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Holiday Service of Remembrance 2020

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 03:08:25 GMT

From all of us at Molthen-Bell, we're pleased to offer this virtual Service of Remembrance for families who have lost a loved one this year or in times gone by. The holidays can be an especially challenging time for making sense of loss or coping with grief. However, it's through our memories, a deep sense of respect, and love, that our loved one's live on.

Our service was produced with the safety of the entire community in mind. We hope that this vigil will help bring a measure of peace and fulfilment to you and your family this holiday season.

We sincerely wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and yours.

If we can be of assistance to you or other members or your family, never hesitate to reach out to us for advice or support. We care.

Challenger Baseball: Making Young People and their Parents Proud

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 23:12:33 GMT

Molthen-Bell's Pam Bierbach helps make sure children with unique challenges get to make plays -- and memories -- to last them a lifetime.

Sharing the unique qualities and friendships of being on a team, bonding around the challenges of the sport, and making memories that will serve them as they grow up.

It’s no secret that children with disabilities often face barriers to participating in organized team sports. These young people -- and in many respects their parents as well -- typically miss out on experiences and lifelong friendships that other sports families may take for granted.

The realization occurred to Molthen-Bell administrator, Pam Bierbach, who found an avenue to support young people through Challenger Baseball.

“They have eight games over the course of the summer. They each get a 'helper' to guide them around the bases, bat, throw and so on. It is the most amazing thing to watch,” Bierbach said.

Challenger Baseball brings America's national pastime to willing participants, no matter their limitations. These leagues, forged through the partnerships with local Little League organizations, are making the aspirations of special needs children a reality.

Bierbach added that parents of participants are given the chance to see their kids race down a field, catch a ball, and be a part of a team, something that otherwise seems impossible for many of these children.

“Not only is Challenger Baseball offering confidence to these incredibly determined young kids,” Bierbach said. “It provides huge amounts of hope and pride for their parents, too.”

The Challenger program is special. Each game is adapted to levels of skills, adding to the inclusion, which is the most important part. The program also offers children the chance to walk onto a playing field on the biggest stage, Major League Baseball , right here in Milwaukee.

Challenger ball player from team Molthen-Bell walks onto the Milwaukee Brewers ' baseball field at Miller Park .

Seeing the positive impact Challenger Baseball has on the members of her community, Bierbach encouraged Molthen-Bell to sponsor a team, which afforded them matching jerseys and a season’s supply of baseballs.

With this season coming to a close, Bierbach looks forward to partnering with the organization again. In her words, “Just to see the look on their parents' faces when they make a play.”

Reggie "The Crusher" Lisowski: Hero to South Milwaukee Rises Up

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 04:10:20 GMT

Molthen-Bell staff in awe of the enormous turnout for Crusherfest. Statue sponsorship and unveiling defies all expectations for the "blue collar" professional wrestler, who died in 2005.

The verdict is in: Crusherfest was an enormous success. Few could be happier than the staff at Molthen-Bell, who took a special interest the memorialization of a local legend.

Molthen-Bell handled the funeral of the iconic wrestler back in 2005. For senior staffers John Klein, Corey Stephens and Jeff Bell, it had a galvanizing effect. They grew up in awe of the Crusher, what he represented, and his antics in and out of the ring.

Lisowski died of a brain tumour at the age of 79.

[Read the Washington Post's Obituary: Reggie "The Crusher" Lisowski Dies ]

Organizers and city officials anticipated approximately 5,000 people to join in the celebration of "The Wrestler Who Made Milwaukee Famous."

Updated estimates put the crowd at over 12,000, many of whom were on hand for the highly publicized unveiling and street festival dubbed Crusherfest .

As a gesture of community and good will, Molthen-Bell staff handed out 4,000 boxes of complimentary popcorn during the two-day event.

"The ceremony was touching and beautiful," John Klein, general manager of Molthen-Bell, said. "Many expressed thanks to Molthen-Bell in their speeches during the presentation, and that made us feel incredible."

