After experiencing a tragic loss in her life, Cheryl Furhmann turned her grief into meeting a need in the area.
A mid-1980’s murder-suicide, involving a couple she describes as a “second mom and dad,” left her emotionally drained and grieving. When Furhmann searched for an organization that could help her, she did not find any available grief counseling service. So, she did something about it, which helped her cope. She went to college when her children headed to college, and earned a degree from St. Mary’s of the Woods in grief and bereavement counseling.
Furhmann started Dawn to Dusk Bereavement Services 15 years ago. In 2013, her organization became a 501c-3 non-profit. Her efforts to fill a need in the community has earned her the recognition of a Journal Review Shining Star.
She was nominated by Darla Ellingwood, Donna Walton, Judy Hoke and Carol Laursen.
Laursen is a former client who needed bereavement services. She also attends church with Furhmann at Christ Lutheran Church and sees the work Furhmann is doing.
“Cheryl has helped countless of grief-stricken people of which I am one,” Laursen wrote.
Laursen sees her friend in action at Christ Lutheran and admires how she deeply cares for those hurting due to the loss of a loved one.
“Cheryl does amazing work and will always try to help people who need her services,” Laursen said.
Those needing counseling will usually find out about her services by word-of-mouth. Churches, estate planners and funeral homes will offer refer her to those needing help.
“I know how it is to grieve and not have help available,” Furhmann said. “Not everyone needs counseling but many do and I am here to help. Typically the person reaches out to me.”
Furhmann also helps a lot of people who ask for help even before the death of a loved one. If a loved one is anticipating death soon for a number of reasons, individuals ask her to help them through the process of watching a loved one pass away.
Walton said needed bereavement services after watching her husband battle dementia for many years and who eventually passed away in a nursing home. She believed that she was a strong woman and would be relieved knowing her husband was out of pain. However, the process of grieving did not come easy for her.
“I never thought I would struggle after my husband passed,” Walton said. “But I realized things were just not right with me and I decided to talk with Cheryl. I was not handling the grieving and I discovered I was only trying to remember the good memories and not bad memories. I would go to counseling and cry my eyes out. Cheryl helped me though it all and I am so glad she did.”
Cheryl work on a donation basis. For anyone who feels they need to talk to Cheryl, she can be reached at 765-376-5644.
