Since 1983, it has been our privilege to care for your loved ones. In celebration of this milestone, take a journey over the past 40 years with our digital timeline highlighting our history.
Hospice of Dubuque begins serving the community with five volunteer nurses and a small group of community volunteers.
Pictured: Betty Takes, Kay Frommelt, Judy McDermott, and Ruth Turnis, four of the five original volunteer nurses.
Dubuque hospice program starts Monday
Article courtesy of the Telegraph Herald
The Internal Revenue Service approves Hospice of Dubuque as a tax-exempt, charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code.
In January 1987, Executive Director, Barb Zoeller, is hired.
Barbara Bush visits Hospice of Dubuque.
Article courtesy of the Telegraph Herald
Pictured: Barbara Bush, Judy McDermott, and Margie Benda
Louie Barrett and Bev Rech, the first two Hospice of Dubuque “Volunteers of the Year” are featured in a newspaper article.
Article courtesy of the Telegraph Herald
Hospice of Dubuque applies for Medicare/Medicaid certification, which is granted early in 1990.
Hospice of Dubuque aims for Medicare certification
Article courtesy of the Telegraph Herald
Hospice of Dubuque’s Original Staff
Pictured, Front Row: Naomi Vonesh (Hospice Nurse), Barb Zoeller (Director), Judi Carr (Patient Care Coordinator); Back Row: Nancy Diehm (Hospice Social Worker), Lavonne Noel (Financial Coordinator), Lucy Wentworth (Volunteer Coordinator), and Elaine Miller (Hospice Nurse), Not pictured: Sandy Weresch (Bereavement Coordinator)
Hospice of Dubuque begins to develop contracts with local nursing homes to bring hospice care to facility residents. Services in nursing homes begins in 1992.
Hospice of Dubuque moves to a new location.
Pictured are members of the Board of Directors and Volunteers
In conjunction with the organization’s 10-year anniversary, Hospice of Dubuque holds its first annual memorial service with a ceremony in the Clarke College atrium.
Hospice of Dubuque contracts with two nursing homes to pilot hospice services in the long-term care setting.
Hospice of Dubuque continues to grow to respond to the needs of the community. The organization relocates to 3448 Hillcrest Road in Dubuque.
Hospice expands services beyond Dubuque County into portions of Jones and Jackson County in Iowa and into Jo Daviess County in Illinois. The organization’s name had been Hospice of Dubuque County but is changed to Hospice of Dubuque at this time.
Article courtesy of the Telegraph Herald
A tree is planted in Washington Park in downtown Dubuque to serve as the community’s Tree of Life with a stone marker that states: “Celebrating life…in all of its stages. A gift to the community in honor of Hospice families and those who support the care of the terminally ill.”
Hospice of Dubuque volunteer, Carole Carroll works with Bryce Parks to develop a video to help educate the community about hospice services. The video wins first place at the local ADDY awards.
Hospice of Dubuque becomes licensed in Wisconsin, and is now a tri-state provider offering hospice care in all three states!
Hospice of Dubuque continues to be the community’s leader in end-of-life matters, forming the End of Life Care Team with Mercy Hospital and Finley Hospital.
With additional growth, the organization moves to a larger space in Asbury Square. The ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2255 JFK Road includes a presentation of the national commemorative hospice stamp. Check out the cost of postage in 1999—33 cents!
Betty Takes, one of the founding nurses, retires. Hospice of Dubuque is in existence today because of the work of Betty and other early visionaries.
Hospice of Dubuque continues to be the leading nonprofit hospice in the tri-state area. Community fundraisers support our mission through the 3rd Annual Tour de Dubuque.
Hospice of Dubuque celebrates 20 years!
Sunrise and Sunsets Booklet courtesy of the Telegraph Herald
In order to serve the greater Dyersville area, Hospice of Dubuque’s service area expands to include the eastern portion of Delaware County.
BestFest is the hottest party in town!
Late in 2004, Medicare amends the regulations to provide greater access to the Medicare Hospice Benefit, which had previously been underutilized by patients with non-cancer diagnoses.
During National Hospice month, and throughout the years to come, Hospice of Dubuque walks with your tri-state neighbors. With the theme, May I Walk You Home? the Hospice of Dubuque staff and volunteers acknowledge those with whom they are privileged to journey on their final walk home.
Each year, in conjunction with Memorial Day, Hospice of Dubuque invites the community to gather and remember loved ones during our Tree of Life Memorial Service. The first Tree of Life event happened in 1995.
Due to the increased number of patients being served, the care team is split into east and west sections in order to continue providing the most responsive care.
Hospice of Dubuque is featured in the Telegraph Herald's Newsmakers.
A new look for the newsletter and an updated brochure are unveiled in conjunction with the celebration of our 25th Anniversary.
A large bequest, for establishing a permanent hospice office, is received in November. Hospice of Dubuque purchases a former hardware store and simultaneously begins renovations and a capital campaign.
The Building for Compassion Capital Campaign is in full swing.
Article courtesy of Julien's Journal
The Hospice of Dubuque daisy logo is updated and a tagline is added to accentuate the organization’s purpose.
Hospice of Dubuque moves to its current location at 1670 JFK Road in May, following a successful capital campaign, conducted entirely by staff and volunteers.
A reflection written by a hospice nurse is mailed to community members and supporters.
After 25 years of service with Hospice of Dubuque, Barb Zoeller retires in April and Lavonne Noel is named Executive Director.
With grant funding from the Dubuque Racing Association and the Hospice of Dubuque Foundation, the organization implements an electronic medical record system in October.
Hospice of Dubuque’s Patient Care Director, Bonnie Hancock, is chosen for an American Red Cross Everyday Heroes of the Tri-States Award.
Hospice of Dubuque celebrates 30 years of compassion with an award-winning year!
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization recognizes Betty Takes, RN, BSN, for her service with Hospice of Dubuque. Betty receives the Volunteers are the Foundation of Hospice Award, which identifies hospice volunteers from across the country who best reflect the concept of volunteerism, most notably serving as an inspiration to others.
With an aging population and increased media attention on end-of-life issues, Hospice of Dubuque’s community education efforts are expanded.
The Annual Report reflects the organization's commitment to its mission.
The American Cancer Society honors Mark Hermann, MD, with the Lane W. Adams Quality of Life Award. Dr. Hermann, Hospice of Dubuque Co-Medical Director, receives this prestigious national honor in recognition of excellence and compassion in providing patient care, going beyond his duties to make a difference in the lives of patients and families.
Article courtesy of TH Media
Hospice of Dubuque is featured as a nonprofit that benefits the tri-state community in Biz Times.
Bill's Tap celebrates the final Fish Fry. Over the event’s 21-year history, more than $200,000 has been raised to benefit Hospice of Dubuque.
Article courtesy of TH Media
Hospice of Dubuque continues its tradition of holistic, patient-centered care and is featured in 'Hospice helps clients LIVE WELL.'
Article courtesy of TH Media
In spite of Covid-19, Hospice of Dubuque continues to provide care to tri-state individuals in the final stage of life and offers support to their loved ones and caregivers.
Hospice of Dubuque continues its tradition of dedicated service to the members of our tri-state community. Our staff and volunteers live in the cities, towns, and rural areas throughout our tri-state area. As locals ourselves, we know and understand the hometowns we serve. No community is just a place on the map; these are the places we also call home.
Hospice of Dubuque is recognized as a five-star hospice, an achievement that places the organization among the top 10% of all hospices in the country. Five stars is the highest quality rating available from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and is based on family satisfaction surveys.
