place

The Friedman Group

The Market House Restaurant

United Methodist Women,

Galena

Westminster Presbyterian

Women, Galena

Women of the Moose

Wa-Tan-Ye Club

9

Thank you to the families and friends of Hospice of Dubuque who sent cards, provided gifts

or made a donation in place of a gift exchange or in memory of a loved one throughout the

holiday season. We appreciate your gesture of support.

A group of musiciansfrom Hempstead HighSchool arrived at theHospice of Dubuqueoffice to spread someholiday cheer byChristmas caroling forthe staff. We thankthem for brighteningour day.

Congratulations to ...Hospice of Dubuque Volunteers ...Ellen Coughlin on her marriage to Quentin Maxwell, October 23.

Ellen Berning, and her husband John, on the birth of their

grandchildren, Damien Matthew Brown, Tessa Ann Belken, Truman

Vincent Oberfoell and Aloysius Elroy Berning. Damien was born

March 26 to Tina and Jeff Brown, Tessa on August 24 to Jolene and

Terry Belken, Truman on September 25 to Becky and Bob Oberfoell

and Aloysius on November 4 to Matthew & Natalie Berning.

Jim Kean, and his wife Kathy, on their 50th wedding anniversary.

Connie Bries and her husband Ron, on the birth of their

granddaughter, Selah Nettie Foster. Selah was born November 25 to

Tammy and Pedro Foster of San Diego.

Bev Rech, on the birth of her great grandson, Maxwell Paul Rodgers.

Maxwell was born September 14 to Alicia and Ben Rodgers.

Linda Goldsmith, and her husband Jeff, on the birth of their

granddaughter, Madeline Weil Sherrod. Madeline was born

December 10 to Melissa and Brandon Sherrod.

Hospice of Dubuque Staff ...Kathy Pitz, and her husband Harv, on the birth of their granddaughter,

Ellie Kathryn Pitz. Ellie was born October 19 to Brian and Megan

Pitz.

Jen Cavanagh, and her husband Brad, on the birth of their son,

Andrew Michael Cavanagh. Andrew was born October 19 and joins

brother Sam in the Cavanagh home.

Barb Kennicker, and her husband David, on the birth of their

grandson Lucas Kelly. Lucas was born November 10 to Amy and

Travis Jackson. Amy is also the Speech Therapist at Hospice of

Dubuque.

Amy Jewell, on the birth of her granddaughter, Bronwynn Noel.

Bronwynn was born November 11 to Lexi Jewell and Josiah Schadle.

Hospice of Dubuque Board ...Sue Bushman, ARNP, for being inducted into the NICC Hall of

Fame. Sue received this honor for her 35 years of work in the health

care industry.

Hospice of Dubuque bids farewell to Hospice Aide Jane Schadle, Team Nurse Ruth Turnis and Community Relations Facilitator Shelby

Wartick in November. We wish Jane and Ruth happy retirements, and we wish Shelby well in her new endeavors.

Hospice of Dubuque welcomes ...Amy Mescher recently joined the Hospice of Dubuque team as a Hospice Aide. Amy has 13 years of experience

and is also attending NICC to further her education in health care. The blessings in Amy’s life are her three children,

Samuel, Jacob and Sarah. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, nature, her horse, Leo, and dogs,

Charlie, Marley and Duke.

... and bids farewell

10

A heartfelt thank you to Darlene Conzett for her years of service on the Hospice of Dubuque Board

of Directors. Since 1987, Darlene has completed two nine-year terms on the Board. During her

tenure, Darlene chaired the committee that conducted the Medicare feasibility study, served as

newsletter editor for ten years, served as board president for two terms and board secretary for a

number of years. She also helped with staff education for the conversion to clinical software in

2001. Darlene was named the Hospice of Dubuque Volunteer of the Year in 1994.

Sympathy to ... Hospice of Dubuque Staff ...Rosie Carr, on the death of her brother, Cletus Connolly,

November 2.

Angela Nauman, on the death of her mother-in-law, Diane

Nauman, December 18.

