Huebner Funeral Home, Charter Oak Chapel Obituaries

Introduction to Huebner Funeral Home, Charter Oak Chapel

Huebner Funeral Home, Charter Oak Chapel is a trusted and compassionate funeral home located in the heart of Charter Oak, Iowa. With a rich history and commitment to serving the local community, this funeral home has established itself as a beacon of hope and support during difficult times. In this article, we will delve into the services, facilities, and values that make Huebner Funeral Home, Charter Oak Chapel a standout in the industry.

A Brief History of Huebner Funeral Home

Huebner Funeral Home has a long and storied history that dates back many years. Founded on the principles of compassion, respect, and dedication, this funeral home has been serving the Charter Oak community with dignity and care. Over the years, the funeral home has remained family-owned and operated, ensuring that the personal touch and attention to detail are never lost. Today, Huebner Funeral Home continues to build on its legacy, providing exceptional service to families in need.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Janice Klinker - July 03, 1938 - July 28, 2023

Departed: 07/28/2023 (Charter Oak)

Obituary Preview: Janice Dorothy Klinker was born to Raymond and Vlasta (Bielenberg) Jensen on July 3, 1938, in Schleswig, Iowa. She was baptized on September 4, 1938, at Frieden's Evangelical Church in Schleswig. As a young child, the family lived in Holstein and later moved to a farm near Ida Grove. Janice graduated from Ida Grove High School with the class of 1957. During school, Janice sang in the choir, was consistently on the honor roll and won many spelling bees. After high school, Janice worked in the Iowa Better Trucking Bureau for Harold Hughes, the eventual governor of Iowa, and Harold invited Janice to be his personal secretary at the Capitol.

During this time, Janice and her sister, Ardis enjoyed going to local dances and that's where she met the love of her life, Norman Klinker. Janice turned down the job offer with Harold Hughes and married Norman on April 12, 1959, at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak. The couple was blessed with the birth of five children. They made their home on a farm near Charter Oak and she stayed busy as a homemaker. She was an amazing seamstress and thoroughly enjoyed it. She made several matching outfits for the family, a suit for Norman and dresses for the baby dolls. Janice was famous for her Special K bars. She was later employed by Sullivan Supply, sewing various items.

Janice was a member of St. John Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Women's Missionary League. She enjoyed monthly gatherings with the Chit Chat Club.

Norman passed away in 2016, and Janice moved to Reed Place after suffering a stroke in 2018. She later moved to Eventide Lutheran Home (now, Gracewell-Eventide) in Denison where she passed away on Friday, July 28, 2023, at the age of 85 years and 25 days.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Norman Klinker; granddaughter, Melissa Juelfs; son-in-law, Mark Juelfs; brother, Melvin (Mary) Jensen; brothers-in-law: Mervin Weber, Merle Ernst, Ben Klinker Jr. and Alvern (Betty) Klinker; and sisters-in-law: Helen (Vernie) Schmidt and Elaine (Bud) Reitz. She is survived by four daughters: Laurie Thornley of Odebolt, Michelle (John) Bernholtz of Denison, Tammy Klinker of Charter Oak, and Angela (Karl) Albertsen of Manning; son, David (Jill) Klinker of Charter Oak; foster son, Dick (Verleen) Richardson of California;12 grandchildren: Michael, Courtney, Ryan (Kristina), Marcy (Justin), Tyler (Miranda), Kysa, Nathan, Emily, Adam, Ava, Liza, and Ben; 13 great-grandchildren: Eli, Gracyn, Walker, Lennyn, Christopher, Stella, Lauryn, Lainey, Londyn, Lexi, Emma, Mason and Maverick; sister, Ardis Weber of Battle Creek; and a sister-in-law, Lois Ernst of Denison.

Visitation with Family Greeting Friends will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 4, 2023 at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak with a funeral service starting at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be held in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Charter Oak. Memorials may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church. Her funeral service will be live streamed on St. John Lutheran Church, Charter Oak Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=st.%20john%20lutheran%20church%2C%20charter%20oak

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Richard Goslar - April 23, 1958 - August 03, 2022

Departed: 08/03/2022 (Charter Oak)

