MFDA Bulletin - Fall 2019

MFDA Launching Members-Only MFDA Online Community This Fall

Later this fall we will be launching a new exclusive members-only benefit called the MFDA Online Community

The MFDA community will be a forum for our members to ask questions, discuss/debate industry issues, and share ideas. You can learn more about MFDA and other partner organization events, and find industry resources to review and download.

Your MFDA Online Community will feature all communications from our office and will be available to all member funeral home staff!

Watch your email for your invitation to join YOUR COMMUNITY!

Minnesota

MFDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

Chris Jacobson

Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home Ada, MN chris.jacobson@tlcofduluth.com

Treasurer

Kelly J. Kelly

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes Kasson, MN kjkell0803@yahoo.com

DISTRICT DIRECTORS

Joe Mahn (District 1)

Mahn Family Funeral and Cremation Services, Red Wing, MN jmahn62@hotmail.com

Tonya D. Borth (District 2) Kolden Funeral Home Le Sueur, MN tonya_04@hotmail.com

Marquis Madison (District 3) Totzke Funeral Home Fulda, MN totzke@mchsi.com

Lance Peterson (District 4/5)

Peterson Brothers Funeral Home and Cremation Service Willmar, MN lance@petersonbrothers.com

Scott Benson (District 6 & 7) Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel, Inc. Robbinsdale, MN sbenson@delmore.com

Sara Thompson (District 8)

Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services Sauk Centre, MN sthompson@pattonschad.com

Andrew Yaggie (District 9)

Glende-Nilson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Fegus Falls, MN andrew@glendenilson.com

Tim Anderson(District 10)

Anderson Funeral Home Twin Valley, MN timanderson@arvig.net

David Huso (District 11)

Rowe Funeral Home Grand Rapids, MN husodavid@yahoo.com

Secretary

Brian Dingmann

Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services, Annandale, MN brian@dingmannfuneral.com

Past President

Dan Dahl

Dahl Funeral Home East Grand Forks, MN dan.dahl@midconetwork.com

POLICY BOARD REPRESENTATIVE

Leif Larsen Green-Larsen Mortuary International Falls, MN larsen_625@msn.com

PAST PRESIDENT REP

Ken Peterson, CFSP Johnson-Peterson Funeral Home White Bear Lake, MN petersonkb@gmail.com

STAFF

Darlyne Erickson, CAE Executive Director 763-416-0124

612-940-8169 (cell) info@mnfuneral.org

Amy Beckham (Administrative) amy@mnfuneral.org

Sue Sack (Accounting) sue@mnfuneral.org

Kathy Sheridan (Membership/Convention) kathy@mnfuneral.org

Miki Tufto (Communications/Convention) mtufto@mnfuneral.org

7046 East Fish Lake Road Maple Grove, MN 55311

p: (763) 416-0124 • f: (763) 416-0124 e: info@mnfuneral.org

www.mnfuneral.org

October 23-25

LifeSource Spark Event

Mystic Lake Center, Prior Lake

October 27-30

NFDA International Convention & Expo Chicago, IL

May 27, 2020

NFDA Cremation Certification Program

Mystic Lake Center, Prior Lake

May 27-29, 2020

MFDA’s 130th Annual Convention

Mystic Lake Center, Prior Lake

Who We Are: Minnesota Funeral Director’s Association (MFDA) is the statewide resource dedicated to supporting our member’s growth professionally, ethically, and operationally.

What Is Our Mission: Our mission is to enhance and support funeral service excellence through our programs, legislative representation and service to Minnesotans.

How We Accomplish This:

• Essential and enduring principles that guide our organization’s behaviors and actions

• Advancing the value of funeral service consistent with the changing needs of society

• Advocacy on behalf of consumers and members

• Visionary leadership trust and confidence in staff and volunteer leadership

• Promotion of integrity; honest and ethical behavior within the funeral industry

• Collaboration with others in the interest of consumers and members

• Recognize the importance of education as a vehicle to enhance both public service and public image

From the President

By Christopher L. Jacobson, MFDA President

Fall in Minnesota

This past summer, I was able to attend the National Funeral Directors Association Leadership Academy in San Diego, California with other members of your MFDA board. While there, we participated in a roundtable discussion with each state in attendance to discuss issues they are facing and to gain insight as to how to successfully address those issues. The consensus was that a majority of states are concerned about workforce development. Many states have made various efforts, and the one that has been the most effective is the mentoring students. It has proved to be successful in other states, let’s embrace it here in Minnesota.

Now that fall 2019 is upon us, change is evident everywhere. Changing leaves, changing weather, and changing schedules are the norm. Let’s remember that this is a perfect time to touch base with your local high schools and colleges and to connect with their counselors and career guidance staff. Find out if there are career days coming up or professional development classes that you can visit. Invest in students as you get to know them – your impact on them can be informative and life-changing. Perhaps you are planning for future changes in your own organization and may need a funeral director, manager, owner, or board member of your state organization. Your area schools are an excellent resource to be tapped. MFDA will again be exhibiting at the MN School Counselors Association Conference in 2020, along with University of MN Mortuary Science personnel. We were pleasantly surprised at the response we received this past year, and feel it is more than worthwhile to be there again.

MFDA also sent representatives to the Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC. While there MFDA board members met with a variety of elected officials regarding legislation that pertains to body donation and the importance uniformity of care following the death of our veterans who so generously risked their lives to ensure our freedoms in the United States. Through these meetings we were able to be your voice for honoring our veterans.

District Meetings began in September. Not only is this a great time for you to earn some extra CEUs but also a wonderful time to network with others in our industry. MFDA and the Sapphyre Group have together developed helpful and informative sessions for your District. I encourage you to attend. The session includes OSHA updates as well as speakers representing Funeral Directors Life, Federated Insurance, the Minnesota Department of Health, the Minnesota State Representative from your District, MFDA’s Lobbyist Joe Sellwood, the University of Minnesota’s Mortuary Science Program, and a local District meeting with your elected district representative.

Coming up this fall is the National Funeral Directors Association Convention in Chicago. This is another terrific opportunity to network with other professionals from around not only the country, but also the world. I look forward to learning and brainstorming with others in our profession ways to reach the younger generation and expand the funeral industry as it faces change. I hope to see many of you there. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you are there and introduce yourself.

Fall also includes a time of thanksgiving. I want to be sure to express my thanks to all of you for supporting MFDA and being the heartbeat behind the funeral profession. I hope you are able to use this season of change to take time to reflect on what you have accomplished in the past year and to remember what a huge blessing you are to those you have served.

Blessings,

Christopher L. Jacobson 2019-20 MFDA President

I want to be sure to express my thanks to all of you for supporting MFDA and being the heartbeat behind the funeral profession. I hope you are able to use this season of change to take time to reflect on what you have accomplished in the past year and to remember what a huge blessing you are to those you have served.

Executive Director’s Report

By Darlyne Erickson. CAE

I always look forward to fall with a bit of trepidation (uncertain agitation) and excitement (yeah)!

I always look forward to fall with a bit of trepidation (uncertain agitation) and excitement (yeah)! So here we are, right in the midst of things! We have four district meetings completed, which included eight districts and 92 people. Four more to go, and by the time you read this we would have covered the southern part of the state. The number of miles driven by not only Sue and me, but all of the presenters that have agreed to speak to our members, is a lot. The following organizations have taken the time and effort to send representatives and for this we are all grateful!

