New Twin Cities Death Cafes Create Space for Open, Honest Conversations About Life and Death
Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minn. (May 26, 2026) — A new community conversation series inspired by the international Death Cafe movement is launching this summer in the Twin Cities, offering residents of Minneapolis-St. Paul and surrounding communities a welcoming place to talk openly about death, dying, grief, end-of-life planning and the shared human experiences that connect us all.
The Cremation Society of Minnesota will host its first Death Cafe at its funeral home at 7110 France Avenue South in Edina on Thursday, June 25 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., providing a respectful, judgment-free setting for thoughtful discussion around topics that are often difficult to talk about—but deeply relevant to people across Minnesota. A second session is scheduled for 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28 at Willwerscheid Funeral Home and Cremation Service at 235 Wentworth Avenue West in West St. Paul. The date and location of the third session of the summer will be announced soon.
Allison Henz, community engagement lead for the Cremation Society of Minnesota, said, “Death Cafe is not a grief support group or therapy session. Instead, it is a facilitated conversation space where participants come together simply to talk, listen, reflect and connect. Conversations may touch on death care, hospice experiences, caregiving, personal beliefs, cultural perspectives or the meaning of life and mortality.”
The gatherings are open to a wide cross-section of the Twin Cities community, including:
- Minneapolis and St. Paul residents
- Caregivers and family members
- Healthcare and hospice professionals
- Funeral service and death care professionals
- Students and educators
- Anyone curious or seeking deeper, more meaningful conversation
Local hospice organizations have been invited to participate in the initial sessions, helping ground conversations in lived experience while maintaining the informal, peer-driven nature that defines the Death Cafe movement.
To encourage comfort and participation, attendance for each session will be limited to 15–25 people. Henz believe smaller groups foster richer conversation and ensure everyone has the opportunity — if they choose — to be heard.
“These conversations are already happening quietly across kitchen tables and hospital hallways in our community,” Henz said. “The Death Cafe simply offers an intentional space for them—without pressure, expectations or judgment. My hope is that attendees will leave with new perspectives, a sense of shared humanity and meaningful connections within the Twin Cities community.”
What to expect at a Twin Cities Death Cafe:
- Open conversation, not counseling or therapy
- No obligation to speak — listening is equally valued
- Diverse beliefs, cultures and perspectives welcomed
- Light refreshments and snacks provided
- A warm, respectful, community-centered environment
The goal of the Death Cafe is to normalize conversations around death and dying, lessen fear surrounding end-of-life topics and help participants feel more connected — to one another and to life itself.
Space is limited and RSVP is required. For more information or to reserve a spot, community members can email Henz at allison.henz@foundationpartners.com.
Following the summer sessions, Henz plans to evaluate community interest and is exploring a bi‑monthly schedule moving forward. Additional information and helpful resources for families navigating the end-of-life experience can be found at https://www.altogetherfuneral.com/
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About the Cremation Society of Minnesota
The Cremation Society of Minnesota is the state’s largest provider of cremation services, offering budget-friendly direct cremations, traditional funerals, and memorial services. Their member program allows individuals to lock in lower rates, pre-plan arrangements and lift the burden of funeral planning from grieving loved ones
About Willwerscheid Funeral Home
Willwerscheid Funeral Home & Cremation Service is a long-standing, family-founded funeral service provider operating two St. Paul, Minnesota, locations: 1167 Grand Avenue and 235 Wentworth Avenue West, West St. Paul. It caring and compassionate staff offer traditional burial and memorial ceremonies as well as direct cremation, green and natural burial options.