Obituary Preview: Richard Otto Goslar, age 64, of Charter Oak, passed away on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison, Iowa. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 8, 2022, at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak with burial in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery at Charter Oak. Visitation with family present is from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a Prayers Service at 7:00 p.m., on Sunday, August 7, 2022, in the Fellowship Hall at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak.It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard Otto Goslar, aged 64, on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison. Richard was born on April 23, 1958, to Elden and Marge (Gosch) Goslar of Ute. He was baptized on May 11, 1958, and confirmed on March 26, 1972, both at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak. He attended St. John Lutheran School in Charter Oak through eighth grade and graduated from Charter Oak-Ute High School with the class of 1976. Upon graduation, Richard attended Western Iowa Tech Community College in Sioux City and earned his certification as a diesel mechanic. Richard spent most of his career as a diesel mechanic for Schenkelberg Implement in Denison and later, as co-owner of LaBeGo/B & G Repair in Ute. He also worked for Berne Coop in Ute as a mechanic and then truck driver. The last few years he enjoyed helping his brother Bubba during harvest.On July 23, 1983, Richard was united in marriage to Kathy (Patrick) at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak. They were blessed with two children, Molly and Jacob.Richard truly had one of the most genuine, loving, and beautiful souls. He was always the first to lend a helping hand and a kind, encouraging word even in the most trying of times. He could easily light up a room with his contagious smile and ever-positive outlook on life. His strong faith guided his life and inspired those who knew and loved him. He loved to laugh, help with and attend tractor pulls, talk muscle cars, act as disc jockey at family vacations in Okoboji and North Carolina, play cards/games and camp. Above all else, Richard loved his family and friends with all his heart and cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren. Richard was preceded in death by his parents Elden and Marge Goslar; father & mother-in-law, John and Wilma Patrick; brother-in-law Norman Johnston; sister-in-law Jeanie Prunty; and niece Emily Patrick. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Kathy Goslar of Charter Oak; daughter Molly (Nathan) Jensen of Sioux City; son Jacob (Christine) Goslar of Marion; grandchildren: Lucas, Bennett, Clara, and Nora; sister, Sue Johnston of Denison; four brothers: Byron (Rhonda) Goslar of Lake View, Dwight (Letha) Goslar of Ute, Bernie Goslar of Ute, and Gregg (Leslie) Goslar of Ute; brothers & sisters-in-law: Chris (Duane) Pearson of Holstein, Terry Prunty of Texas, John (Cathy) Patrick of Virginia and Mary Patrick (Bob Conrad) of Eddyville; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

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Dorothy Gries - July 29, 1931 - July 08, 2022

Departed: 07/08/2022 (Charter Oak)

Obituary Preview: Dorothy Gries, age 90, of Charter Oak, passed away on Friday, July 8, 2022, at Gracewell in Denison. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak with interment in St. Clair Cemetery at Ute. Visitation will be from 5 PM to 7 PM, with a Prayer Service at 7 PM, on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at Huebner Funeral Home in Charter Oak. Dorothy Ann, daughter of Arthur and Edna (Maack) Naab, was born July 29, 1931, at Charter Oak, Iowa. On September 13, 1931, she was baptized at the Zion Lutheran parsonage in Denison. Dorothy grew up in Charter Oak and attended high school there. On September 8, 1950, Dorothy was united in marriage with Donald Gries at the First Christian Church in Onawa. Shortly thereafter, Don was called to the U.S. Army and served in Okinawa. During his absence, Dorothy lived with her parents in Charter Oak. After Don returned, the couple made their home in Storm Lake where Don finished college. During this time, Dorothy was confirmed on January 25, 1953, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. In 1954, the family moved to Holly Springs and then to Ute where Don taught and coached before becoming Principal and then Superintendent at Charter Oak-Ute Schools. In 1968, Dorothy and Don moved into a new home in Charter Oak with their four children. Dorothy enjoyed hosting Christmas cookie exchanges with the teachers' wives from school. She won numerous cookie contests in Charter Oak.Dorothy was a loving and active wife and mother. She helped Don campaign when he ran for State Representative in the Iowa Legislature and enjoyed clerking for him for sessions during his three terms. Dorothy was a member and faithful church attender at St. John's Lutheran Church in Charter Oak. She enjoyed watching sports on television and in person, baking, crossword puzzles, and watching her children and grandchildren at their school activities. Dorothy was good at picking the winners for the football contests in the Mapleton and Denison newspapers.On Friday, July 8, 2022, Dorothy passed away at Gracewell-Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison at the age of 90 years, 11 months and 9 days.Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 60 years Donald Gries, daughter Charlene Gries, sisters-in-law Helen Naab and Martha Gries, a niece Patti Naab, and two nephews George Gries and Thomas Gries. She is survived by three children: Mark (Melody) Gries of Myerstown, Pennsylvania; Karen McCord of Denison; Kris Anderson of Elk Point, South Dakota; four grandchildren: Emily (Rian) Merrigan of Vermillion, SD; Audrey (Jamie) Dean of Sergeant Bluff; Casey (Tara) Gries of Fort Collins, CO; Christy (Austin) Holgard of Bismark, ND; 13 great-grandchildren: Rory, Reece, Aylah, Monroe, Braylon, Jaxon, Eloise, Waverly, Helen, Rose, George, John and Margaret; a brother Rolan Naab of Lake View; a brother-in-law Terry Gries of San Angelo, TX; two nieces Sheryl (Bruce) Sloan of Savannah, GA, and Toni (Ron) Johnson of Washington, and a nephew Brian Gries of Houston, TX.