• Funeral Directors Life Insurance

• Federated Insurance

• Minnesota Department of HealthMortuary Science Section

• Joe Sellwood – Cook-Cook Girard / Lobbyist

• University of MN Program of Mortuary Science

• Jessica Stern – ADA Requirements for deaf/deafblind/hard of hearing a communities

• Minnesota Lion’s Eye Bank

• LifeSource

• Minnesota Department of Vital Records The things I enjoy the most about these meetings are the conversations and camaraderie that I experience and see all around me. A lot of laughter and good natured “needling” goes on, even amongst competitors. It makes me smile! Finally, I am very grateful for the support I experience, not only from my staff (Miki, Sue, Kathy and Amy), but from the Board of Directors that have stepped up to volunteer to serve their profession. I’ve been in the association management world for close to 30 years and have experienced a wide variety of boards and the individuals whom serve. I will be

honest, it’s not always pretty. Personalities and opinions can create all types of chaos, confusion, turmoil and/or madness.

HOWEVER, I will say that over the last several years I have witnessed more cooperation than chaos, more agreement than turmoil and more laughter than silence. Yes, differences of opinion, but the individuals that have stepped up have shown that they care and are both ethical and professional in their commitment to funeral service. For this I am grateful!

For those of you who plan on attending the NFDA International Convention & Expo in Chicago, October 27-30, know that there are currently 43 individuals attending from Minnesota, and I’m certain we’ll have quite a few more. I was recently at the NFDA offices in Milwaukee and witnessed all the preparation they go through for this event. It’s pretty awesome…hope to see you there!

Darlyne Erickson, CAE

The number of miles driven by not only Sue and me, but all of the presenters that have agreed to speak to our members, is a lot.

Certified Celebrant Training

Insight’s Certified Celebrant Training was hosted by MFDA in September in Plymouth with 20 attendees

InSight staff, including Glenda Stansbury, worked with the Celebrant class over two days in September.

Legislative Update

By Joe Sellwood, Cook Girard Associates

This fall has been a wonderful time to travel to district meetings around the state and meet with funeral directors. District meetings are an invaluable opportunity to gather information and hear what’s working and what potentially could change. One of the overarching themes is a concern over the current and future workforce of the funeral service industry.

With the workforce as a main priority that the MFDA legislative committee is looking to address, it needs to be crafted carefully, with intended and unintended consequences considered, both short-term and long-term. There

are a few proposals at the legislature that could potentially be considered by legislators. MFDA is currently evaluating and considering input regarding the EMTs permitted to make removals legislation (HF2866, Huot), the nonlicensed personnel permitted to arrange and supervise funerals legislation (HF2309, Noor/SF697, Koran) from the Institute for Justice, and MFDA’s own license reciprocity bill (HF1113, Huot/SF1411, Lang) which would make it easier for funeral directors from other states to work in Minnesota.

These proposals, introduced during the 2019 session, are still available for the

2020 session to progress forward. It remains to be seen whether or not any action will be taken, with a politically divided legislature and upcoming election, there may be a lack of movement on many issues – though it is very important to be extremely thoughtful on these critical licensure issues, and we are thankful for all of the input from MFDA and non-MFDA members.

Cook Girard Associates will continue to keep MFDA and its members up to date on all things impacting the important work of funeral service in Minnesota.

With the workforce as a main priority that the MFDA legislative committee is looking to address, it needs to be crafted carefully, with intended and unintended consequences considered, both short-term and long-term.

U of M Mortuary Science Update

By Michael LuBrant, Program Director

Fall season has finally arrived, and all of us here in the Program of Mortuary Science are energized by the work that comes with the start of a new academic year. Fall also means I once again have the opportunity to travel across Minnesota and participate in the annual MFDA District Meetings. It’s always great to meet with attendees, give a Program update presentation, and share materials that promote both a career in funeral service, and also our Program here at the U. It is my hope that I will be able to see you at these important meetings as I travel the state over the next two months.

I am pleased to share with you news that we recently welcomed an incoming class of 28 students into our program. As is typically the case, the majority of our new students are from Minnesota (17). We also welcomed students from Wisconsin (4), Iowa (3), Michigan (2), South Dakota (1), and New Jersey (1). With respect to enrollment by gender, the proportion of female students in our Program continues to increase: This year, 22 (79%) members of the incoming class are women. Of note, nationally approximately two-thirds of all new mortuary science students

are women. This trend will likely continue as more women pursue higher education, and fewer men enroll in funeral service education programs overall.

Speaking of the start of classes, we were very excited to have a special guest with us for New Student Orientation Day. As you may have heard, the University has a new President: Joan Gabel. Program alumnus and University Regent Thomas Anderson extended an invitation to President Gabel to join us for orientation, and she graciously accepted the offer! Significantly, President Gabel took time to speak with the incoming class about the importance of the work they will do in funeral service, sharing an example of how a funeral director (and Program alumnus) in her hometown recently cared for her family at their time of loss. President Gabel also actively participated in a panel discussion in which professional colleagues answered students’ questions. The day ended with a trolley bus tour of campus and downtown Minneapolis, followed by an “after-glow” meet-and-greet at Surly Brewing company. A great time was had by all!

Another important piece of news I want to share with you concerns updates to our Program’s website, and new opportunities to post jobs and meet with students seeking employment. We recently created an on-line jobposting form, so that employers can easily submit information for jobs they would like to have placed on our website. The formatting for postings is now standardized, allowing for greater ease both when submitting, and searching, information related to job opportunities. Here is a link to the website, where you can find more information: https://med. umn.edu/mortuaryscience/professionalresources

Advertiser

Attention Address

Phone

Fax Email Ad Size

Color Designer

We continue to explore new ways of facilitating opportunities for employers and students to meet and discuss job opportunities. Feedback from previous networking events indicated a desire for more of a “customized” meeting opportunity – one in which the goal is to connect employers with students who have similar work goals, and which takes into consideration students’ desired geographic work location following graduation. In response to this feedback, we are now accepting reservations for on-campus employer – student meeting opportunities on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM in the Program’s Conference Room (A275-4 Mayo Building). Employers who would like to come to campus are invited to send us information about their job opportunity/ies, and schedule a visit. In turn, we will make this information available to our students, who will be advised to contact the employer directly

MAS Communications

Mary Reeves

465 Poplar St. Mankato, MN 56001

507-387-6543

507-345-3816

and schedule a meeting appointment. Opportunities to schedule meetings remotely, via “teleconferencing,” (using Zoom meeting software technology) are also available. For more information, please contact our Program office at 612-624-6464, or e-mail us at mortsci@ umn.edu.

when we attend career fairs is: “What is a funeral?” followed by “What is Mortuary Science?”

2019 Minnesota Funeral Directors Association Membership Directory

marypreeves@mascommunications.net

1/4 Page

Full Color PAST

Sign & Return Proof To: E&M Consulting, Inc.

1107 Hazeltine Blvd, Suite #350 • Chaska, MN 55318

Fax: 1-952-448-9928 / Phone: 1-800-572-0011

Please respond within 5 business days

And in case you hadn’t heard, we recently created recruitment brochure racks that present information about exploring opportunities for a career in funeral service. Many colleagues are now placing these racks in their funeral home foyer areas, and also bringing them to their local high school guidance counselors. We have received several calls from prospective students who tell us they learned about our Program when they picked up a brochure at a visitation / funeral service.

