Located in the center of Nebraska’s capital city at 3600 O Street, Wyuka Funeral Home & Cemetery is a beautiful historic landmark as well as a restful place for so many of our loved ones who have passed on. With a state-of-the-art Funeral Home on-site, Wyuka offers the Lincoln community full service funeral care. Becky Lauk is a Funeral Director and Mortician at Wyuka.
Tell us a little about your business. – Many Lincolnites aren’t aware that we offer a beautiful, 9700 square foot funeral home in addition to our picturesque cemetery. We provide traditional services in our funeral home and in local churches, as well as memorial services for those who opt for cremation. Every family is special to us and is treated with honesty and dignity, whether their wish is a small graveside service or a large traditional ceremony.
How did you get started in the business? – I was a flight attendant for a charter company doing predominantly military flights for worldwide troop movement. After several layoffs and the instability of the flight industry I wanted to start a new career. I returned to school and graduated from Mortuary College, passed the national and state boards, finished an internship, and became licensed in three states plus attained my insurance license. This effort took four and a half years, a lot of heartfelt commitment; and I have been practicing in Lincoln, NE for one year.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Only about 30% of people who graduate from Mortuary College stay and practice in the field, so sticking with the profession despite all obstacles and demands has by far been the greatest challenge.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Being employed as a Funeral Director at Wyuka, working alongside established, honest and dedicated professionals in the field.
Tell us a little about your family. – My father is a retired Naval Officer and cattle man. My mother is a Navy wife who raised her children all over the world and is now taking care of my father. My parents are from Lincoln; my brother is a software engineer in Utah; my son is a Staff Sergeant in the Army and has been deployed to Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan; my daughter lives in Seoul, Korea and teaches English; and I have a charming granddaughter and fantastic daughter-in-law.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I enjoy traveling and take small trips exploring the United States. I also love to snowmobile.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I would love to be a farmer and plant, combine, and harvest my own fields. If I wasn’t on my tractor or in the fields you’d find me at the local co-op drinking coffee, talking about the price of beans, and catching up on all of the good gossip with the boys.
What are you the most proud of? – Ask any mother this question and she will immediately say ‘My children!’ (Wesley and Gabrielle).
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – ‘Be Not Afraid’ from Saint John Paul II. Very good advice for someone who works with the dead!
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Little White Dog Rescue (littlewhitedogrescue.org) and those that support our military (lonesurvivorfoundation.org, woundedwarriorproject.org, warriorcanineconnection.org).
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Miller Time Pub at The Cornhusker.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Via email at brichards@wyuka.com or visit us online at www.wyuka.com.