Support Services

Within Minnesota, there are a wide variety of grief support services in the metro area and Southeastern areas. All of our funeral homes are located within an hour of either Rochester, or the Twin Cities where the abundance of programs are offered. It may take time for those that are grieving to feel they are ready to try going to a support group.

Not everyone needs to attend a support group, but many find them to be helpful and reassuring, knowing that they are not alone in their grief. The types of groups and services available vary. Some groups are very informal, encouraging sharing of stories and feelings. There are specific groups, for widows and widowers, children and teens, and there are general grief groups for all who have experienced a loss. Occasionally, programs or seminars are given, and a speaker will explore a topic in the bereavement area.

Many of the programs offered are through area Hospice organizations. Though Hospice is an organization that caters to the needs of terminally ill patients, their grief programs are not just for survivors of a hospice patient who has died--they are for everyone who has experienced a death. The Hospice Foundation of America (1-800-854-3402) has information on any large seminars or meetings that will be held throughout the United State, and if any are coming in your area.

Local Groups


Red Wing:
The Red Wing Regional Hospice offers different programs throughout the year. Currently offered:

  • Perinatal Loss Support-for parents who have lost a baby.
  • Red Wing Grief Support Group-for adults experiencing loss through death.
  • Coffee & Conversation-an informan gathering for adults experiencing the loss through death.

For more information, please call: (651)-385-3410

Lake City:The Lake City Hospice has monthly grief support meetings. There is also a widow's group that meets in Lake City. Mary Beth Lee and Lynn Watson are in charge of the hospice meetings, but would be able to direct you to further areas such as the widow's group if necessary.

For more information, please call: (651)-345-3321

Rochester:Within Rochester, the hospice program holds two meetings or seminars a year: one in the spring and the other in the fall. The programs are offered for children and for adults. For more information call: (507)-284-40-02. There is also a Widowed Person''s Group that is put together through AARP. The organization has trained persons who run the group and hold the meetings. There is a meeting held twice a month for older widows. The meetings are held in Rochester at local area churches, though the meetings are not religiously-affiliated.

For more information, contact Clarice Burke: (507)-288-3978

Twin CitiesThe hospice program in the Health East System offers a variety of support groups throughout the year.

For more information, please call Barb: (651)-232-3543