By signing below, I (advertising company) am approving my ad as is or with changes and I represent and warrant that this advertisement placed with all content, text, images, pictures and/or logos do not infringe on any other person’s copyright, trademark, rights of literary property, and intellectual property, nor do they violate the rights of privacy of, or libel other persons. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless E&M Consulting, Inc. against any claims, judgments, court costs, attorney’s fees and other expenses arising from any alleged or actual breach of this warranty.

*Colors in the ad are for representational purposes only and will be brighter and more exact in the final product. Also artwork and photos shown in the ad are not exact, only because our printers are limited and once printed, the quality will be much improved.

Remember: The most common question we receive from prospective students

If we are to be successful in meeting our current and future workforce needs, we need all funeral directors to be as proactive as possible in promoting both our Program and the profession of funeral service to prospective future funeral directors. Please contact our Program office for more information, and to request brochure racks. The brochure racks are available free of charge. In closing, I wish you all a very happy Fall season, and invite you to contact me with any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you soon, and, as always: Go Gophers!

Sincerely,

Michael LuBrant Program Director

ABOVE LEFT – Student Leaders welcome members of the incoming Mortuary Science class. They answered new student questions with no faculty in the room (Here’s the real scoop)! • ABOVE RIGHT – Program Partners welcome new students! We had a special guest with us - U of M President Joan Gabel! From L - R: Jeff Hartquist; Melinda DeVries; Brian Dingmann, Trista Sharkey (All Advisory Board Members); Catherine Lloyd, Kim Ruberg (MN DOH, Mortuary Science Section), Donna Spannaus Martin (Advisory Board); Tom Anderson (Program Alumnus; U of M Regent); U of M President Joan Gabel; Tim Koch (Advisory Board).

NFDA Commends Funeral Homes for Excellence in Service to Families and Communities

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is pleased to announce that 160 funeral homes have earned a 2019 Pursuit of Excellence Award. This award is presented by NFDA annually to firms that have demonstrated a commitment to raising the bar on funeral service excellence by adhering to strict ethical and professional standards and providing outstanding service to families and communities.

To earn an NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award, a funeral home must demonstrate proficiency in key areas of funeral service, including compliance with state and federal regulations; staff participation in ongoing education and professional development; offering outstanding programs and resources to bereaved families; maintaining an active level of involvement in the community; active participation in and service to the funeral service profession; and promoting funeral home services through a variety of marketing, advertising and public relations programs. Participants are also required to adhere to a Pledge of Ethical Practices. NFDA will recognize the 2019 Pursuit of Excellence Award recipients on October 28 during the All-Star Recognition Ceremony, which will take place during the 2019 NFDA International Convention & Expo, October 27 through 30 in Chicago. All funeral homes that have earned a Pursuit of Excellence Award are invited to attend.

Information about the NFDA Pursuit of Excellence program can be found by visiting www.nfda.org/ pursuitofexcellence. Registration and application materials for 2020 will be available in lateOctober 2019.

Best of the Best Award Recipients

All Pursuit of Excellence applicants submitted an essay describing the development and execution of a program or service that had a positive impact on the families they serve or their community, qualifying them for the Best of the Best Award, which recognizes the most novel and innovative programs and services in the profession.

Continued on page 11…

LifeSource Update

Did someone mention CEU’s?

In just under a month we’ll come together with hundreds of colleagues from across the Upper Midwest for our 10th SPARK Donate Life Symposium. This will be an informative and inspiring day which we are excited to open up to our colleagues in funeral service. Here’s a brief update about what’s happening and answers to questions we’ve been hearing.

How many people are expected at the DLS?

We are expecting 700+ people to join us for the DLS this year at our new location at Mystic Lake Center! We are very excited that the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association with will joining us this year as an exhibitor.

Is there an agenda available?

Yes! Many topics which are extremely relevant to funeral service such as self-care for health care professionals, bridging cultural communication, a

presentation from Hennepin County’s Chief Medical Examiner, Andrew Baker, and many more. To view the full agenda, speakers and more, please view the DLS website https://www.life-source.org/ events/donate-life-symposium/

Do I need to register?

Yes, Please! We welcome you to register as soon as possible to ensure you are able to access the education sessions you wish to attend.

Are there Funeral Director CEU’s Available?

The Minnesota Department of Health has granted 6.5 CEU’s of General CEU credits.

Registration Cost: $150.00 per person, which includes the plenary sessions, general sessions, continental breakfast, refreshment breaks, lunch, and post symposium reception.

Donation and the Funeral Director –The Donation Process, Recovery, Embalming and Reconstructive Techniques. In our ever-changing world, the need for organ, eye & tissue donation is at an all-time high. Have you wanted to know who, what, when, where and the why ‘s of donation? Would you like the chance to meet one on one, or in a small class session to have your questions

NFDA Commends continued…

Essays were judged on the uniqueness of the idea on a national and international level, quality of implementation, benefit to those served, benefit to the funeral home and how easily the idea could be replicated or modified by another funeral home.

As they reviewed the essays to select the Best of the Best honorees, the Pursuit of Excellence Task Force noted a number of programs and services that were very well-executed and yielded positive results for the community served by the funeral home.

The Task Force recognized Anderson Funeral Home, Alexandria, Minn. with a special Certificate of Honorable Mention.

2019 NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award Recipients

(Previously inducted into the NFDA Hall of Excellence )

Below are the Minnesota funeral home recipients; MFDA members are in bold:

• Anderson Funeral Home, Alexandria

• Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel, Hutchinson

answered? This is an opportunity that we would like to offer to you. We have worked with the Minnesota Department of Health to have this class approved for our funeral director partners.

CEU’s: 3.0 MN CEU’s in the Body Prep Category

Registration Cost: At gratis to our funeral director colleagues. We at LifeSource understand and value the relationship with our funeral director partners. We care about the relationships we have with each of you and how we can jointly serve families to support their decisions.

Date and location:

October 23-25, 2019

Mystic Lake Center, Prior Lake

Registration information: Please reach out to LifeSource for this opportunity.

Melinda Devries

Lead Partner Liaison MDevries@life-source.org 651-442-0056 or

Kelley Romanowski Partner Support Liaison Kromanowski@life-source.org 612-322-4303

• Johnson-Hagglund Funeral and Cremation Service, Litchfield

• Johnson-McBride Funeral Chapel, Glencoe

• Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge

• Pedersen Funeral & Cremation Service, Morris.

• Worlein Funeral Home, Austin View the full list of award recipients at www.nfda.org/pursuitofexcellence

US Postal Service Updates Process for Shipping Cremated Remains

New postal requirements for the shipping of cremated remains go into effect September 30, according to the latest revision to the United States Postal Services’ “How to Package and Ship Cremated Remains” pamphlet.

According to T. Scott Gilligan, NFDA general counsel, the most significant change is that USPS will now require Label 139 to be applied to all sides of the shipping box, including the top and bottom. Currently, it is simply a recommendation, not a requirement. Label 139 is available at the Postal Store on www.USPS.com or can be obtained at a retail post office location.

