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  • Honoring veterans with live Taps: Gary Marquardt on service, loss, and planning meaningful farewells.

    Honoring veterans with live Taps: Gary Marquardt on service, loss, and planning meaningful farewells.
    2026/05/23
    In this Memorial Day episode of Party of My Life, host Anne Morehouse talks with Gary Marquardt about how a lifetime shaped by war, loss, entrepreneurship, and creativity led him to a powerful calling: playing live Taps for veterans’ funerals. Gary shares moving stories from the families he’s served, explains the history and meaning of Taps, and offers clear, practical guidance on how anyone planning a funeral or celebration of life can arrange a volunteer bugler through Bugles Across America.Key MomentsGrowing Up in the Shadow of Addiction & War[0:00:40–0:03:26]Gary reflects on a difficult childhood in Sioux Falls with an alcoholic father who lost everything, marrying his high school sweetheart the day he graduated from college, and carrying the grief of friends lost in Vietnam. The conversation sets the emotional foundation for a life defined by resilience, loyalty, and purpose.The $1,000 Gamble That Built a National Company[0:03:26–0:12:34]After walking away from an unethical boss, Gary and his partner risk everything to start their own reprographics business with just $1,000 and relentless determination. He shares how listening to customers—not fear, pressure, or ego—helped grow the company into a national leader.Reinventing Retirement Through Art, Cooking & Curiosity[0:12:34–0:18:10]Retirement becomes a second beginning. Gary teaches himself watercolor painting, starts mentoring other artists, and unexpectedly becomes the family cook—transforming ordinary routines into joyful rituals with his wife of nearly 57 years.The Funeral That Changed Everything[0:19:02–0:23:32]At a WWII veteran’s funeral, Gary hears a recording of Taps instead of a live bugler—and cannot believe it. That moment leads him to Bugles Across America, an $88 bugle, and a calling that would eventually place him beside grieving families across Minnesota.Why One Note Can Break Your Heart[0:27:59–0:31:18]Gary explains why Taps is more than music—it is ritual, honor, and farewell. Through unforgettable funeral stories, including legendary paratrooper Speed Holman, he describes how the final lingering note can feel like releasing a soul into peace.The Most Important Funeral Request Families Don’t Know to Make[0:40:42–0:52:45]As Minnesota State Director for Bugles Across America, Gary reveals how any family in America can request a live bugler—free of charge. He explains why families should specifically ask for a live performance instead of a recording, and how volunteers travel anywhere: cemeteries, churches, homes, lakesides, and backyards.Rain, Snow, Wind—and Duty[0:52:45–0:55:06]Buglers show up no matter the weather. Gary walks through military funeral traditions, flag-folding etiquette, and the emotional weight of presenting a flag while speaking the words:“On behalf of the United States…, the President…, and a grateful nation…”The Farewell Gary Wants for Himself[0:57:17–1:01:23]Despite dedicating years to honoring veterans with Taps, Gary says he does not want it played at his own funeral because he did not serve in the military. Instead, he shares the music and poetry he hopes will remain behind—a final reflection on humility, gratitude, and honoring others before yourself.If you are pre‑planning or currently planning a funeral or celebration of life and would like a live bugler to play Taps:Ask your funeral director:Or contact Bugles Across America directly:There is no fee. These are volunteers offering their time and talent to honor your loved one.Gary Marquardt is:A former entrepreneur who built and led a national reprographics business.A self‑taught painter and watercolor instructor who believes everyone can make art. Check out www.MarquardtGalleries.comA volunteer bugler and Minnesota State Director for Bugles Across America.A devoted husband of nearly six decades who has reinvented retirement around service, creativity, and shared daily joy.
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    1 時間 2 分
  • Mendakota Country Club, A Venue Option Near Fort Snelling

    Mendakota Country Club, A Venue Option Near Fort Snelling
    2026/04/30

    With so many options for where to host a funeral reception or celebration of life, where does one begin? One consideration for veterans in Minnesota is what is located near Fort Snelling?


    Adena Hinz, Sales Director for Mendakota Country Club shares what this beautiful venue has to offer.

    Mendakota Country Club

    2075 Mendakota Drive

    Mendota Heights, MN 55120


    This episode was hosted and produced by Anne Morehouse, with original music created and performed by Caileen Viehweg.


    Introduction
    Adena Hinz, Sales Director for Mendakota Country Club
    Membership & how to get started planning for a Funeral Reception or Celebration of Life at Mendakota Country Club

    Pre-planning vs. post-loss planning and support
    Spaces & capacity
    04:05–0:05:22 Description of venues
    Timing flexibility
    Flexibility on scheduling (immediate or months later); consider travel, snowbirds, guest availability
    Guest profile & pricing
    *Note that events aren’t limited to golfers
    Food & beverage
    Veterans support and logistics with Fort Snelling
    Works with Fort Snelling for services; offers 10% rental discount for veterans; ~10-minute proximity to Fort Snelling
    Personalization and common questions
    Advice on personalizing events; common question “what have others done?”
    Music and atmosphere
    Built-in sound system, XM radio, portable Bluetooth speaker, and live music options; Adina covers music during planning
    Memorable examples
    Closing offers & contact
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    19 分
  • Reframing Financial Conversations Around LOVE by Wings for Widows

    Reframing Financial Conversations Around LOVE by Wings for Widows
    2026/01/29

    Wings for Widows Executive Director Chris Bentley joins us to discuss the importance of proactive financial planning and why these conversations should happen before a loved one passes away.


    For more information:

    Wings for Widows and to register for the

    1st Annual X-Golf Tournament.


    This episode was hosted by Anne Morehouse with original music composed and performed by Caileen Viehweg.


