Meet Stephanie Springer, a family service counselor at Wyuka Funeral Home & Cemetery.
Tell us a little about your business. – At Wyuka (wyuka.com), we know that the passing of a loved one is one of the most stressful situations people may find themselves in. Preplanning arrangements is a selfless act. We plan for all types of events well in advance like weddings, the birth of a child, educational expenses, vacations, and retirement. All of these are just possibilities, and we still plan. It makes sense to plan for the inevitable as well. Wyuka provides services to help you handle your arrangements beforehand to relieve some of the emotional burden from those you love. I am here to counsel and guide the family through the process. There are many grief resources available through Wyuka.
How did you get started in the business? – My mom has been a family service counselor at a different cemetery for almost 15 years now, and I have watched what she has done over the years. Then, my dad decided to go back to school to get his degree in mortuary science. We got to know the funeral directors here in Lincoln and even in Omaha. Family service counseling felt like my calling.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Finding a profession I love. It’s a profession where I can make a difference, no matter how small. I can see myself spending the rest of my life doing this work and enjoying it.
Tell us a little about your family. – We’re a small, but very tight-knit family. There’s my older brother Stephen and our mom Tami. My dad, Wes, passed away a little over two years ago and I miss him every day. My parents were a few months shy of celebrating their 31st wedding anniversary. My brother and I grew up in a wonderful and loving home. My family are people I can always rely on, and they know the same of me.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – I lost my dad and then the pandemic happened two weeks later. I was furloughed for almost six months at my last job. It’s very hard to grieve and fi nd your new normal when the world stops. It was a very hard time, but I like to think I came out of it stronger and more determined to go after what I want in life.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I like to go to my local pottery studio. I usually have no idea what I’m going to make, but that’s what makes it fun!
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I’m a published artist, photographer, and poet in a small publication a decade ago, but it still counts!
Who inspires you? – My parents. They are the most amazing people I have ever met. They taught me to be kind, caring, and patient. They taught me there is always light in the dark. My mom has been a mentor to me and, though he’s not here anymore, my dad is with me every day.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 474-3600; sspringer@wyuka.com; wyuka.com.