The new requirements are designed to make the package more visible, in turn making the mailing process more secure. For both domestic and international shipping, cremated remains must be shipped by USPS Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail Express International

Service utilizing either a USPS-produced or customer-supplied shipping package. If using a customer-supplied shipping package, it must be strong and durable to withstand transportation handling. When mailing cremated remains internationally, the primary inner container must be an urn.

Shippers must pack the remains in a primary inner sift-proof container, cushioning material and an outer shipping package. USPS notes that a sift proof container is any vessel that does not allow loose powder to leak or sift out. There are many options available to store

Changes to St. Cloud Hospital Policy

St. Cloud Hospital is implementing a change in their procedure for picking up dead bodies. These changes went into effect Tuesday, August 27 and has asked us to relay this information to funeral directors. Contact information is listed below.

• Call the Urology Tech at 320-251-2700 ext 59415 when you are approximately 10-15 minutes from St. Cloud Hospital. (This is new.)

• Do not stop in the Patient Access (Admissions) Department. (This is new.) You will not be signing-out the body.

• Drive to back door garage. (Keep left of the loading dock.)

• Press buzzer located to the right.

• Enter via side entry door, open overhead door, back in and close overhead door. (Vehicle must be shut off once inside.)

• Please wait for the Urology Tech to arrive so that he can escort you to the Morgue or the patient unit. (This is new.)

• The Urology Tech will escort you back to your vehicle after they have received the Certificate of Removal.

cremated remains – from simple wooden boxes to decorative urns.

For convenience, USPS has a Priority Mail Express Cremated Remains box that may be used for domestic or international shipments using the applicable Priority Mail Express service. The box can be ordered online and is available as part of a kit.

Before closing and sealing the shipping package, USPS recommends adding a slip of paper with both the sender’s and recipient’s address and contact information inside the package. This extra step will help to identify the sender and receiver in the event the shipping label becomes detached.

Download the complete “How to Package and Ship Cremated Remains” brochure at www.about.usps.com/ publications/pub139.pdf

This article originally appeared in the September 12, 2019, issue of the Memorial Business Journal.

Hopefully this process will be more efficient for you and save you some time.

The hospital welcomes any questions or comments that you may have.

Please contact:

Jennifer Seifert

Director Patient Care Support

P: 320-255-5611

E: seifertj@centracare.com

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

SPONSORED BY: KELCO SUPPLY, MFDA SERVICE CORPORATION &

The MFDA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY experience enables both experienced and emerging leaders to excel – now and into the future. Participants will learn leadership concepts and proven techniques relevant for their profession, as well as gain important insights into the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association.

MFDA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

About MFDA Leadership Academy

The Leadership Academy teaches the skills that will enhance both your Funeral Home and its impact in your community.

You will learn strategies for personal growth and organizational development applicable to your profession.

You will build lasting relationships with classmates, fellow leaders in your professional community. Your classmates today will be the people you call on tomorrow for advice, support, or to share a humorous moment. You will become a part of the MFDA legacy of leadership. Leadership academy alumni will participate in building the strong tradition of Funeral Service and advancing the mission of MFDA.

Goals of the MFDA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

As a member of the MFDA Leadership Academy you will:

• Bring out the best in yourself and your team members.

• Make consistently sound, excellent decisions as a business leader and as a professional.

• Build strong, trust-based relationships with consumers, colleagues, and vendors.

• Participate in MFDA leadership opportunities that will allow you to build on the legacy of past strengths, with a clear vision for the future.

• Gain the visibility and knowledge to prepare you for opportunities in MFDA leadership.

Interested in the next Leadership Academy session?

For more information, visit mnfuneral.org, or contact Darlyne Erickson at (763) 416-0124 or darlyne@mnfuneral.org.

2019 Leadership Academy Graduation

I am pleased to say that the Leadership Academy initiative that was born in 2014 at a Strategic Planning session of the MFDA board has graduated the fourth class of up and coming leaders! I want to thank Alicia Carr at Kelco Supply, the MFDA Service Corporation Board, and the MFDA Board for believing enough in this program to support it financially. I am also pleased that not only the students of this program, but more importantly their firm owners recognized the value. We hear a lot about work force issues and the difficulty in finding the right candidates for the job. However, once you hire someone, it’s equally as important to support them with opportunity to grow professionally and personally.

Thank you to all the participants of this year’s program. Going forward MFDA’s goal is to continue the connection with all the graduates, generating opportunities that are meaningful that will benefit both the graduate and the association.

The Leadership Academy began as an idea, and proof that it has come to a positive fruition can be seen in the pages of this brochure. Again, a big thank you to the MFDA Board, MFDA Service Corporation Board, Kelco Supply, and to the individuals who became the first and second class of the academy and the funeral homes who encouraged them to participate. Thanks also to the Districts who provided financial support and most importantly the two gentlemen who provided the framework for the Academy, Bruce Matza and Chad Weinstein. I look forward to what the future will bring and how we continue re-shape, tweak and improve the educational experience for future leaders.

I now introduce you to the fourth-year graduates of MFDA’s Leadership Academy.

Darlyne Erickson, CAE MFDA Executive Director

The Leadership Academy began as an idea, and proof that it has come to a positive fruition can be seen in the following pages.

How do you consider yourself successful?

Mike Berner

Company: Kelco Supply Company

I consider my professional accomplishments as well as my role as a father and husband. Combined, they play a valuable part in my achievements.

What are the biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service?

Rising cremation rates and nontraditional funeral service and the impact it has on the profession as a whole.

Favorite leadership quote:

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

- John Quincy Adams

What have you learned throughout the MFDA Leadership Academy?

The value and power of trying new approaches and to think outside of the conventional box. The traditional way is not always the best way and learning from others is extremely beneficial.

Closing thought about the MFDA Leadership Academy?

Networking with individuals in a similar profession and learning and growing with them can be very powerful resource for future relationships.

Melinda DeVries

Company: LifeSource – Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation

What inspired you to work in an industry related to Funeral Service?

When I was young, my grandmother insisted I see my great-grandmother in her casket. She took my hand and walked me up to the front of the chapel. Reluctantly, I looked down at her and immediately started making changes to her appearance; swooping a few hairs to the side, adjusting the neckline on her purple dress, and making creases in her sleeves so they laid just right. From that moment on, that is all I ever wanted to be.

How do you consider yourself successful?

Letting go of the immediate expectation that comes to mind, completing the task with a positive outlook and not needing to be validated knowing I have done my best. Taking only what is needed and leaving the rest behind. Admitting to failures without excuses while learning from it.

What are the biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service?

Staffing shortages. Funeral directors are frequently asking me if I know anyone looking for a job, rural or metro, it does not matter, nor does it matter which state. Finding the right candidate use to be the preference, now finding someone takes precedent.

Families are choosing a minimal way to care for their loved one, few people value the many options available.

Favorite leadership quote:

“If you give 100 percent all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end.”

- Chris Street

What have you learned throughout the MFDA Leadership Academy?

Engaging your team/coworkers to what they are best at and how know how best they learn. Agree or disagree it’s about how much your team is committed. Have the right people involved. Setting clear expectations and boundaries.

Figure out the long term/short term benefits, how will this change your steps?

Closing thought about the MFDA Leadership Academy?

The Leadership Academy was a great investment of my time and LifeSource’s money. Every session there were numerous take aways, ones that can be easily implemented into daily life. Talk less and really listen.

Darlyne Erickson

Organization: Minnesota Funeral Directors Association

What inspired you to work in an industry related to Funeral Service?

