Case: Richwine v. Matuszak

1:23-cv-00370 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana

Filed Date: Aug. 30, 2023

Closed Date: Aug. 28, 2025

Clearinghouse coding in progress

Case Summary

[This summary is temporary while we research the case.]

On August 30, 2023, Plaintiffs Lauren Richwine and Death Done Differently LLC filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana to vindicate their First Amendment rights. The complaint alleges that beginning in 2021, the State of Indiana began investigating Richwine’s business under Indiana’s Embalmers and Funeral Directors Laws. Though Richwine did not hold herself out as a licensed funeral director or engage in the technical conduct of licensed funeral professionals (such as embalming), the Indiana State Board of Funeral and Cemetery Service ultimately ordered that Richwine and Death Done Differently ceased and desisted from speaking with other adults about death care unless and until they obtained both a funeral-director license and a funeral-home license.

Summary Authors

Claire Pollard (9/7/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67746791/parties/richwine-v-matuszak/


Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

1:23-cv-00370

Verified Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

Aug. 30, 2023

Aug. 30, 2023

Complaint
45

24-01081

Final Judgment

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit

Aug. 29, 2025

Aug. 29, 2025

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67746791/richwine-v-matuszak/

Last updated April 16, 2026, 5:02 a.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Aug. 30, 2023

COMPLAINT against Christopher Cooke, Frank Downing, Lindsay Hyer, Kathleen Diane Matuszak, Theodore Rokita, Thomas Sproles( Filing fee $ 402 receipt number AINNDC-5341881.), filed by Death Done Differently LLC, Lauren Richwine. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Proposed Summons Proposed Summonses, # 3 Exhibit Exhibit A DDD Webpage, # 4 Exhibit Exhibit B DDD Complaint, # 5 Exhibit Exhibit C Response to Complaint, # 6 Exhibit Exhibit D Letters in Support/Intake, # 7 Exhibit Exhibit E C&D Motion, # 8 Exhibit Exhibit F Order to Show Cause)(Field, Benjamin) (Entered: 08/30/2023)

1 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

2 Proposed Summons Proposed Summonses

View on PACER

3 Exhibit Exhibit A DDD Webpage

View on PACER

4 Exhibit Exhibit B DDD Complaint

View on PACER

5 Exhibit Exhibit C Response to Complaint

View on PACER

6 Exhibit Exhibit D Letters in Support/Intake

View on PACER

7 Exhibit Exhibit E C&D Motion

View on PACER

8 Exhibit Exhibit F Order to Show Cause

View on PACER

Clearinghouse
2 Aug. 30, 2023

First MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by Plaintiffs Death Done Differently LLC, Lauren Richwine. (Field, Benjamin) (Entered: 08/30/2023)

RECAP
3 Aug. 30, 2023

MEMORANDUM in Support of 2 First MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Death Done Differently LLC, Lauren Richwine. (Field, Benjamin) (Entered: 08/30/2023)

RECAP
4 Aug. 30, 2023

First MOTION for Hearing re 2 First MOTION for Preliminary Injunction, 3 Memorandum in Support of Preliminary Injunction by Plaintiffs Death Done Differently LLC, Lauren Richwine. (Field, Benjamin) (Entered: 08/30/2023)

RECAP
5 Aug. 30, 2023

Corporate Disclosure Statement by Death Done Differently LLC, Lauren Richwine. (Field, Benjamin) (Entered: 08/30/2023)

RECAP
6 Aug. 30, 2023

NOTICE of Appearance by Benjamin A Field on behalf of Death Done Differently LLC, Lauren Richwine (Field, Benjamin) (Entered: 08/30/2023)

RECAP
7 Aug. 30, 2023

NOTICE of Appearance by Jeffrey Rowes on behalf of Death Done Differently LLC, Lauren Richwine (Rowes, Jeffrey) (Entered: 08/30/2023)

RECAP
8 Aug. 30, 2023

NOTICE of Appearance by Christian W Lansinger on behalf of Death Done Differently LLC, Lauren Richwine (Lansinger, Christian) (Entered: 08/30/2023)

RECAP
9 Aug. 30, 2023

NOTICE of Appearance by Stephen J Peters on behalf of Death Done Differently LLC, Lauren Richwine (Peters, Stephen) (Entered: 08/30/2023)