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Ernest Poggensee - May 26, 1930 - April 06, 2022

Departed: 04/06/2022 (Charter Oak)

Obituary Preview: Ernest Herman Poggensee was born May 26, 1930 in Odebolt, Iowa, the son of Herman and Elsie (Thies) Poggensee. He was baptized into Christ on October 31, 1930 at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison and later confirmed his faith at Zion on March 25, 1945. He grew up in Denison, attended school, and graduated from Denison Community High School with the Class of 1948. Following graduation, Ernest attained a Bachelor of Science Degree from Dana College in Blair, Nebraska. He began his career teaching in a one room schoolhouse and then worked as an Elementary teacher at the Charter Oak - Ute Schools for many years; retiring in 1993. He was a longtime member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Soldier Township, Charter Oak. He was involved in the Lutheran Laymen's League and taught Sunday School and assisted with teaching confirmation. Ernest enjoyed baking, playing cards, and family gatherings. Above all, he had a strong faith in the Lord and cherished his family. Ernest passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at the Denison Care Center in Denison, attaining the age of ninety-one years, ten months, and eleven days. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: John Poggensee, Alvina Schiernbeck, Walter Poggensee, Minnie Laubscher, baby Louise Poggensee, Louis Poggensee, and Arnold Poggensee. He is survived by his four brothers: Edward Poggensee of California, Robert Poggensee and his wife Marge of Treynor, Donald Poggensee and his wife Pam of Ida Grove, and Herman Poggensee and his wife Jackie of Polk City; two sisters-in-law: Alma Poggensee (John) of Denison and Florence Poggensee (Walt) of Vail; brother-in-law, LaVerne Laubscher (Minnie) of Washington; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at the Huebner Funeral Home in Charter Oak. A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Soldier Township, Charter Oak. A graveside service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 14, 2022 in the Arcadia Cemetery in Arcadia. Memorials may be directed to the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Soldier Township, Charter Oak.

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Elaine Staley - January 07, 1931 - March 18, 2022

Departed: 03/18/2022 (Charter Oak)