Last year, Molthen-Bell & Son Funeral Home pledged $10,000 to the statue initiative, which was conceived and championed by Chris Smith, a local lawyer. Smith's website, dacrusher.org , and his GoFundMe page continue to raise awareness.

"Members of the Lisowski family approached Corey and me several times," Klein said. "They thanked us and shared how they remember everything we did for them for both of their parents' funerals."

At Molthen-Bell, we believe we are all made stronger with the support of family and friends. That our community binds us in faith, service and common understanding. And that our stories hold the promise of bringing together generations for years to come. Browse our website or contact us to learn more.

St. Patrick's Day: Safe Ride Home on Us

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 20:55:48 GMT

Molthen-Bell partners with Moran's Pub to offer St. Paddy's Day patrons a complimentary ride home. Have fun and get home safe!

We're pleased to announce an exciting partnership with Moran's Pub in South Milwaukee for this upcoming St. Patrick's Day celebration. On March 17th, Molthen-Bell will be providing patrons of Moran's with free rides home during the hours of 12 noon and 10 pm.

"We are thrilled to be able to support our community," said Pam Bierbach , administrative assistant at Molthen-Bell & Son Funeral Home. "We appreciate the festivities on behalf of the Irish community and others who enjoy celebrating St. Patrick's Day. We just wanted to provide a no-strings-attached transportation solution for patrons of the pub."

Molthen-Bell intends to commission Uber drivers to provide customers with up to 40 rides to their homes in South Milwaukee, St. Francis, Oak Creek and Cudahy. Customers who attend are encouraged to speak to James in order secure a specially generated promo code to cover the cost.

Molthen-Bell is a community-minded, end-of-life care provider. Understanding and telling the life stories of our families, friends and citizens, and remembering their impact is of primary importance to us and the families we serve.

"Enjoy St. Paddy's Day, drink responsibly, and take the ride home on us," Bierbach said. "Life is too precious to be involved in some needless mishap."

At Molthen-Bell, we genuinely believe we are all made stronger with the support of family and friends. That our community binds us in faith, service and common understanding. And that our stories hold the promise of bringing together generations for years to come. We care. To learn more about our community relations initiatives, feel free to contact us .

Collaboration in Kindness: Making Christmas a Little More Special

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 17:18:15 GMT

In Her Own Words: Molthen-Bell administrator Pam Bierbach talks candidly about two amazing groups of people coming together to fulfill each other's holiday wishes.

The Special Needs Breakfast is an event that the Oak Creek High School initiated some years ago.

A lot of these families don't venture out with their kids to the malls or city events because it can become an issue. People stare, people don't understand if these little ones get anxious and can't wait their turn for Santa.

So my best friend, who runs the Oak Creek Community Center , asked us women for help.

She created a morning event where kids can come see Santa, run around if they want, enjoy making crafts, mail letters to Santa and listen to the Oak Creek High School choir.

With donations from Molthen-Bell and other local service groups, it has become quite a bit bigger than in the past, and due to this generosity, all the kids actually got a present from Santa this year.

It's such a good feeling and I am blessed to be part of the greatest group of women in the world.

Some parents come up to us, cry, thank us for volunteering so they can relax and not feel that anyone is watching their kids act out.

After the kids leave, we clean up, cry and feel good that we can do this for them.

It's Official: We've Got Curb Appeal!

Fri, 14 Sep 2018 01:42:27 GMT

Coveted South Milwaukee Beautification Award goes to Molthen-Bell

We're pleased to announce that earlier this week, Molthen-Bell & Son Funeral Home was singled out for a South Milwaukee Curb Appeal Award.

The 100-year-old funeral service provider has been a cornerstone of steady support in the South Milwaukee community, helping families and demonstrating civic good will as well.

The awards are presented annually to South Milwaukee businesses, homeowners and civic organizations who devote extra effort to their property’s beautification, through landscaping and other street-facing efforts.

"At first we were a bit surprised by the announcement," Colette Maass, the office manager at Molthen-Bell, admitted. "We've made a real commitment to South Milwaukee, we love it here. However, it's not every day you win an award for doing just a little extra to make the community better."