RECAP
10 Aug. 30, 2023

NOTICE of Appearance by Erika L Steuerwald on behalf of Death Done Differently LLC, Lauren Richwine (Steuerwald, Erika) (Entered: 08/30/2023)

RECAP
11 Aug. 31, 2023

SUPPLEMENT to 1 Complaint,, Exhibit G C&D Order filed by Death Done Differently LLC, Lauren Richwine. (Field, Benjamin) (Entered: 08/31/2023)

RECAP
12 Aug. 31, 2023

NOTICE of Appearance by David I Rubin on behalf of Death Done Differently LLC, Lauren Richwine (Rubin, David) (Entered: 08/31/2023)

RECAP
13 Aug. 31, 2023

Summons Issued as to Christopher Cooke, Frank Downing, Lindsay Hyer, Kathleen Diane Matuszak, Theodore Rokita, Thomas Sproles. NOTE:The attached document is accessible by court personnel only. Summons forms that were electronically submitted to the court for issuance will be returned to counsel via e-mail. (sej) (Entered: 08/31/2023)

RECAP
14 Aug. 31, 2023

ORDER SETTING BRIEFING SCHEDULE: The Court has reviewed filings (ECF 1, 2, and 4 ) and directs Defendants to file briefs by 9/11/2023, responding to the merits of Plaintiffs Motion for Preliminary Injunction. By the end of business today, counsel for Plaintiffs is DIRECTED to serve a copy of this Order by email or mail on Defendants or their representatives if known. Signed by Chief Judge Holly A Brady on 08/31/2023. (sej) (Entered: 08/31/2023)

RECAP
Aug. 31, 2023

Add and Terminate Judges

Aug. 31, 2023

**NEW CASE: MOTION FOR HEARING ON AND REQUEST FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION PENDING** Chief Judge Holly A Brady and Magistrate Judge Susan L Collins added. (sej)

15 Sept. 6, 2023

NOTICE of Appearance by Carly A Brandenburg on behalf of Christopher Cooke, Frank Downing, Lindsay Hyer, Kathleen Diane Matuszak, Theodore Rokita, Thomas Sproles (Brandenburg, Carly) (Entered: 09/06/2023)

RECAP
16 Sept. 6, 2023

NOTICE of Appearance by Alan M Kus on behalf of Christopher Cooke, Frank Downing, Lindsay Hyer, Kathleen Diane Matuszak, Theodore Rokita, Thomas Sproles (Kus, Alan) (Entered: 09/06/2023)

RECAP
17 Sept. 7, 2023

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 1 Complaint,, 2 First MOTION for Preliminary Injunction, 3 Memorandum in Support of 2 First Motion for Preliminary Injunction by Defendants Christopher Cooke, Frank Downing, Lindsay Hyer, Kathleen Diane Matuszak, Theodore Rokita, Thomas Sproles. (Kus, Alan) (Entered: 09/07/2023)

RECAP
18 Sept. 11, 2023

AFFIDAVIT of Service for Summons and Complaint served on Doug Boyle obo Kathleen Matuszak on September 7, 2023, filed by Death Done Differently LLC, Lauren Richwine. (Field, Benjamin) (Entered: 09/11/2023)

RECAP
19 Sept. 11, 2023

AFFIDAVIT of Service for Summons and Complaint served on Doug Boyle obo Thomas Sproles on September 7, 2023, filed by Death Done Differently LLC, Lauren Richwine. (Field, Benjamin) (Entered: 09/11/2023)

RECAP
20 Sept. 11, 2023

AFFIDAVIT of Service for Summons and Complaint served on Doug Boyle obo Frank Downing on September 7, 2023, filed by Death Done Differently LLC, Lauren Richwine. (Field, Benjamin) (Entered: 09/11/2023)

RECAP
21 Sept. 11, 2023

AFFIDAVIT of Service for Summons and Complaint served on Doug Boyle obo Christopher Cooke on September 7, 2023, filed by Death Done Differently LLC, Lauren Richwine. (Field, Benjamin) (Entered: 09/11/2023)

RECAP
22 Sept. 11, 2023

AFFIDAVIT of Service for Summons and Complaint served on Ethan Childress obo Theodore Rokita on September 11, 2023, filed by Death Done Differently LLC, Lauren Richwine. (Field, Benjamin) (Entered: 09/11/2023)