Obituary Preview: Elaine Mary Kenkel Staley was born on January 7, 1931 near Earling, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph and Antoinette (Blum) Kenkel. She passed away March 18, 2022 at Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison, Iowa at the age of ninety-one. Elaine grew up on a farm with her seven siblings. She attended St. Joseph School in Earling and graduated in 1948. On April 15, 1952, she was united in marriage to Marvin Staley. The couple settled on the Staley family farm near Charter Oak. Marvin and Elaine were blessed with the birth of two children, Nancy and Randy. They moved into Charter Oak in 1990 and Randy and his family moved to the Staley Century family farm to continue the farming heritage. Elaine was a true partner on the farm, helped in the field, tended a huge garden, canned fruits and vegetables, made many apple pies, sewed clothes, embroidered gifts and made quilts for all the grandchildren. She was a great cook and baker. All of these skills were passed on to her daughter and influenced Nancy to become a home economics teacher. She was the grandmother that we all aspire to be! She lovingly shared her strengths of faith, caring, honesty and being practical with her children and grandchildren. Elaine is remembered for her warm smile and her fashionable dress with jewelry to match! Elaine was an active member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church, and a member of the Altar Society, including being chair of the group. She taught first grade religion classes for many years. She was involved in the neighborhood Chit Chat Club, and a couple's card club. Vacationing and playing cards with family and friends were highlights in her life. Elaine loved living at Reed Place with her twin and best friend, Germaine, from 2014-2020. The effects of dementia necessitated a move to Eventide in 2020.Elaine is survived by her daughter Nancy Jenson and her husband Doug of Ames; daughter-in law Patty Staley of Charter Oak; five grandchildren: Amy Griffin and her husband Patrick and their children, Mason and Mallory of Ames; Andrea Patch and her husband Jon and their children, Claire, Kate, Matthew, and Mary of Cincinnati, Ohio; Alex Jenson and his wife Jessica and their son Emmett, of Ankeny; Craig Staley and his wife Lindsay and their children, Hudson and Grace of Omaha; Jim Staley and his wife Jessica and their children, Ace, Ella, Mia, Charlotte, and Cecilia of Charter Oak. Two brothers also survive her: Joe Kenkel and his wife Loretta of Earling and George Kenkel and his wife Bonnie of Harlan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin; her son, Randy; her great grandson, Luke Benedict Patch; her parents; stepmother Irene (Swanson) Kenkel; siblings and their spouses, Germaine and Donald Staley; Bernice and Leonard Bissen, Fr. Benedict Kenkel, Sister Kathleen Kenkel, and Robert and Maxine Kenkel. Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Charter Oak, Iowa. Fr. Shinoj Jose served as Celebrant of the Mass with interment in the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery. Pianist Andrea Christians provided accompaniment for congregational hymns "Seek Ye First" and "Sing to the Mountains." Andrea Patch served as cantor, Amy Griffin & Alex Jenson served as soloists, Ace Staley & Mason Griffin served as altar servers, Jim Staley served as Eucharistic Minister, Allen Staley, Ella Staley, Claire Patch & Mallory Griffin served as lectors, and Kate Patch, Mia, Hudson, Grace and Charlotte Staley served as gift bearers. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Godchildren of Elaine & Marvin: Jeanine Rowell, Sherry Frost, Mary Bottoms and Ann Gohr. Serving as pallbearers were Tom Staley, Paul Staley, Rick Staley, Bob Staley, Terry Kenkel and Roger Kenkel. Following the burial, the family invited everyone to the Charter Oak Community Building for a time of fellowship and lunch. The Huebner Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Any funds given to the family will be donated to organizations that were close to Elaine's heart.

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Joseph Weed - March 09, 1958 - January 05, 2022

Departed: 01/05/2022 (Charter Oak)

Obituary Preview: Joseph Charles Weed was born March 9, 1958 to Joseph B. and Virginia Joyce (Pepples) Weed in Carroll, Iowa. He graduated from Charter Oak - Ute High School with the class of 1976. After graduation, he attended Iowa State University where he attained an Associate's Degree in Agriculture. In February of 1984, Joe was united in marriage to Cindy Phillips at the Soldier Lutheran Church in Soldier, Iowa. To this union, they were blessed with four children: Courtney, Candice, Carmen and Colby. In 2004, the couple mutually departed, but continued to raise their children together. At an early age, Joe started farming and did so for many years. Upon his retirement from farming, he started working at New Co-Op, formerly known as Berne Co-Op, where he hauled propane to surrounding communities. He was an avid Iowa State and NASCAR Fan. He was a social butterfly who never knew a stranger. Above all, he loved his family more than anything, especially his grandchildren. Joe passed away unexpectedly at his home in Ute, Iowa on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 attaining the age of sixty-three years, nine months and twenty-seven days. He was preceded in death by his dad, Joseph B. Weed.He is survived by his children: Courtney Weed of Omaha, Nebraska, Candice Weed of Moorhead, Iowa, Carmen and her husband John Terwilleger of Charter Oak, Iowa and Colby Weed of Ute, Iowa; three grandchildren: Kelby Terwilleger, Rhett Terwilleger, Korbyn Weed, and a bonus granddaughter; mother: Virginia "Joyce" Weed of Ute, Iowa; sister, DeeAnna and her husband Charles Kelly of Postville, Iowa; brother, Randy Weed and his wife Lori of Charter Oak, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral Service is 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 10, 2022 at the Huebner Funeral Home in Charter Oak, Iowa with visitation one hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. also at the funeral home. Private family burial is in St. Clair Cemetery in Ute, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the family.

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Georgia Meseck - March 26, 1944 - May 31, 2021

Departed: 05/31/2021 (Charter Oak)

Obituary Preview: Georgia Alma Meseck was born March 26, 1944, to the late George Jr. and Almarine (Boger) Gress in Denison, Iowa. She was baptized on July 23, 1944 at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison, Iowa and later confirmed her faith on May 4, 1958 at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Ricketts, Iowa. Georgia graduated from Denison High School with the class of 1962. After graduation she received a business degree from CE Commercial Extension Business School.

