Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services would like to invite you to join us in supporting the local benefit, Getting Together for Gaddis. On Friday, March 29th from 7-11pm, the community will join together in helping Sgt. Gaddis and his family. Join us for food, drinks, and fun to remind the Gaddis family that no one fights alone.
SGT Gaddis began his career with the Willowbrook Police Department in the summer of 1987. He’s served for over 30 years and is most well known as the department’s first K-9 officer. In June of 2006, then Officer Gaddis met his partner Icha. The two quickly became inseparable, and she continued to be a valued member of the Gaddis family after her retirement. Dave and his family began their battle over 2-years ago when his wife, Vickie, was diagnosed with tongue cancer. Dave has been by her side through thick and thin and has always tried to keep a sense of normalcy for their three sons. In May 2018, they got some good news: Dave was finally promoted to Sergeant. Just a few short months later though, Dave was diagnosed with stomach cancer. SGT Gaddis is committed to beating the odds and continues to work with his team of doctors to find the best treatment plan out there. Dave and Vickie continue to stay positive and are focused on the road ahead.
If you’re wondering about how you can help, consider sponsoring the event! Here are the sponsorship level breakdowns:
$100: Company name in the event program
$250: The above plus your name added to the big screen at the event
$500: The above plus your name added to the back of the t-shirt
$1,000: All of the above plus two tickets to the event, a t-shirt, and a challenge coin
If you’d still like to donate but don’t want to sponsor the event, you can also donate gift cards, tickets to sporting and entertainment events, wine/liquor, or products and services.
Tickets are $35 each for 21+ and $20 for 20 and under (must leave before 10pm). You can save $5 by purchasing your ticket in advance. If you’d like to learn more about Getting Together for Gaddis, please visit the benefit website here.
While many people are sadly not blessed with a long and happy life, there eventually comes a point in life that everyone, at some time or another must face. The body that was once reliable and strong becomes weak and sickly. Age begins to become an enemy of sorts, introducing a multitude of problems that can be challenging and painful to those experiencing them.
When this happens, when the body no longer has the energy or capacity to properly fight off debilitating disease, many choose to spend their final days in hospice care. It’s a difficult decision to make; in fact, for many, simply hearing the word “hospice” can cause an immediate sense of sorrow and dismay at a person’s current health situation. But often, having a better understanding of what’s to come can help ease the pain and anxiety those impacted constantly experience.
Hospice care is a type of care and philosophy of care that focuses on the palliation of a chronically and terminally ill patients, their pain and symptoms, and attending to their emotional and spiritual needs during an indescribably difficult time. According to WebMD, a patient may enter a program if your doctor states that you have a terminal illness and that death can be expected in 6-months or less. They can stay in hospice beyond that time if your doctor and the team decide they still have only a short time to live.
Once a person has been admitted to hospice care, whether at home or in a facility, the patient’s team will come up with a special plan just for you and your loved ones. They will focus on making pain and symptoms better while providing regular checkups. A doctor -- either the patient’s individual doctor or one connected with a program -- will give medical care while nurses and aids also provide medical assistance and help with bathing, dressing, cleaning, and cooking.
Choosing to place a loved one in hospice care is certainly not an easy decision; after all, for every person that is special to you, it is always too soon to say goodbye, and you hate to think of someone you love in a suffering state. But being properly informed about this final life stage, and the exceptional care people receive once they are in this situation, can only be described as comforting. Our team at Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services trusts the 5-star rated St. Thomas Hospice. For more information on Hospice Care and for any and all help regarding funeral arrangements, call our Berwyn location at 708-484-4111 or our Willowbrook location at 630-325-2300.
When one of our military services members passes away, we want to honor them for all the heroic efforts they made. This is why the Flag Code was created and outlines how to honor our Veterans when they pass. Below are a few rules and common questions when it comes to funeral flags.
Draping the Flag
Closed casket: when the casket is completely closed, the union (blue field) is at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased. This is said symbolize the flag embracing the deceased who in life served the flag.
Half couch (open): a flag used to drape a half couch casket should be placed three layers to cover the closed portion of the casket so that the blue field of the flag will be the top fold, and will be next to the open part of the casket.
Full couch (open): when the flag is being used to drape a full couch casket, it should be folded into a triangular shape and placed in the center of the head panel, just above the left shoulder of the deceased.
During a funeral ceremony for a military veteran, the flag that was used to drape the casket will be held waist high above the grave by the pallbearers, and will be folded immediately following the playing of “Taps.” After the flag is folded, it will be presented to the family of the fallen soldier.