RECAP
23 Sept. 11, 2023

AFFIDAVIT of Service for Summons and Complaint served on Doug Boyle obo Lindsay Hyer on September 7, 2023, filed by Death Done Differently LLC, Lauren Richwine. (Field, Benjamin) (Entered: 09/11/2023)

RECAP
24 Sept. 11, 2023

ORDER FOR CHIEF JUDGE HOLLY A BRADY: The Court being duly advised GRANTS 17 Agreed Motion to Extend Deadlines to Respond to Pla's 2 Motion for Preliminary Injunction and 1 Complaint. Dfts' Response to the Motion to be filed by 9/18/2023 and Answer to Complaint to be filed by 10/9/2023. (cer) (Entered: 09/11/2023)

RECAP
Sept. 11, 2023

1 - Terminate Deadlines AND Order AND ~Util - Set Deadlines AND ~Util - Terminate Motions

25 Sept. 18, 2023

MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages Defendants' Motion for Leave to Fle Brief Exceeding 25 Pages by Defendants Christopher Cooke, Frank Downing, Kathleen Diane Matuszak, Thomas Sproles. (Brandenburg, Carly) (Entered: 09/18/2023)

RECAP
26 Sept. 18, 2023

RESPONSE to Motion re 2 First MOTION for Preliminary Injunction Defendants' Response Opposing Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by Christopher Cooke, Frank Downing, Kathleen Diane Matuszak, Thomas Sproles. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit, # 4 Exhibit, # 5 Exhibit, # 6 Exhibit, # 7 Exhibit, # 8 Exhibit, # 9 Exhibit, # 10 Exhibit, # 11 Exhibit, # 12 Exhibit, # 13 Exhibit)(Brandenburg, Carly) (Entered: 09/18/2023)

RECAP
27 Sept. 19, 2023

ORDER FOR CHIEF JUDGE HOLLY A BRADY: The Court being duly advised GRANTS Dfts' 25 Motion for Leave to File Brief Exceeding 25 Pages. (cer) (Entered: 09/19/2023)

RECAP
Sept. 19, 2023

Order AND ~Util - Terminate Motions

28 Sept. 25, 2023

First MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages for Reply In Support of Preliminary Injunction by Plaintiffs Death Done Differently LLC, Lauren Richwine. (Field, Benjamin) (Entered: 09/25/2023)

RECAP
29 Sept. 25, 2023

REPLY to Response to Motion re 2 First MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Death Done Differently LLC, Lauren Richwine. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of Lauren Richwine)(Field, Benjamin) (Entered: 09/25/2023)

RECAP
30 Sept. 25, 2023

ORDER FOR CHIEF JUDGE HOLLY A BRADY: The Court being duly advised GRANTS Pla's 28 Motion for Leave to File Reply Brief Exceeding 15 Pages. (cer) (Entered: 09/25/2023)

RECAP
Sept. 25, 2023

Order AND ~Util - Terminate Motions

31 Oct. 5, 2023

ORDER FOR CHIEF JUDGE HOLLY A BRADY: The Court has received the parties briefs regarding Plaintiffs 2 First Motion for Preliminary Injunction and has determined that an evidentiary hearing and oral argument are not necessary. The Court DENIES Plaintiffs 4 Request for Oral Argument and Evidentiary Hearing.(lf) (Entered: 10/05/2023)

RECAP
Oct. 5, 2023

Order AND ~Util - Terminate Motions

32 Oct. 9, 2023

ANSWER to 1 Complaint,, Defendants' Answer and Affirmative Defenses to Plaintiff's Verified Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief by Christopher Cooke, Frank Downing, Lindsay Hyer, Kathleen Diane Matuszak, Theodore Rokita, Thomas Sproles.(Brandenburg, Carly) (Entered: 10/09/2023)

RECAP
33 Oct. 19, 2023

ORDER: The Court ORDERS the parties to brief the issue of whether Plaintiffs First Amendment claims are precluded under the doctrine of claim preclusion. Plaintiffs' and Defendants' cross-briefs are due on or before 11/02/2023. Response briefs are due 11/13/2023. Signed by Chief Judge Holly A Brady on 10/19/2023. (jdb) (Entered: 10/20/2023)

