Grief & Bereavement
Gundersen recognizes that supporting those who are grieving is an important part of family-centered healthcare. We understand that grief is a personal journey, not a point in time. Your experience might differ from others' experiences, even those close to you.
Bereavement resources
Great Rivers 2-1-1 is a local organization that connects individuals to a variety of resources supporting anything from basic needs to crisis intervention. It provides referrals to local grief support groups, counselor services, treatment programs and hotlines. Great Rivers 2-1-1 is accessible through call, text and online chat. All services are free and confidential. Connect with a specialist by:
- Calling the 24/7 Crisis Hotline at 2-1-1
- Texting your zip code to 898211
- Chatting online Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm
Grief support groups
Grief Education Support Group
Drop-in Grief Support Groups
Commemorative events
Annual Burial and Memorial Service for Early Pregnancy Loss
Gundersen patients—and their families—whose babies died through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or other early pregnancy loss are invited to participate in Gundersen's annual burial and memorial event held on the third Thursday of May.
Not all women recognize the ending of their pregnancy as the loss of a life. For others, this farewell ritual helps validate the life of their baby who died. The ceremony provides a collective space for grieving these babies and facilitates healing. Parents whose baby will not be buried at Mormon Coulee Memorial Park are still encouraged to attend this commemorative event. All babies who have died at Gundersen during the previous year and are not buried elsewhere are interred during this service.
The event is sponsored by Gundersen Health System in collaboration with the Mormon Coulee Cemetery Association.
If you have questions, call our bereavement coordinator at (608) 775-5278.
Walk to Remember
Walk to Remember is a way for parents, family members and others to honor and celebrate babies who have died and promote public awareness about perinatal death. The event takes place each October, which is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. It includes a brief program, activities for parents and children, refreshments and a commemorative walk.
The event is co-sponsored by Gundersen Health System and Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare.
If you have questions, call our bereavement coordinator at (608) 775-5278.
Candle Lighting Ceremony
The Candle Lighting Ceremony is open to parents and family members who have experienced the death of a baby during pregnancy or after birth. This year's event will be held Dec. 4 at the Mary Crest Auditorium at Mayo Health System-Franciscan Healthcare, 700 West Ave. S., La Crosse. Refreshments are served at 6 p.m. and the program begins at 7 p.m.
The event is co-sponsored by Gundersen Health System and Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare.
If you have questions, call our bereavement coordinator at (608) 775-5278.