Maass went on to say that real kudos belong to JoAnn Brockman. "It is almost entirely through her effort and ideas each spring that Molthen-Bell transforms itself and its gardens into an award-winning contender," Maass said.

The recipients of the Beautification Awards are selected by the Beautification Committee in early August.

The awards are nomination-based, with participants being solicited using Facebook and an online form . Up to five winners receive a sign and recognition at a city council meeting or on city or mayoral digital platforms.

Other South Milwaukee businesses, civic groups and homeowners are encouraged to visit the City of South Milwaukee's Awards page to learn more about upcoming honors and participating in the initiatives.

Our Mission

Molthen-Bell believes we are all made stronger with the support of family and friends, that our community binds us in faith, service and understanding, and that our stories hold the promise of bringing together generations for years to come. We care.

To learn more about Molthen-Bell & Son Funeral Home, we encourage you to browse our website or call us at (414) 762-0154 .

Summer of Molthen-Bell: We Care

Thu, 23 Aug 2018 17:48:54 GMT

Bringing a little goodwill to our communities all summer long

You've probably been busy this summer, but so have we!

Staff at Molthen-Bell have been on the go during the hot and hazy days of July and August, connecting with folks during a number of community events in South Milwaukee, Cudahy and Oak Creek .

"It's just one of the ways we show our citizens that we're involved and that we care about what happens here," said John Klein , the general manager of Molthen-Bell.

Molthen-Bell has been a member of the local business community for over 100 years , but its role is more intimate and personal than most businesses.

"We get to know families really well, and it's important to feel like you're in good hands," Klein said.

Molthen-Bell sees itself as a champion of life stories that reflect our citizens' character and their contributions in South Milwaukee and surrounding communities.

"Obviously, we provide a dedicated service, but at the heart of our operation is a group of caring professionals who are real people, good people," Klein said. "We live and work in these communities, and we believe it's important to give back to them."

Molthen-Bell believes we are all made stronger with the support of family and friends, that our community binds us in service and understanding, and that our stories hold the promise of bringing together past and future generations for years to come. We care.

Molthen-Bell Contributes $10,000 to Help Immortalize The Crusher

Fri, 09 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

South Milwaukee’s most famous native son just got one step closer to achieving the kind of immortal greatness often reserved for war generals.

Molthen-Bell & Son Funeral Home on Thursday donated $10,000 to an initiative dedicated to erecting a statue of Hall of Fame professional wrestler Reggie Lisowski, better known as The Crusher.

The blond-haired, blued-eye buff Polish athlete worked from the 1940s until the 1980s, and was admired by tens of thousands of fans around the country and in Canada. However, none were more supportive than the place from which he came.

Lisowski grew up and made his home in South Milwaukee, and his wrestling persona lionized the blue-collar worker. He died in 2005 at the age of 79, but he is in no way forgotten. Proudly, his funeral services were performed by Molthen-Bell & Son.

Fans still flock to his grave at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Cudahy. However, one fan, Chris Smith , a 39-year-old lawyer, thinks Lisowski deserves a more fitting tribute – a bronze statue of “Da Crusher” on Milwaukee Avenue.

“We knew Da Crusher, grew up with him in this community, and he made us proud,” said John Klein, general manager of Molthen-Bell Funeral Home. “We’re never going to forget him, and the statue will be a reminder of the come-uppance of the common man.”

Smith, who seems too young to be a fan, added in his own gravelly imitation, “Stereotypical Milwaukee guy, a factory worker, a bricklayer. I'm strong. I'm tough. I'm blue collar. I drink beer. I do the polka.”

Klein immediately liked the idea and put his company’s support behind it. The $40,000 funding goal for the statue is now on track, with municipal regulatory hurdles and design considerations up next.

Molthen-Bell has family and business roots that span more than a century in South Milwaukee. As a pillar of the community, the funeral home often looks for ways to work with local organizations, charities and families to make life better for area residents.

For more info, please call (414) 762-0154 . We serve South Milwaukee, Oak Creek, Cudahy, St. Francis and Wind Point.