RECAP
34 Nov. 2, 2023

BRIEF re 33 Order,, Set Deadlines, Defendants' Supplemental Brief Regarding Claim Preclusion. (Brandenburg, Carly) (Entered: 11/02/2023)

RECAP
35 Nov. 2, 2023

BRIEF re 33 Order,, Set Deadlines, Plaintiff's Supplemental Brief Regarding Claim Preclusion. (Field, Benjamin) (Entered: 11/02/2023)

RECAP
36 Nov. 13, 2023

RESPONSE by Christopher Cooke, Frank Downing, Lindsay Hyer, Kathleen Diane Matuszak, Theodore Rokita, Thomas Sproles to 35 Brief (Other) Defendants' Response to Plaintiffs' Supplemental Brief Regarding Claim Preclusion. (Brandenburg, Carly) (Entered: 11/13/2023)

RECAP
37 Nov. 13, 2023

RESPONSE by Death Done Differently LLC, Lauren Richwine to 34 Brief (Other) Plaintiffs' Response to Defendants' Supplemental Brief Regarding Claim Preclusion. (Field, Benjamin) (Entered: 11/13/2023)

RECAP
38 Dec. 19, 2023

OPINION AND ORDER: Plaintiffs' 2 First Motion for a Preliminary Injunction is GRANTED. Defendants and their agents are ENJOINED from enforcing the Board's Cease-and-Desist Order against Plaintiffs during the pendency of this litigation. Signed by Chief Judge Holly A Brady on 12/19/23. (nal)

RECAP
39 Dec. 21, 2023

Notice of Hearing/Deadlines

RECAP
40 Dec. 21, 2023

Mag Consent Forms Sent - Standard with pptc - form will be generated

RECAP
41 Jan. 5, 2024

Report of Rule 26f Planning Meeting

RECAP
43 Jan. 10, 2024

Scheduling Order

RECAP
Jan. 10, 2024

Pretrial Conference - Preliminary - customized ddls & hrgs

44 Jan. 18, 2024

Notice of Appeal

RECAP
45 Jan. 18, 2024

Stay

RECAP
46 Jan. 19, 2024

Short Record Sent to USCA

RECAP
47 Jan. 19, 2024

USCA Case Number

RECAP
Jan. 22, 2024

Order AND ~Util - Terminate Motions

49 March 4, 2024

USCA Order

RECAP
50 March 6, 2024

Preliminary Injunction

RECAP
51 March 18, 2024

Withdraw as Attorney

RECAP
52 March 21, 2024

USCA Order

RECAP
March 21, 2024

Order AND ~Util - Add and Terminate Attorneys AND ~Util - Terminate Motions

July 7, 2025

Order Reassigning Case

55 Sept. 23, 2025

USCA Mandate

RECAP
Sept. 24, 2025

Order AND ~Util - Set Deadlines/Hearings

57 Sept. 25, 2025

Stay

RECAP
Sept. 26, 2025

Order on Motion to Stay

Oct. 2, 2025

1 - Terminate Hearings AND Order

60 Dec. 1, 2025

Stay

RECAP
Dec. 2, 2025

Order on Motion to Stay

62 Jan. 28, 2026

Stay

RECAP
Jan. 29, 2026

Order on Motion to Stay

64 March 12, 2026

Stay

RECAP
March 13, 2026

Order on Motion to Stay

Case Details

State / Territory:

Indiana

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Key Dates

Filing Date: Aug. 30, 2023

Closing Date: Aug. 28, 2025

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiff is a person whose business, Death Done Differently, LLC, helps advise and guide families through the deeply personal choices surrounding both the end of life and being remembered after life.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

Institute for Justice

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

State

Christopher Cooke

Frank Downing

Kathleen Diane Matuszak

Lindsay Hyer

Theodore Rokita

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Civil Rights Act of 1957/1960, 52 U.S.C. § 10101 (previously 42 U.S.C. § 1971)

Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2201

Constitutional Clause(s):

Equal Protection

Freedom of speech/association

Other Dockets:

Northern District of Indiana 1:23-cv-00370

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit 24-01081

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Granted:

Declaratory Judgment

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Issues

General/Misc.:

Classification / placement

Recommended Citation