Although I am not a funeral director, I certainly know a lot of them! Having worked with funeral service since 2007 as MFDA’s Executive Director, I have come to appreciate funeral service in a way that very few “laypersons” do. It has inspired me, as a spokesperson for the association, to spread the good word, supporting the profession that I have come to understand and respect.

How do you consider yourself successful?

I succeed only when MFDA succeeds, and we are currently on an upward trajectory!

What are the biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service?

People’s perception, especially of the Gen Z, iGen, or Centennials who may not have experienced death in their lives and thus have no understanding of the importance of memorialization.

The Cost of Leadership: Because poor leadership costs more than learning to lead well, it is important to invest not only in yourself, but in others as well.

Favorite leadership quote:

“A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus, but a molder of consensus.”

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

What have you learned throughout the MFDA Leadership Academy?

I learn something new every time I connect with funeral directors, both individually and collectively. The Academy has allowed me the opportunity to do that on a new level.

Alexa Goetsch

Funeral Home: Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels

What inspired you to become a Funeral Director?

I have always had a passion for helping others. The funeral industry was introduced to me during my undergraduate while studying biology. It provided a combination of my science degree with my passion for helping others and I knew right away that becoming a Funeral Director was for me.

How do you consider yourself successful?

I consider myself successful when I meet the goals that I have set for myself while learning, growing, and making mistakes along the way. At the end of the day, if I better the lives of others and if I take away a lesson that betters myself, I consider myself successful.

What are the biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service?

The biggest issue facing MN funeral service, in my opinion, is the choice of non-memorialization. We live in a society that is extremely busy and always focused on what’s next. As a Funeral Director it is important to focus on the “now”- the loss, the grief, and the importance of a funeral ritual and memorialization.

Favorite leadership quote:

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

– Mahatma Gandhi

What have you learned throughout the MFDA Leadership Academy?

The MFDA Leadership Academy has taught me how to find my sense of purpose and how the power of that purpose can bring value not only to myself, but to the lives of others around me. The academy focuses on collaboration with others and how to become a better listener while recognizing everyone’s differences & behaviors and how to motivate & engage them as a leader. Bruce Matza and Chad Weinstein have created an extremely meaningful program and I consider them both, along with the other class participants, my inspiring mentors.

Closing thought about the MFDA Leadership Academy?

The MFDA Leadership Academy successfully builds effective leaders that have learned how to contribute positive changes and efficiencies into the funeral industry and their individual communities.

Jacob Kohl

Funeral Home: Bierman Funeral Home & Crematory

What inspired you to become a Funeral Director?

Growing up around the business and seeing the work my grandpa, dad, and uncle were doing for families and the community is one of the main reasons I chose to become a funeral director. I have always wanted to be in a field where I am helping people and being able to do so during one of the toughest times in people’s lives was a very rewarding feeling for me.

How do you consider yourself successful?

I would consider myself successful knowing that I have put 100% effort into a day and knowing that there was nothing else I could do to help a family. Knowing that a family has had all their needs taken care of and that they are more than satisfied.

What are the biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service?

Some of the biggest issues that we are going to face are, a workforce shortage, getting funeral directors to work outside the metro, and having people willing to be on call more frequently.

Favorite leadership quote:

“Leadership is about being of service to others, not being served by others. Be a mentor, not a boss.”

- Unknown

What have you learned throughout the MFDA Leadership Academy?

I have learned many different leadership tactics and ways to better myself as a leader. I believe the academy will be beneficial in the long run when it comes to the issues we are going to be facing in funeral service. There are tactics we are learning that will help us combat the issues in the future.

Closing thought about the MFDA Leadership Academy?

The MFDA Leadership Academy has been very beneficial for me as I aspire to run my family’s funeral home one day. I hope that I can take what I am learning from the Academy and use it with future colleagues and employees.

Kelley Romanowski

Company: LifeSource – Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation

What inspired you to become a Funeral Director?

I had always wanted to be in a caring profession. Knowing that I could have the potential to help people on one of the worst days of their lives was a major determining factor in making my decision. Having the opportunity to walk alongside a family through their journey was a meaningful draw. Caring for people and working with other funeral professionals still inspires me to this day.

How do you consider yourself successful?

Success can be described as an accomplishment for a purpose. Using this as a guide, I feel that I have had a fantastic opportunity in meeting the needs of fellow funeral service professionals and am very grateful that I do. I feel successful that I have made many connections and will continue to strive in supporting my colleagues.

What are the biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service?

Workforce shortages are a large factor in Minnesota funeral service. This has an enormous impact on burnout and licensees leaving the profession, not to mention embalmings becoming increasingly more difficult due to prolonged illness, medical interventions, and other.

Favorite leadership quote:

“To make the public sentiment on the side of all that is just and true and noble is the highest use of life. “

– Lucy Stone

What have you learned throughout the MFDA Leadership Academy?

This experience has provided me with many valuable tools for communication, self-awareness, managing expectations, and working with groups. Learning about yourself, your personality traits, leadership styles and communication preferences is crucial when trying to work with others to be an effective leader.

Closing thought about the MFDA Leadership Academy?

The MFDA Leadership Academy has enhanced my abilities and provided me an opportunity to take a closer look at my interactions with others- verbally, nonverbally, written and visually. These skills with further utilization will further develop and enrich relationships with all that I have the opportunity to meet. I would recommend the MFDA Leadership Academy to anyone who wishes to better understand themselves and how to interrelate with others.

MEET THE 2019 MFDA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY GRADUATES

Eric Warmka

Funeral Home: Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes & Cremation Services

What inspired you to become a Funeral Director?

My inspiration came from my mentor and first boss, Bill Carlin. He showed me what emotional affects a good funeral director can have on a family. Seeing how one can truly change someone’s lives in a positive way while they are going through such a difficult process truly inspired me to pursue this profession. I use so much of what I learned from him to this day.

How do you consider yourself successful?

I consider myself successful in the fact that I have surrounded myself with people that I respect and admire. I am blessed with an amazing family, a job that I honestly love, and talented co-workers who challenge me to be better every day. I couldn’t ask for anything more, and I feel that is what makes me successful.

What are the biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service?

I feel that one of the biggest issues we face is a lack of creativity and imagination in the profession. I feel that many individuals hang on to a mentality that we have to continue doing things, “the way it used to be”. We refuse to look for new and innovative ways to celebrate someone’s life. What was good for families 25 years ago is truly not the same as what families want today, yet we hold strong not to deviate. Many people out there want change, and it is our jobs and our responsibilities to figure out what those changes are going to be for the upcoming generations we serve.

Favorite leadership quote:

“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” - Ronald Reagan

What have you learned throughout the MFDA Leadership Academy?

The lessons learned through the MFDA Leadership Academy are too numerous to list. I feel that my eyes have been opened in so many regards as to how I conduct myself in my job. I feel the principal lesson learned throughout the program strongly revolves around being a better mentor and leader to those around me. If I can help challenge one of us do better, we all will do better, and I feel that I have found that to be my biggest take away from the program.

Closing thought about the MFDA Leadership Academy?

The MFDA Leadership Academy has enhanced my abilities and provided me an opportunity to take a closer look at my interactions with others – verbally, nonverbally, written and visually. These skills with further utilization will further develop and enrich relationships with all that I have the opportunity to meet. I would recommend the MFDA Leadership Academy to anyone who wishes to better understand themselves and how to interrelate with others.

