During those times, it is the compassion and dedication of the funeral home’s staff that helps guide families through grief with care and understanding. One of those team members is Kayle Wood, a Funeral Director Assistant whose quiet support helps families feel welcomed and cared for from the moment they arrive.

As a Funeral Director Assistant at Piasecki Funeral Home, Kayle helps support both families and funeral directors throughout the services they provide. Her responsibilities can vary from day to day, but the goal remains the same.

“The main part of our job is to serve families that have lost a loved one,” Kayle explains.

Part of that work includes assisting funeral directors as they prepare the chapel for visitations and services. This may involve arranging photographs, personal items, and other meaningful displays that help tell the story of the person being honored. These thoughtful details often become an important part of the grieving process, allowing family members and friends to reflect on a loved one’s life and the memories they shared.

Kayle is also frequently one of the first people families and visitors encounter when they arrive. “We are a friendly face that opens the door for family and friends,” she says. “Hopefully we help the families navigate through one of the most difficult times in their lives.” A simple greeting or warm smile can go a long way in helping people feel more comfortable during an emotional time.

Kayle’s path into funeral service was shaped by personal experiences that left a lasting impression on her. Piasecki Funeral Home had served her own family during times of loss, including when her mother and sister passed away.

“They helped make a hard situation easier,” she says.

The compassion shown to her family during those difficult moments stayed with her. Over time, Kayle realized she wanted to help provide that same sense of care and comfort to other families.

Because of those experiences, she decided to apply for a position at Piasecki Funeral Home. The funeral home’s long history of serving families in the Kenosha community also made the opportunity especially meaningful to her.

Kayle has deep roots in the Kenosha community. She grew up in the area and attended St. James Grade School and St. Joseph High School.

Her upbringing played an important role in shaping the person she is today. Kayle credits her parents and extended family for teaching her the importance of giving back. “They volunteered for different events at school and in the community,” she recalls. “I learned from all of them what it was like to give of your time and talent.”

Those early lessons in service and generosity stayed with her throughout her life. Before joining Piasecki Funeral Home, Kayle worked in several different positions around Kenosha. Each job provided valuable experiences and introduced her to people who influenced her path.

Working closely with families during times of loss has given Kayle a deeper perspective on life and human connection. “Life is short,” she says. “Everyone deals with loss in their own way and on their own time.” She has learned that sometimes the most meaningful support comes from simply being present for someone. “Sometimes someone just needs a hug,” she says, “because there are no words.”

Outside of the funeral home, Kayle enjoys spending as much time as possible with her family and friends. She has three children who are now married, which she jokes means she has “six kids.” She is also the proud grandmother of six grandchildren.

“I love spending time with them,” she says with a laugh. “I think I like them better than my kids… just kidding. Kind of.” Travel is another favorite pastime. Kayle often visits Upper Michigan to spend time with two of her grandchildren, along with her son and daughter-in-law.

Her life has also included some interesting adventures. She spent three years living in northern Wisconsin when her parents and godparents owned a resort, and she later lived in Alaska for three years as well. One of her most memorable experiences was going skydiving with her daughter to celebrate her daughter’s college graduation.

Although Funeral Director Assistants often work behind the scenes, Kayle finds great satisfaction in knowing that her efforts help families during a challenging time.

“Being a Funeral Director Assistant is very rewarding,” she says. “I like quietly doing what needs to be done for the families to make things easier for them.” Despite the emotional nature of the work, Kayle says the experience often leaves her feeling grateful.

“I sometimes feel that I get way more out of helping the families than I give,” she says. “I always walk away with something when I am done working, and it makes me smile. It has been an honor and privilege to serve the families that have been in our care at Piasecki Funeral Home.”

For Kayle, serving families at Piasecki Funeral Home is more than a job. It is an opportunity to offer compassion, kindness, and support when people need it most.