Funeral Honors
Funeral Honors are described as, “the ceremonial paying of respect and the final demonstration of the country’s gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, have faithfully defended our nation. Members of the funeral honors detail fold and present the American flag to the veteran’s survivor and ‘Taps’ is sounded,” according to the Department of Defense Military Funeral Support. When the flag is presented to the next of kin the following language will be used as well, “On behalf of the President of the United States, (the United States Army; the United States Marine Corps; the United States Navy; or the United States Air Force), and a grateful Nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.”
Special thanks to Kerkstra's Cleaners in Burr Ridge. They are kind enough to beautifully press all the American Flags we present to our deceased Veterans. If you’ve lost a loved one that served our country, and aren’t sure how to proceed with the funeral, the experts at Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services can take care of the details. If you’d like to learn more about Military Funeral Honors, please visit the FAQ page here.
It’s a subject that no one likes to think about, but unfortunately, it’s a painful reality that everyone must face. There will come a time, whether it’s tomorrow, next year, or ten years from now, when someone you love will no longer be with you.
No one knows when or how that’s going to happen; it’s impossible to predict if that special person will be taken away from you suddenly or gradually. Who can determine that the last time you see them really is the last time, or if you have countless visits before you? That’s why we are firm believers in the sentiment. “Treat each day like it’s your last.” But all of us at Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services also want to add one more saying to the common vernacular; “Treat everyone in your life as if it’s the last time you will ever see them.”
If life teaches us anything , it’s that it’s precious and much too short. We cannot waste any time dwelling in bitterness and unhappiness. Of course not every relationship is sunny and uncomplicated; everyone goes through their personal issues. But again, that precious life of yours and members of your family could be gone in a moment. How would you feel if your parting words were words of anger and resentment? Could you deal with the guilt you could feel if you no longer had the opportunity to repair a broken relationship?
Too many families we encounter in our line of work are ones that are dealing with regret. What if we wouldn’t have had that awful fight? Would things be different if we made up sooner? What would I say to them if I had one more chance to tell them I loved them, if I knew this was goodbye?
Death is a painful yet inevitable experience of life; we will all suffer the loss of dear friends and family members at some point in our life’s journey. That is outside of our control. But what is in our control is how we value those people while they are still here. Maintain the relationships that you currently hold most dear, and do whatever it takes to rebuild the bonds that, for one reason or another, were broken.
Plan your loved one’s service with comfort and peace, rather than pain and regret, with your friends and experts at Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Visit our website and contact us with your personal questions about planning your loved one’s service. We’d be honored to help you in your grief.
Losing a loved one is difficult, but having a special piece of them can make the loss easier. That’s where Legacy Likeness comes in. With Legacy Likeness, you can have a piece of your loved one that’ll last you forever, and bear extreme likeness, as if they were there with you. Continue reading about Legacy Likeness to learn more about how you can get your own personalized piece of your loved one.
What is Legacy Likeness?
Legacy Likeness creates personalized face masks and funeral urns for families who have recently lost a loved one.
How Does it Work?
To create our works of art, we need an actual person to take an accurate measurement and create a piece of work. This means that a photograph cannot be used to take measurements from. While we prefer to work with the living, we will also work with families and funeral service providers when someone has passed away.
How Much Does it Cost?
Our scanning services and computer renderings will cost you nothing. You pay when you commission a piece, or ask us to store your data for later use.
How is the Mask or Urn Made?
Getting measured is easy, painless, and fast. A capture session will last around 15 minutes to an hour depending on the anticipated work request. You can come to our studio in Hinsdale, IL, or for a small fee, we’ll come to the comfort of your home. A signature of authorization and release is required prior to having the cast made, and minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
How Do I Commission Work?
Keep in mind that our work cannot be created from a photograph, so time is of the essence. In order to capture a likeness, we will need to have access to an actual person. While we prefer to scan someone prior to passing, we can scan someone who is recently departed. After scanning, you’ll receive an email notifying you when the subject is ready for review. This will usually take place 24-48 hours after a scan. Once you authorize the commission, our system will keep you updated on the progress of your work from start to finish.
Adolf Funeral Home Services is proud to partner with Legacy Likeness, so if you’d like your own commissioned piece of art, contact us today at our Berwyn location at 708-484-4111, and at our Willowbrook location at 630-325-2300. You can also visit our website to learn more about our funeral services.
The death of a loved one is a traumatic and pivotal experience, and it is only normal that children will cope in different ways. A child’s age, how close they were to the person who died, and the support they receive, are all factors as to how a child will carry on.
