Our knowledgeable staff are passionate about providing families guidance and support during the funeral planning process and well after the funeral. Together, we can honor your loved one’s life while beginning your grief journey.
Every family’s goodbye is different, so at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory we’re dedicated to providing you an exceptional level of personalized service to ensure your arrangements will be as unique as your loved one. From burial to cremation, and life celebrations to permanent memorialization, we have the trusted experience to provide options that truly meet your needs – not suggestions that merely add expense.
Regardless of circumstances or budget, we are here to help you with all the things you never thought you’d have to do for your loved one – insurance, social security, banks, veterans’ benefits and more. That is why you can always expect thoughtful, caring and honest affordable service when you call Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
James L. Schneider and his wife, Sharon, owned and operated the Hoffmann Schneider Funeral Home since 1985. He has been semi-retired since 2019. A native of Dubuque, Jim had worked at the funeral home, then known as Hoffmann Mortuary, while attending Loras College in Dubuque. He later graduated from the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science. From 1970 to 1985, Jim and Sharon owned and operated the Schneider – Mittnacht Parkside Funeral Home in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. In 2004, Jim and Sharon acquired the second location, Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home, from the Kitchen family after the death of Dennis Kitchen, the owner and founder of that funeral home. Jim is a member of the Dubuque Rotary Club and the Knights of Columbus. Sharon is a graduate of Marquette University in speech pathology. She is a member of many local social and civic organizations. Jim and Sharon have six children and ten grandchildren that they enjoy spending time with.
Adam is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the states of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin and an Iowa life insurance producer. Adam began his journey in funeral service at the young age of 14 when he started helping out his grandfather at his funeral home. He is an active member of Church of the Resurrection where he serves as head usher and Eucharistic Minister, Knights of Columbus Council #15813, 4th Degree Assembly #3556, The 660 Club, and the National Funeral Directors Association. Adam is the father of two daughters, Julia and Claire, and one son, Paul. He is a lifelong fan of the 2016 World Champion Chicago Cubs, and enjoys watching sports and movies.
Theresa is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the state of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin and an Iowa life insurance producer. Theresa began her funeral career early when, at the age of 16, she began working at the funeral home owned by the grandfather of her future husband, Adam. Adam and Theresa recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. Behind God, family, and her work as a funeral director, service and community is a priority in her life. She is a member of Church of the Resurrection, where she sings in the choir and serves as Eucharistic Minister, Mercy Service Club, where she serves on the board as Social/Publicity Chair, Rotary of Dubuque, where she serves on the board and is chair of the Fundraising/Events committee, Dubuque Symphony Orchestra League Board, PEO Chapter IK, TTT Chapter Chapter GX, and the National Funeral Directors Association. Theresa is the proud mother of two daughters, Julia and Claire, and one son, Paul, all who attend Holy Family Schools.
Renee is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the states of Iowa and Wisconsin. Renee grew up in Lancaster, Wisconsin, where she knew she wanted to be a funeral director at an early age. She attended college at the University of Wisconsin Platteville before graduating from Worsham Colleg of Mortuary Science in 2010. She began her career in Platteville, Wisconsin until life brought her to Dubuque to be with her partner, Robin, and her three boys, Gavin, Logan, and Dawson, in 2021. When she's not working, she and Robin enjoy weekend get-aways with the boys, vacations to the beach, and going to concerts.
While Jenni may be new to the funeral business, oddly enough her previous job was a wedding coordinator. It seems like a big swing in careers, going from weddings to funerals, but the fundamentals are the same. Everyone needs to be treated well, have their wishes respected, and have the absolute best service to make things as easy and less stressful as possible. She is a Dubuque native and a proud “north ender” who graduated from Wahlert High School. She is a resident of Asbury, has one daughter, Emma, who she adores, loves music and going to concerts, reading, going to sound healing sessions, taking vacations with her crew of besties, and spending time with family and friends. Life is the dash between the birth year and death year date, live it well and be thankful for all the experiences good or bad.
Jeremy Pitchforth has served as an Advance Funeral Planner at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory since January of 2022. Jeremy grew up in Thornton, Colorado. He and his family have lived in Iowa for 10 years and have loved every minute. Jeremy lives in Dubuque with his wife, Krystal and five children, Carly (11), Emma (9), Ryan (6), Jane (4) and Luke (1). He enjoys bike rides, playing pickleball, basketball, soccer, and card games with his family and loves watching any type of sport, especially watching football.
Morgan was born and raised in Dubuque, and graduated from Wahlert Catholic High School. She graduated from the University of Iowa in 2023 with a degree in Psychology. Morgan graduated from the DMACC Mortuary Science program in 2024.
Mike Ready was born in Dubuque, and graduated from Wahlert High School. He married Jane in 1966 in Arkansas. Mike retired from John Deere Dubuque Works. He serves on the Board of Directors for DuTrac Community Credit Union. Mike joined the staff at Hoffmann Schneider in 2006.
Diane joined the staff of HSK in December, 2022, and truly enjoys the many families she meets and is able to serve as a funeral assistant. Prior to joining HSK, she was employed by Medical Associates Clinic for 41 years. She began her career at MAC as a receptionist, obtained a nursing degree from NICC in 1997, and subsequently worked as a pediatric nurse for 10 years, followed by another 10 years as the Pediatric RN Manager. The final few years of her nursing career she served in the role as RN Case Manager/Health Coach for the Medicare population.
Diane and her husband, Mark, live in Dubuque and are members of Church of the Resurrection, where Diane serves as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and funeral sacristan. They are the parents of a daughter and two sons, and are the proud grandparents of four grandsons and a granddaughter. Diane enjoys travel, golf, reading, biking, hiking, walks, water aerobics, and simply spending time with family and friends.
Denise joined the staff of Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen in September, 2023 and enjoys giving back to the community, helping others in times of need, and meeting people. Prior to joining HSK, she was an elementary teacher in the Western Dubuque school district then became a principal with the Holy Family Catholic School system, serving first at Holy Ghost, followed by a dual principalship at St. Anthony's/Holy Ghost, then finishing her career at Resurrection. Denise and her husband, Mike, live in Peosta and have three children and two grandchildren. Denise enjoys lap swimming, walking the dogs, working puzzles, reading, and football.
Rosie joined Hoffman Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home in August of 2024 as a Funeral Assistant. She retired from Mercy One Dubuque in 2021 after a 45-year career in the Radiology and Cardiology Departments. She has three adult children and one adorable granddaughter. In her free time, Rosie enjoys volunteering and serves as an usher at Bell Tower theater, volunteers at the Dubuque Arboretum, Convivium Urban Farmstead and is an active participant at her home parish, St. Joseph the Worker. When Rosie is not working or volunteering, she enjoys biking, hiking, playing pickleball and travel. Rosie looks forward to bringing her compassionate care from years in healthcare to families at Hoffman Schneider & Kitchen.
Gary was born and raised in Dubuque. He graduated from Wahlert High school in 1966. He married Debbie in 1971, and they had two adult children. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1968 until 1970 and was employed for 33 years with Sunbeam Bakery. He joined the funeral home in 1995. Gary was very active with the St. Vincent DePaul Society, and served as its president. He was also very involved in St. Columbkille Parish. Gary sadly passed away on April 17, 2020. His kindness and service to the Dubuque area didn't go unnoticed and has left a giant void in this community.