2019 MFDA Leadership Academy Graduates in Their Own Words

“The MFDA Leadership Academy has enhanced my abilities and provided me an opportunity to take a closer look at my interactions with others – verbally, nonverbally, written and visually.”

- Eric Warmka

“The MFDA Leadership Academy has been very beneficial for me as I aspire to run my family’s funeral home one day. I hope that I can take what I am learning from the Academy and use it with future colleagues and employees.”

- Jacob Kohl

“The MFDA Leadership Academy successfully builds effective leaders that have learned how to contribute positive changes and efficiencies into the funeral industry and their individual communities.”

- Alexa Goetsch

“I would recommend the MFDA Leadership Academy to anyone who wishes to better understand themselves and how to interrelate with others.”

- Kelley Romanowski

“Networking with individuals in a similar profession and learning and growing with them can be very powerful resource for future relationships.”

- Mike Berner

MEET THE MFDA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY INSTRUCTORS

2016-17

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY GRADUATES

Bruce R. Matza

Company: Innovations in Management

Bruce R. Matza brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, staff & customer retention and customer service. He has over 35 years of experience with such prominent brands as Neiman Marcus, where he was a senior executive for 20 years. He has advised numerous organizations including Walt Disney World, Harrods of London, Marriott, Motorola, Michigan and Minnesota Funeral Directors Associations, Texas Association of REALTORS®, National Retail Federation, National Restaurant Association, Austin Board of REALTORS®, California & Minnesota Society of Association Executives, US Chamber of Commerce, United Way Worldwide and many others.

Bruce was educated at University of Florida where he was president of the Florida Gator Bands and circulation manager of the university newspaper. He graduated with a commission as an officer in the United States Air Force.

He is author and creator of Becoming a Customer Service Star, initially designed for Walt Disney World.

It is in a 3rd edition published by HRD Quarterly and to date has sold over 250,000 copies to organizations interested in the enhancement of their customer satisfaction initiatives.

Bruce is not only a well-known speaker, seminar leader and facilitator; he also serves as a leadership mentor to physicians and executives.

Bruce served honorably for six years as an officer in the U.S. Air force was a Senior Executive for Neiman Marcus, involved in Human Resources, Education & Development and Store Management.

Bruce has been featured in many articles and stories in addition to being a guest on NBC’s Today Show.

Chad (Charles) Weinstein, Ph.D.

Company: Ethical Leaders in Action

Charles A. “Chad” Weinstein is president of Ethical Leaders in Action, LLC., and author of Thinking Aloud: Reflections on Ethical Leadership. Ethical Leaders in Action (ELA) provides leadership development, education, and strategic consulting services to public safety, health care, and business organizations. Weinstein is a frequent presenter at conferences, seminars, and events. He is community faculty member of the Metropolitan State University School of Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement. Weinstein also serves on Mixed Blood Theatre’s Board of Directors.

Weinstein’s formal education is in ethics, but his experience –and orientation – is as a business practitioner. He recognized early on that while most of business ethics is concerned with constraining bad behavior, its failures in that respect continue to make headlines. He believes that our ethical traditions are much broader, teaching and urging us to work and live in ways that are both meaningful and productive. Ethical leadership is the critical factor. Weinstein’s work is primarily oriented toward helping leaders foster that broader sense of ethics and effectiveness in their work, in pursuit of ELA’s mission: Empower ethical leaders to achieve extraordinary results.

Weinstein has been a consultant and manager for over 25 years. Prior to forming Ethical Leaders in Action, Weinstein founded and led

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

the Hill Center for Ethical Business Leadership, a division of the James J. Hill Reference Library. In that capacity, Weinstein developed and implemented contemporary approaches to leadership development, using classical concepts drawn from multiple ethical traditions. Earlier in his career, Weinstein led engagements and client relationships in the areas of market and technology research and information management, most recently as Vice President of Client Services at Guideline, Inc. Weinstein has led teams and business units, serving clients in many industries, including:

• Public Safety (fire, law enforcement, and EMS agencies)

• Health care, including sub-acute, long-term, and home-based care

• Financial and professional services

• Medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products

• Automotive and heavy equipment manufacturing

• Mining, energy, and mineral extraction

Weinstein holds an M.A. and a Ph.D. in ethics (philosophy) from the University of Minnesota, and a B.A. in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin.

Learn more about the Ethical Leaders in Action and read Chad’s blog at ethinact.com.

Book Review: “Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? Big Questions from Tiny Mortals about Death”

by Caitlin Doughty

By Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm Sez, LLC

Like many felines, your Fluffy is a fussy eater.

She only dines on the freshest food, and if it’s the flavor she doesn’t like today, she’ll starve before she’ll take a bite. There are some days, in fact, that you can’t get her to sample one morsel which, you’ll see after you’ve read “Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs” by Caitlin Doughty, may be a very good thing.

As a mortician, funeral home owner, and writer, Doughty gets a lot of questions about death and dying and some of them are from kids. She’s “willing to answer strange questions” with answers that are sometimes just as strange.

What, for instance, would happen if you died while you were in space? Doughty answers with a few examples, saying that NASA doesn’t know – yet – but there are options, if that should ever happen. One of them is a long shot, but it’s a really cool possibility.

Maybe your family has Grandma’s ashes sitting in the living room. How ever did a whole human body fit inside that little urn? It’s a matter of physics, in a way: the human body is mostly made of liquids and fats that will evaporate in a super-hot crematorium. What’s left are “cremated remains” in “a thrilling combo of calcium phosphates, carbonates, and minerals and salts.”

Will your body make a mess when you die? Says Doughty, there’s a good probability but you shouldn’t be embarrassed. Funeral home workers are used to cleaning up body fluids and preventing further “leakage” and such, so no worries.

Learn what happens to the sibling when one conjoined twin dies. Read about why you can go ahead and make a face without worrying, but forget about eating popcorn before you’re cremated. Find out how American cemeteries differ from those in Germany, why you shouldn’t drink the water near a Civil War cemetery, and how you can become a plastic corpse in a traveling exhibit. And then take a seat.

People die in homes all the time, “more homes than you probably realize.” One of them could be yours…

The very first thing you need to know about “Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?” is that the sub-title could be misleading: it’s absolutely not a book for anyone “tiny.”

From tiny mortals, not for.

It would be easy to think otherwise: the questions are kiddish, author Caitlin Doughty’s answers are nudge-and-wink funny, and lighthearted drawings accompany each chapter. Read a little, though, and you’ll see that this book is really more for young adults, at least, and grown-ups, for sure, especially those who love dark laughs. Yes, there’s serious science here, but also cultural lessons in death and dying, a little history, and a touch of gruesomeness wrapped in that shroud of sharp, witty humor.

Readers who wonder what’ll happen to their mortal remains will find this book dead-on. If you’ve got a streak of Goth in you, you can’t miss it. When you want something different, read “Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?” and get food for thought.

Caitlin Doughty, author

Readers who wonder what’ll happen to their mortal remains will find this book dead-on. If you’ve got a streak of Goth in you, you can’t miss it. When you want something different, read “Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?” and get food for thought.

