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When a loved dies at home , it can feel overwhelming to know what to do next. Whether the death was expected or sudden, understanding the proper steps can bring clarity during a very emotional time. This blog is to help explain who to call, what happens next, and how the process works. Who do you call when someone dies at home in Minnesota? The first step depends on whether your loved one was under hospice care. If hospice was involved, call the hospice nurse and not 911. The nurse will come to the home to officially pronounce the death. Hospice will then notify the funeral home who will then make their way to the place of death. If hospice was not involved, call 911 immediately. Emergency responders and law enforcement will come to the home. Law enforcement will contact the county medical examiner or coroner. The medical examiner will determine if an autopsy is needed depending on the circumstances. Once the death is legally pronounced by the hospice nurse or other officials, a funeral home can be contacted. From there, transportation will be coordinated and a time can be scheduled to discuss the next steps with family and a funeral director. Our team at Wing-Bain Funeral Home is available 24 hours a day to assist families and guide you step by step. What should you do next? There is no need to rush decisions. Take some time to say goodbye, sit quietly with your loved one or call close family members. In Minnesota, you should not physically move your loved one unless directed by hospice or authorities. When you’re ready, there are a few things to gather that you will eventually need. This would include full legal name, date of birth, social security number, parents’ full names and marital history. Compassionate Help When You Need It Most If someone has just died at home in Clara City, Granite Falls, or Montevideo and you are unsure what to do, know that help is available. You do not have to navigate this alone. Our staff is here to answer questions, coordinate care and support your family through every step .
The holiday season is often described as a time of joy, celebration and togetherness. But for those who are grieving, this time of year can feel very different. Instead of excitement, there may be heaviness. Instead of anticipation, there may be a quiet ache. Grief doesn’t pause for the holidays – yet in the midst of it, many families discover that moments of comfort, connection and even joy can still gently make their way in. These moments don’t erase your grief or diminish the love you hold for the person you miss. Instead, they can become part of the healing process, reminding you that while life is forever changed, meaningful moments are still possible. Joy & Grief Can Coexist It’s common to feel hesitant or even guilty when you catch yourself smiling, laughing or even enjoying a holiday after a loss. But joy doesn’t mean you’ve moved on or forgotten – it means you are human, and your heart is doing its best to carry both love and loss at the same time. Allowing small moments of love doesn’t take away from your grief; it honors your resilience. Creating Space for Gentle Joy Moments of joy will show up quietly and unexpectedly. Here are a few ways to welcome those feelings if and when they come: Give yourself permission to feel what you feel – every day is different, it’s okay to cry, laugh, rest, or step back from traditions that feel too overwhelming this year. Seek connection, even in small ways – a conversation, handwritten card, or shared memory can remind you that you are not alone. Honor your loved one – light a candle, hang a special ornament, or do something they enjoyed. These moments can bring a sense of closeness. Notice the small moments – let the small gifts be enough, where joy comes in the form of a sunset, favorite song, kind gesture or quiet moment of peace. Let Healing Happen in Its Own Time There is no “right way” to grieve during the holidays —and no timeline for healing. If you find yourself smiling this season, let that be a soft reminder that healing is happening, even if you don’t always notice it. If you find yourself struggling, know that it’s okay to seek support. Grief is a journey, and no one should walk it alone. You’re Not Alone This Holiday Season As our community moves through the holidays, we want to acknowledge every person carrying grief this time of year. Whether this is your first season without someone you love or a loss from long ago, your feelings are valid, and your heart deserves compassion.  From all of us, may you find peace in the quiet moments, strength in your memories, and comfort in knowing that joy—however small—can still shine through.
Whether it’s a holiday dinner, a birthday, or a quiet Sunday morning coffee – some moments feel heavier when someone you love is missing. The “empty chair” becomes more than just a piece of furniture. It becomes a symbol of who used to be there, and all the things you still wish you could say or hear. Maybe you’ve lost someone to death, or maybe it’s distance, divorce, estrangement, or a deployment. Whatever the reason, these moments – when the absence becomes especially loud – can stir up waves of emotion. Here’s how to gently prepare for those times when the chair is empty, but your heart is full. Acknowledge What’s Coming – the first step is simple, but powerful: name it. Say to yourself: “this is going to be hard.” Pretending you’re fine or pushing away emotion can create more distress in the long run. But when you acknowledge a particular day or event may bring up grief, anger, sadness, you begin to take back some control. You’re aware and you are preparing instead of being blindsided. Allow Grief Its Place at the Table – Grief doesn’t follow a calendar. It might show up months or even years after a loss – especially during meaningful events. Rather than resisting it, make space for it. Don’t think of grief as a guest you didn’t invite, but rather as a reflection of how deeply you loved someone. It’s okay to cry, feel numb, or even to laugh and then feel guilty for it. Plan Support in Advance – When a hard day is on the horizon, don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed to ask for help. Reach out to a friend ahead of time, letting them know that you’re facing a challenging day. Be Kind to Your Timeline – Some years the empty chair will bring a deep ache. Other years it might feel lighter – healing does not mean forgetting.  Empty chair moments are tender, powerful reminders of love, loss, and everything in between. As you face them, know this: you are not alone. Across tables and across time, many hearts are carrying the weight of absence — and holding on to the memories that still bring light. So be gentle with yourself. Prepare if you can. Breathe when it hurts. And remember - even in their absence, love can still fill the room.