On August 14, 1972, Georgia was united in marriage to Dennis Meseck in South Dakota. To this union, they were blessed with five children: Cory, Colette, Colleen, Chad and Heather. They made their home on a farm north of Charter Oak, where Georgia enjoyed flowers and vegetable gardening, canning, especially her homemade ketchup.

She had the blessing of working with her dad on the farm and driving for Region XII a few years before he passed away. During her time on the farm, he taught her how to drive the tractor and truck. Along with caring for her family she also stayed busy working outside the home, including Rick's Clover Farm in Charter Oak, Super Value in Denison, driving bus for the Charter Oak-Ute School district, and was a driver for Region XII for 26 years before her retirement in 2011.

Georgia was a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed socializing and dining out with her family and friends, reading, sewing, playing cards, crocheting, and was known for making her grandchildren and many other family and friends their own blankets. In her leisure time she loved going on cruises, especially her trip to Alaska. Family and friends had fun finding unique and unusual salt and pepper shakers to help add to Georgia's large collection. She had a strong faith in her Lord and was a devoted member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hanover Township.

Georgia passed away surrounded by her family on Monday, May 31, 2021, at Maple Heights Nursing Home in Mapleton, Iowa attaining the age of seventy-seven years, two months and five days. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by great-grandson: Hayden Driver.

Left to cherish her memory, her husband: Dennis Meseck of Charter Oak; children: Cory Abbott of Denison, Colette and her husband Brandon Snyder of Hartley, Iowa, Colleen and her husband Mark Lundquist of Rossie, Iowa, Chad Meseck and his significant other Carmen Schmidt of Schleswig and Heather and her husband Brian Riessen of Defiance, Iowa; 17 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; siblings: Nadine and her husband Homer "Pete" Palmer of Papillion, Nebraska, Phyliss and her husband Dale Segebart of Denison, David Gress and his wife Patricia of Denison; aunt: Norene Jordan of Waterloo, Iowa; uncle: Charles Lyman Gress of Cincinnati, Ohio; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation is 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at Huebner Funeral Home in Charter Oak with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service is 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 4, 2021 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Charter Oak, Hanover Township. Interment is in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Charter Oak, Hanover Township. Memorials may be directed to the family.

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Facilities and Amenities

The Charter Oak Chapel is a beautiful and serene facility that provides a peaceful atmosphere for families to gather and celebrate the life of their loved one. The chapel features comfortable seating, elegant decor, and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment to ensure that every service is memorable and meaningful. Additionally, the funeral home offers ample parking, wheelchair accessibility, and a spacious reception area where families can gather and share memories.

Funeral Services Offered

Huebner Funeral Home offers a wide range of funeral services to cater to the unique needs of each family. From traditional funerals to cremations, memorial services, and celebrations of life, the experienced staff at Huebner Funeral Home will work closely with you to create a personalized tribute that honors your loved one. They also provide guidance on pre-planning funeral arrangements, ensuring that your wishes are respected and carried out with precision.

Cremation Services

Huebner Funeral Home understands that cremation is an increasingly popular choice for many families. As such, they offer a variety of cremation options, including direct cremation, cremation with memorial service, and traditional funeral with cremation. Their experienced staff will guide you through the process, ensuring that you understand all aspects of cremation and making informed decisions about your loved one's final disposition.

Pre-Planning Funeral Arrangements

Pre-planning funeral arrangements is a thoughtful and responsible decision that can bring peace of mind to you and your loved ones. At Huebner Funeral Home, their experienced staff will help you explore your options, discuss your preferences, and create a personalized plan that reflects your wishes. By pre-planning, you can ensure that your final arrangements are carried out according to your desires, while also alleviating the emotional burden from your family during a difficult time.

Community Involvement

Huebner Funeral Home is deeply committed to giving back to the Charter Oak community. They regularly participate in local events, sponsor community organizations, and provide educational resources to help individuals cope with grief and loss. By fostering strong relationships with local residents and businesses, Huebner Funeral Home has become an integral part of the community fabric.