Photo by Mara Zehler

Remembering A Life: Social Media Made Easy

Many funeral homes engage with their community on social media. As part of NFDA’s Remembering A Life consumer outreach and education initiative, we’ve created ready-to-use social media posts for you to use on your funeral home’s Facebook and Instagram pages! These posts will help you educate your community about the value of funerals and the unique expertise only you can offer. You can find the posts on the NFDA Website (member login required). The messages cover a wide range of topics including planning a meaningful service, what to do after the funeral, service options, benefits for veterans, grief and more.

The posts are meant to catch the eye of people in your community and position your staff and your funeral homes as your community’s expert on meaningful funerals.

When posting these images on your funeral home’s Facebook or Instagram account, include a tailored message about your business and the services you provide. After you publish your message, remember to like, comment and respond to individuals who interact with the post.

New social media graphics will be added throughout the year, so look for fresh offerings in the future.

If you need help, be sure to check out A Guide to Using Remembering A Life Social Media Images, which can be found along with the social media posts when you visit the link above.

You may also want to follow Remembering A Life’s social media pages and share our posts to your funeral home’s social media pages. You can find us on:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ RememberingALife

• Twitter: www.twitter.com/ rememberalife

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/ rememberingalife

Questions: Just give NFDA a call (800228-6332) and we’ll help your funeral home get social!

For even more Remembering A Life community outreach tools, visit www.nfda.org/rememberingalife.

2020 MFDA BULLETIN ADVERTISING RATES

Bulletin

SPRING 2018 Legislative Update

By Judy Cook, Cook Girard Associates

Rates listed are per issue. Printed quarterly - winter, spring, summer, fall

MFDA Allied Member News

Passare® Announces Integration with Funeral Innovations

Passare, Inc. is proud to announce its integration with Funeral Innovations, a leading provider of websites and digital marketing services in the funeral industry.

“Funeral home customers are now able to send information such as the obituary, funeral service information, photos, and much more directly to their Funeral Innovations website,” said Passare CEO Jay Thomas. “With one click, funeral directors can create a new obituary page instantly, which saves time, reduces errors, and streamlines processes for our customers.”

Passare is the funeral profession’s only funeral home collaboration software with integrated business management tools. Through Passare, funeral directors can connect and communicate with families and team members through a robust cloud-based case management platform that allows unlimited users, unlimited devices, 24/7 access to customer support, and now, the ability to update websites hosted by Funeral Innovations.

“Our funeral home clients are always striving to save time and improve efficiency with their technology, leaving them

more time to do what they do best: helping families,” said Funeral Innovations Co-Founder Zack Garbow. “By integrating with Passare, our mutual clients can now enjoy a single point of entry for managing their cases while enjoying all the benefits of our best-in-class websites and digital marketing platform. That means they can build stronger relationships with the families they serve with little to no extra effort.”

To learn more about Passare’s collaboration software with integrated case management and request a free demo, visit www.passare.com.

For more information on Funeral Innovations call 303-437-9006 or sign up for a demo at https://funeralinnovations.com/demo.

Funeral Directors Life Promotes Drew Seale to Vice President of Sales Operations

Funeral Directors Life Insurance Company is proud to announce the recent promotion of Drew Seale to Vice President of Sales Operations.

“As Funeral Directors Life grows and expands our service offerings to our clients, the need for leaders to take on new roles in the company has also increased,” said Kris Seale, President and CEO of Funeral Directors Life.

“We are pleased to welcome Drew Seale to our executive management team. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout his time with our company, and this promotion is very well deserved.”

Drew started his career as a preplanning specialist for Funeral Directors Life, selling more than $1 million in his first 12 months in the field. He then returned to Abilene

to take over as Director of Sales Operations where he helped develop and implement new sales-related systems and social media programs for funeral homes.

“Drew has done an excellent job leading the company’s sales operations area,” said Todd Carlson, Executive Vice President of Sales and Chief Sales Officer. “Through his leadership, the sales operations team

has grown into a digital marketing juggernaut that is benefitting the company’s funeral home clients.”

“I am extremely honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve Funeral Directors Life in a Vice President role. God has blessed me with great mentors who have shaped me into the man that I am today,” said Drew. “With this new role, I want to create additional areas where we can help our funeral home clients grow and succeed in this rapidly changing marketplace.”

Funeral Directors Life Insurance Company, based in Abilene, TX, is a leading provider of insurancefunded preneed funeral products and services.

MFDA Allied Member News

Messenger Acquires Express Funeral Funding (EFF)

Messenger, a leading provider in stationery, funeral service items and personalization solutions, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Express Funeral Funding.

“After careful consideration, we sought the opportunity to acquire one of the fastest growing companies in the funeral profession,” commented Kevin Keane, president of Messenger. “This will allow Messenger to broaden our existing product line and services to funeral homes and cemeteries, while providing innovative solutions for families during their most difficult time of need.”

As the largest privately held and FASTEST. EASIEST.® insurance assignment funding company in the nation, Express Funeral Funding has been providing funeral homes and cemeteries the ultimate funding experience since 2002.

“Our focus from the beginning was to be the best in the industry, not necessarily the biggest,” said Steve Calloway, president and co-founder of Express Funeral Funding. “We strongly believe this acquisition will provide our partnering funeral homes and cemeteries an even greater funding experience.”

Both organizations remain dedicated to continually providing world-class solutions to funeral homes, cemeteries and their families.

“This is great for our customers. We are thrilled to have aligned with an organization which shares our same mission, to provide the funeral profession with unparalleled services,” explained Aaron Calloway, executive vice president and co-founder of Express Funeral Funding. “Our goal has always been to provide leadingedge solutions and total customer satisfaction to our funeral homes and cemeteries, and I am confident this acquisition will achieve this on a greater scale.” Express Funeral Funding utilized Midwest based investment bank Periculum Capital Company as advisor for the sale of the company.

All sales and customer service inquiries will continue to be handled by the respective companies. To reach Messenger, please call 1.800.827.5151 or email messenger@messengerllc. com. To reach Express Funeral Funding, please call 1.812.949.9011 or email contact@expff.com.

Messenger LLC, headquartered in Auburn, Indiana, was founded in 1913 by Frank Messenger who started in the religious calendar business and has since become the leading provider of stationery, funeral service items and personalization services. Focused on being a trusted partner to funeral professionals, Messenger delivers time saving solutions to increase customer satisfaction and add value.

Messenger provides quality product and technology solutions with quick lead times and exemplary service, an extensive line-up of well-known brands and licensed artists, exclusive partnerships and one of the most experienced and extensive sales teams in the funeral industry. For more information about Messenger, visit www.messengerllc.com or call 1.800.827.5151.

Express Funeral Funding has been providing funeral homes and cemeteries nationwide the ultimate funding experience since 2002. Express Funeral Funding eliminates the challenges of working with insurance companies by limiting administration, providing immediate payment and advancing complete policy funds. For more information on Express Funeral Funding, please visit www.expressfuneralfunding.com, email contact@expff.com or call 812-949-9011.

IN MEMORIAM

Frank Duane

Kerntz, Sr., Minnesota funeral director, age 71, of Ely, passed away on July 4.