Parents or guardians can do a few things to ease this loss, helping a child not only cope with the loss, but easing the transition to living a daily life without the loved one.
Breaking the news. A child should be told immediately that somebody has died. Hearing adults whisper or worse, hearing the news from somebody else, can be very disconcerting. When talking to your child about death, use simple and clear words, approaching them in a caring fashion. Begin by saying “I have some very sad news to tell you. Grandpa died today.” Do not use euphemisms as a child doesn’t understand them(“Passed away” or “Gone to sleep”).
Listen. Now is the time to listen. Children will react different to the news that a loved one has died. While some kids will cry, others will ask questions, and others may not seem to react at all. All of this is normal. Stay with your child, offer hugs, reassurance, and listen without interrupting.
Feelings into words. Encourage your children to talk about what they're feeling in the days, weeks, and months following the death. Talk about your own feelings but use caution. For example, if a grandparent has died, but you may not have had a good relationship with her, avoid saying anything negative about the deceased. It is best to say something like “I know you're feeling very sad today about Grandma. I know you loved her and I did too. “
What to expect now that the person has died. If the deceased has been a normal part of a child’s daily routine, explain to them how they will move on. For example, “Uncle Bill will pick you up from soccer like Grandma used to.” Or, if you need to leave your child for a couple days to assist others in the transition explain, “I need to stay with Aunt Patty for a few days. This means you and your sister will be at home with Dad till Friday. I’ll call you every day , and I’ll be back by Monday.”
What to expect from the funeral. Let them know that there will be crying and people will be sad. Explain about an open casket. Be matter of fact. Let them know that attending a funeral is their choice. Do not push them. Funerals are good for closure, but again it is up to your child if they should attend.
Keep in mind that even the most well behaved children will get upset at a funeral. If you decide a funeral may be too intense for your child, there are other ways to say goodbye to a loved one. Planting a tree, releasing balloons on a gorgeous day, or displaying a potted plant are all ways to honor the loved one's life.
Repeated Questions. Know that repeated questions, whether when you inform a child or in the coming weeks or months, are normal. Repeated questions are not really for factual information about the death as they are for reassurance that the story hasn’t changed.
Discussing an afterlife. If you are religious and have beliefs about an afterlife, then by all means discuss it. If you are not religious, you can explain to a child that a loved one lives on in our heart and in our daily activities.
By explaining in simple terms, giving your child a role, and explaining information beforehand, your child has control over these traumatic events. If a child feels in control and involved, their loss will be greatly eased.
The Adolf Family provides the service expertise, guidance, and understanding that is needed during one of the most difficult and emotional times in an individual’s life. For more information please visit us Adolf Funeral Home & Cremation Services .
It is a sad fact that few of us want to think about none of us live forever. If you have a person in your life that is elderly or very ill, approaching a loved one about their final wishes is challenging. Chances are, your loved one has already given some of this sensitive topic some thought already. In many ways, approaching them and bringing the subject up can also be of some relief.
The topic of death is never easy and pre-planning funeral arrangements isn’t necessarily on the loved ones to do list. Here are some things to consider:
Time and Place: Let your loved one know that perhaps the two of you need to find a couple of moments to talk about their final wishes. Giving your loved one the heads up that you’ll be discussing this topic gives them an opportunity to ruminate, preventing them from being caught off guard.
Written Documentation: While speaking to somebody about their final wishes is a sensitive subject, do not forget the importance of documents. We are not talking about a will or trust, which is a documentation regarding a deceased property. You will need a document for your loved one’s final wishes. This paper or online document should include details on the remains of the body, the funeral event, and venue. This avoids arguing between adult children and other relatives as the deceased wishes have been clearly defined and stated.
Many choices: Does your loved one want a traditional funeral in a stately church? Or a low-key memorial in a park or on a beach. If your loved ones start to feel overwhelmed, .gently suggest reviewing and meeting again. People want to do the right thing but religion, family beliefs, and existing finances may be too disconcerting for them to process. Let your loved one know they do not need to give specifics immediately but urge them to meet with you again.
Have The Talk of a Lifetime: The National Funeral Directors Association in Brookfield, WI has developed a program to help families have this important conversation with their loved ones. The program focuses on honoring the ones you love and memorializing them in a meaningful way. For more information visit their website.
Think of this plan for your final wishes as a gift you leave behind for your loved ones.
The Adolf Family provides the service expertise, guidance, and understanding that is needed during one of the most difficult and emotional times in an individual’s life. For more information please visit us Adolf Funeral Home & Cremation Services .