    Outline:

    Chris Bentley's Journey to Founding Wings for Widows

    The Need for Practical Support for Widows

    Challenges Faced by Widows and Widowers

    The Impact of Widowhood on Cognitive Function

    Wings for Widows' Mission and Services

    Practical Problems Faced by Familes After a Death

    Success Stories and Challenges

    The Importance of Intentional Conversations

    Encouraging Professional Support for Families

    Wings for Widow's Annual Fundraiser
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    48 分
  • Cremation, Now What? with Lakewood Cemetery

    Cremation, Now What? with Lakewood Cemetery
    2025/11/30

    People are getting cremated, but then what? Lakewood's Director of Marketing & Outreach, Julia Gillis, and Director of Family Services, Kelly Leahy, explain how this Minneapolis landmark has evolved along with the death care industry.

    Be sure to check out Lakewood's Events & Programs tab to visit in a variety of ways at lakewoodcemetery.org.

    This episode was hosted and produced by Anne Morehouse, original music created and performed by Caileen Viehweg.


    0:06 Lakewood's background

    8:13 Cremation options

    10:19 Memorialization offerings

    18:40 Record-keeping

    23:07 Grief support through ongoing community events

    29:30 Lakewood tours, fees and history
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    36 分
  • People & Planet - Catering Sustainably with Chowgirls

    People & Planet - Catering Sustainably with Chowgirls
    2025/10/01

    As in life, businesses grow and develop. Heidi Andermack, Co-founder and CEO of Chowgirls Catering shares her journey and how Chowgirls came into its own as a flagship, sustainably responsible catering company. Heidi discusses how taking care of people and the planet is critically vital to Chowgirls mission.


    This episode was hosted and produced by Anne Morehouse, with original music created and performed by Caileen Viehweg.


    Contact info for today's episode:

    Chowgirls Catering - info@chowgirls.net

    Second Harvest Heartland


    1. Origins of Chow Girls Catering

      A. Founders: Heidi Andreback and Amy B. Background: English majors with marketing experience C. Founded in March 2004 D. Initial motivation: Catering as a low-risk business venture

    2. Sustainability Journey

      A. Initial focus on organic catering B. Evolution to local and seasonal food practices C. Pioneering sustainability efforts 1. Commercial composting 2. Food rescue initiatives 3. Partnership with Second Harvest Heartland

    3. COVID-19 Response

      A. Pivoting during pandemic B. Food rescue from closing restaurants C. Producing 9,000 meals per week D. Supporting chefs and addressing food insecurity

    4. Business Philosophy

      A. Triple bottom line: People, Planet, Profit B. Community involvement C. Staff volunteer opportunities D. Structured donation system

    5. Personalization and Community Impact

      A. Catering approach B. End-of-life event considerations C. Supporting local and BIPOC businesses

    6. Key Lessons

      A. Adaptability B. Commitment to sustainability C. Importance of giving back
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    23 分
  • Donate Your Body to Science

    Donate Your Body to Science
    2025/08/31

    In addition to organ donation, whole body donation is another end-of-life option. By donating one's body, we help advance medical research and support future professionals studying medicine and mortuary science.

    Linnea Seidelman, donation coordinator at the University of Minnesota's Anatomy Bequest Program, shares details on the donation process and how people can make a difference for future generations.


    For more information, please visit the University of Minnesota's Anatomy Bequest Program's website at:

    https://med.umn.edu/anatomy-bequest-program


    This podcast is hosted by Anne Morehouse, original music was created and performed by Caileen Viehweg.
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    34 分
  • Selling a home at End-of-Life with First Choice Realty Solutions

    Selling a home at End-of-Life with First Choice Realty Solutions
    2025/07/22

    Handling the logistics of a loved one's estate is not easy, especially when it comes to real estate. Ann Breuer from First Choice Realty Solutions guides us on how to best navigate this challenging process.


    Ann Breuer can be reached at 612.999.2444

    ann@firstchoicerealtysolutions.com

    https://www.firstchoicerealtysolutions.com/


    Party of My Life is hosted and produced by Anne Morehouse. Original music was created and performed by Caileen Viehweg.


    First Choice Realty background and family involvement (0:11)

    Planning ahead for end-of-life matters, including power of attorney, transfer of death on deed (2:53)

    Estate planning, probate and property titling after death (5:40)

    Home selling process, including property debts & disclosures (12:26)

    Downsizing, estate sales, and real estate market insights (14:57)

    Handling real estate sales after a personal loss with a specialized firm (24:22)
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    28 分
  • Funeral Planning Insights with Kozlak-Radulovich

    Funeral Planning Insights with Kozlak-Radulovich
    2025/06/10

    Funerals are evolving beyond traditional formats towards more personalized and creative celebrations. Kozlak-Radulovich Funeral Chapels' Danielle Radulovich Nelson and Daniel Gelhaus highlight key shifts, including the value of pre-planning and the increased popularity of celebrations of life. Unique, theme-based funerals serve as a beginning towards healing, such as a Star Wars-themed funeral Danielle and her team created for one of their families.


    For more information, visit

    https://www.kozlakradulovich.com.


    This episode of Party of My Life was hosted by Anne Morehouse. Original music was created and performed by Caileen Viehweg.


    Introduction and Background of Koslak Radulovich Funeral Chapel

    Evolution of Funeral Services and Personalization

    Trends in Funeral Services and Celebration of Life

    Pre-Planning and the Importance of Discussing End-of-Life Wishes

    Creative Approaches to Funeral Services

    The Role of Funeral Directors and the Importance of Relationships

    Memorial Folders and Personalized Tributes

    Final Thoughts and Advice for Listeners
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    37 分