What Sets Huebner Funeral Home Apart

So what sets Huebner Funeral Home apart from other funeral homes in the area? It's their unwavering commitment to excellence, compassion, and personalized service. Their experienced staff takes the time to listen to each family's unique needs and concerns, tailoring their services to meet those needs with precision and care. At Huebner Funeral Home, you're not just a client – you're part of their extended family.

Contact Information

If you're seeking more information about Huebner Funeral Home or would like to schedule a consultation with one of their experienced staff members, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can contact them by phone at [phone number], email at [email address], or visit their website at [website URL]. Alternatively, you can stop by their office located at 156 Main Street, Charter Oak, IA 51439.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It's usually published in a newspaper, online obituary platform, or funeral home website to inform friends, family, and community members of the person's passing.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to honor and celebrate the life of the deceased, while also providing essential information to those who need to know about the passing. They offer a sense of closure and allow people to pay their respects, share condolences, and remember the person who has passed.

Who writes an obituary?

Typically, a family member or close friend of the deceased writes the obituary. In some cases, a funeral home or crematorium may assist with writing the obituary or provide a template for the family to fill out.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's full name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, hobbies, achievements, and surviving family members. It may also include information about memorial services, donations in lieu of flowers, and other relevant details.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication or platform. Generally, it should be concise and to the point, ranging from a few sentences to a short paragraph. Some online platforms may allow for longer tributes or stories.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many publications and online platforms allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can be a meaningful way to personalize the tribute and help people remember the person who has passed.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

Contact the newspaper's obituary department directly to inquire about their submission process and any specific requirements they may have. Be prepared to provide the necessary information and payment for the publication.

Can I publish an obituary online?

Yes, there are many online platforms that allow you to publish an obituary, such as Legacy.com, Tributes.com, or FuneralHome.com. These sites often offer additional features like guest books, photo galleries, and memorial candles.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies depending on the publication or platform. Newspaper rates can range from $50 to $500 or more, while online platforms may offer free or low-cost options.

Can I edit or update an obituary after it's been published?

It depends on the publication or platform. Some may allow you to make changes or corrections, while others may not. Be sure to review your obituary carefully before submitting it for publication.

How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

The time frame for publishing an obituary can vary depending on the publication or platform. Newspapers may take a day or two to publish, while online platforms often allow for immediate posting.

Can I write my own obituary in advance?

Yes, it's possible to write your own obituary in advance. This can be a therapeutic exercise that allows you to reflect on your life and legacy. You can store it with your important documents or share it with a trusted friend or family member.

What is a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of someone's passing, typically including only the most basic information like name, age, and date of death. It's often used when a full obituary is not desired or cannot be published due to time constraints.

What is a eulogy?

A eulogy is a speech or written tribute that celebrates the life of the deceased, often delivered during a funeral or memorial service. It's typically more personal and emotional than an obituary.

Can I include quotes or lyrics in an obituary?

Yes, you can include quotes, lyrics, or poems that were meaningful to the deceased or that reflect their personality. This can add depth and character to the obituary.

How do I handle errors or inaccuracies in an obituary?

If you notice an error in an obituary, contact the publication or platform immediately. They will work with you to correct the mistake as soon as possible.

Can I republish an obituary at a later date?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Check with the original publication or platform for their policies on republishing obituaries. You may need permission from them or be required to pay again for republication.

What is a memorial website?

A memorial website is an online space dedicated to honoring and remembering someone who has passed away. It often includes photos, stories, memories, and tributes from friends and family.

How do I create a memorial website?

You can create a memorial website using online platforms like MuchLoved.com or ForeverMissed.com. These sites offer templates and tools to help you build a personalized tribute page.

Can I include charitable donations in an obituary?

Yes, you can specify if donations should be made in lieu of flowers to a particular charity or cause that was important to the deceased. This can be a meaningful way to continue their legacy.

How do I notify social media accounts of someone's passing?

Contact each social media platform directly to report the account holder's passing. They will guide you through their process for handling deceased users' accounts.

Can I use social media to share an obituary?

Yes, social media can be a powerful tool for sharing news of someone's passing and reaching a wider audience. You can post the obituary on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or other platforms where the deceased had an account.

What is a celebration of life ceremony?

A celebration of life ceremony is an informal gathering that honors the deceased person's life and legacy. It may include music, stories, photos, and other elements that reflect their personality and spirit.

How do I plan a celebration of life ceremony?

You can plan a celebration of life ceremony by working with a funeral home or event planner. Consider the deceased person's preferences and interests when choosing music, decorations, and activities for the event.