Hospice of Dubuque Board ...Eileen LeMay on the death of her mother, Angela Prieto,

November 14.

Lisa Tyler, ARNP, has joined the Hospice of Dubuque team as the organization’s first nurse

practitioner. She will help implement the agency’s response to new Medicare regulations.

(See article on page 4) Lisa earned her MSN as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Clarke College

in 2001, and practices in the Acute Care Department at Medical Associates. We appreciate Lisa’s

willingness to take on additional part-time duties at Hospice of Dubuque and look forward to her

participation as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team.

11

Welcome new volunteersEleven people completed the seven week volunteer

education program in the fall of 2010. David Blake,

Grace Clemen, Judie Harron, Diane Hartogh, Mary

Ellen Jensen, Betty Kremer, Susie Marino, Judy

McDermott, Roberta Oberhoffer, Gerald Slattery and

Bev Unsen are now qualified to be direct patient care

volunteers. Congratulations and thank you to these

generous individuals.

Greg Birkett honored as the 2011Dr. Larry Kukla Volunteer of the YearGreg Birkett was awarded the 2011 Dr. Larry Kukla Volunteer of the Year

Award on December 2 at the annual Hospice of Dubuque Volunteer Open

House. Greg became a member of the Hospice of Dubuque Board of

Directors in 2002 and has served two terms as Board President. Throughout

this time he attended and sponsored many community events for Hospice

of Dubuque while serving on, and chairing, the Public Relations Committee.

Greg spearheaded the building of the 25th Anniversary float and could be

seen pulling the float in many of the area

parades. As the chairperson of the Ad

Hoc Space Committee, Greg was

instrumental in moving the organization

to its present location, recruiting and

supervising volunteers for the initial

demolition of the new building and

attending the weekly construction and

renovation meetings. His dedication to

the building project included many

additional hours of oversight and

follow-up. Thank you, Greg, for taking

this leadership role and being a true

advocate for Hospice of Dubuque.

Congratulations!

Happy NewYear!

A gracious manThe entire staff of Hospice of Dubuque was

saddened by the death of volunteer, Bob

Drozda, on October 27. We extend our sincere

sympathy to his family and friends and are

thankful for the time and talents he shared

with others as a Hospice of Dubuque

volunteer. Bob was the Hospice of Dubuque

Volunteer of the Year for 2006.

2011 VolunteerIn-service CalendarMary Franzen, Volunteer Coordinator

***All meetings will be held at 6:00 pm at the Hospice of Dubuque office at 1670 JFK Road unless otherwise noted.

January 27, 2011Join in the fun of ballot counting for BestFest. Please call

Mary or Linda at 582.1220 prior to the 27th if you are

interested in helping. Vote counting will take place from

6 to 8 pm.

Be sure to check the website for meeting information

for February and March. As usual, volunteers will be

contacted by phone or email regarding upcoming

meetings.

________________________________________

Volunteer mileage reminderVolunteers should remember to keep track ofmileage associated with patient visits or otherHospice of Dubuque related events at which theyare volunteering their time. These miles may beused for a deduction on your taxes.

On December 2, Hospice of

Dubuque Volunteers enjoyed the

annual Christmas Open House

and received their 2010 Christmas

ornament.

12

1670 JFK Road, Dubuque, IA 52002

A quarterly publication of Hospice of Dubuque Volume 23, Number 4Winter 2011

Our MissionProviding compassionate care for the terminally ill and their loved ones

www.hospiceofdubuque.org

Nonprofit Org.US Postage

PAIDDubuque, IowaPermit No. 1052

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Mark Your Calendar!

Bowling for Hospice - January 29

BestFest - March 3

Dancing with the Stars - April 16

Tree of Life - May 24

For more information on these events or how to participate, please call563.582.1220 or check out www.hospiceofdubuque.org

“I have been a caregiver

for three or four people

who have been under

hospice care and in my

estimation they experience

such a peaceful, tranquil

death. It makes death a

positive experience rather

than one to be feared.

You do a marvelous job.

Dignity is maintained

in life and death.”

Jane A. WagnerBestFest 2010