Tree of Life

How the Tree of Life came to be . . .
In 1993, to celebrate ten years of hospice care to the community, the Hospice of Dubuque Board of Directors initiated a bereavement service for the entire tri-state area. Hospice of Dubuque chose to hold this Tree of Life event annually to coincide with the Memorial Day holiday.

The first years of the event were held at Clarke College, where an artificial evergreen served as the Tree of Life. As this event grew, the City of Dubuque granted approval for Hospice of Dubuque to plant a tree and place a monument in Washington Park for the community to enjoy on a more permanent basis.

The original Katsura tree was planted in 1996. This tree, with its shiny heart-shaped leaves that change colors with the seasons, represents the many changes patients and families experience during life. Unfortunately, the original tree became stressed and needed to be replaced. In the fall of 2006, a new Katsura tree was planted. Because the new tree is too small to adorn with lights, metal art trees were created to hold the lights. These trees, like the Katsura tree, change in appearance with the elements and time. Mike and Melissa Warren Spoerl created and donated the art display for the Tree of Life.

Thank you for honoring and remembering those you love through the Tree of Life.

To view the 2009 memorial list please click here TOL Memorial List.  

2010 Tree of Life Memorial Service

The 2010 Tree of Life Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, May 25, at 7:30 pm at Washington Park in downtown Dubuque. More details to follow.