He was born on December 28, 1947, to Frank and Rose (Hren) Kerntz. He attended and graduated from Ely Memorial High School in 1966. He married Rae Ann Froelich on June 22, 1974 and recently celebrated 45 years together and were blessed with three children; Frank Jr, Brian and Deanna. Frank was a proud Papa of his grandchildren: Olivia, Silas, Daxton and Brue. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who enjoyed and appreciated the outdoors. Frank served in the US Army in Vietnam as a combat field medic from 19701972. Frank was a lifelong member of St Anthony’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Men’s Bible Group, the Ely American Legion and the Ely VFW.

Frank attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with a degree in Mortuary Science. He then joined Kerntz Funeral Home and along with his brother Terry they purchased the business from their brother Jim and was a co-owner until his death.

He is survived by his wife: Rae Ann, children: Brian (Nicole) Kerntz, daughter: Deanna (Pete) Stingle, (4) grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews that he loved tremendously and cherished cousins and very special sister-in-laws and brother in-laws.

He is proceeded in death by his son: Frank Kerntz Jr., his parents Frank and Rose Kerntz, brothers Jim (Sister-in-law: Mary) and Terry Kerntz, A Mass of Christian Burial was held July 10 at St. Anthony’s Catholic

Church in Ely with visitation being held one hour prior to the service at the church. A wake was held July 9 at Kerntz Funeral Home.

Daniel F. Schwartz, father of MFDA Board Member and MN Funeral Director Tonya Borth, age 70 of Le Sueur, died suddenly on July 9 at the Ridgeview Hospital in Le Sueur. Funeral service was held July 17 at the Kolden Funeral Home in Le Sueur with Pastor Jason Lang officiating. Visitation was held July 16 at the funeral home and also one hour prior to service time. Interment will be in Mound Cemetery in Le Sueur with a luncheon following at St. Anne’s School.

*In Lieu of flowers, aka: “the family does not need nor want a million flowers,” memorials are preferred…. or wine, chocolate, or scratch-off’s in honor of Dan.

Dan was born on July 28, 1948, to Frank and Lorraine (Kotasek) Schwartz in St. Peter. He grew up terrorizing the grounds of Ottawa – always getting into some sort of mischief or causing it, but was the first to give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.

He married the love of his life, Shari Luedtke on June 8, 1985. Us kids always teased them about their age difference and would say things like: “When you were 15, Mom was just a baby! Gross!” I think the age difference was what actually made them more compatible for each other, he never truly did mature. He always seemed to have some ‘dirty’ joke to share at the most inappropriate times.

He was a hard worker and had put in 30 + years at Unimin. He always wanted the best for his family and worked hard to achieve it. He had a toughness about him, and typically zero patience, especially if us kids woke him up after he had worked a 16hr. shift! Aside from that, he was a caring and loving person, when he wasn’t crabby. He truly was a funloving person, and you never saw him without a smile on his face, even when he wouldn’t be feeling the greatest. He could drive you insane one minute and have you laughing the next. He was definitely one of a kind and will truly be missed by all who knew him.

Dan leaves behind his sweetheart of 34 years, Shari; children, Frank (Yvette) Schwartz of AZ, Angel Schwartz of St. Peter, Tonya (Adam) Borth of Le Sueur, and Travis (sig. other, Stevi) Schwartz of Plymouth; grandchildren, Marcus, Tia, and Marah Schwartz, Tony and Jacob Schwartz, and Spencer and Trevor Borth; 3 great-grandchildren; sisters, Bonnie Gessner of Ottawa and Sue (Beamer) Schlarbaum of Le Sueur; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; 2 sons in infancy; brother, Joseph Schwartz and a brother in infancy.

Dean H. Christopherson, beloved dad, grandpa, and great grandpa, age 91, died July 24.

Dean went to school at the University of Minnesota Department of Mortuary Science, during college worked at Smith Ambulance in Minneapolis. He worked as a funeral director in Virginia, MN at Cron Funeral Home and Thompson Funeral Home in Minneapolis. He was a salesperson for Northwestern Casket Company in Minneapolis.

Preceded in death by wife Peggy. Beloved dad of Karen (Bill) Larson, Brian (Jen), grandpa to Eric, Becky, Christy, Betsy, Jackie, Ellie, Nathan and Thomas, Great grandpa of Josh, Brady, Lincoln, Wyatt, Tyler, Grant, Gavin and Zach.

Funeral service was held July 29 at Johnson Peterson Funeral Home in White Bear Lake. Family Interment Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis.

The perfect funeral director candidate could be closer than you think.

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http://mnfuneral.careerwebsite.com

SPECIAL THANKS

TO MFDA’ S 2019 ALLIED MEMBERS

MFDA thanks those individuals who have shown their commitment to MFDA and its members by becoming Allied members. To contact a member, call the MFDA office at 763-416-0124, refer to your MFDA Directory, or visit the online MFDA Buyer’s Guide at www.mnfuneral.org.

21st Century Bank

Dustin Winter

www.21stcb.com

Anatomy Bequest Program

Jake Anderson, Andrew Ashton, Paul Hill, Angela McArthur, Sarah Paulsen, John Straub, Tamara Voss

www.bequest.umn.edu

Answering Service for Directors

Craig Meehan

www.myasd.com

Artco Casket Company, Inc.

Al Whitmer, Steve Doscher, Wally Gelecinskyj

www.artcocasket.com

Asphalt Associates

Brad Larson

www.asphalt-associates.com

Assurance Funeral Funding

Joel Morimanno

www.assurancefuneralfunding.com

Assured Decontamination Service

Perry Ebner

www.deconservices.com

Baines Professional Vehicles

John Baines

www.4hearse.com

Brown-Wilbert, Inc.

Dave Gavin, Christopher Brown, Andrew Brown, Maleia Kavitz, Jeff Bauer, Jerry Brown

www.brown-wilbert.com

Children’s Grief Connection

Coral Popowitz

www.childrensgriefconnection.com

Chosen Payments

Jim Luff

www.chosenpayments.com

Cousineau, VanBergen, McNeese and Malone

Michael Sharkey

www.cvmmlaw.com

Dodge Company

Lincoln Plain

www.dodgeco.com

Federated Funeral Directors of America

Kim Alexander

www.federated-funeral.com

Federated Insurance

Ben Cox

www.federatedinsurance.com

Forest Lawn Memorial Park Association

Kari A. Hubbard

www.forestlawnmn.com

Funeral Directors Life

John Harrington

Scott Tufto

www.funeraldirectorslife.com

Funeral Home Gifts

Karl Weisenbeck

www.funeralhomegifts.com

Great Western Insurance Company

Doug Stolt

www.gwic.com

Hy-Vee Eagan

Chris Straub

www.hy-vee.com

Johnson Williams Funeral Car

Todd Anderson www.jwfuneralcars.com

Keith M. Merrick Co., Inc.

Kyle Grimes www.keithmerrick.com

Kelco Supply

Alicia Carr

www.kelcosupply.com

Keystone Funeral Home Design Build

Russ Karasch

www.keystone.db.com

Laker Insurance

Patrick Zalusky

LifeSource Organ and Tissue Donation

Melinda DeVries www.life-source.org

Lions Gift of Sight

(Formerly Minnesota Lions Eye Bank)

Patty Stockdale www.mnlionseyebank.org

MAS Communications

Mary Reeves

www.mascommunications.net

Matthews Aurora Casket

Roger Ruth, Alexis Smith www.matw.com

Messenger

Bob Hoaglund

www.messengerstationery.com

Midwest Medical Examiners Office

Angie Chalmers

www.midwestmedicalexaminer.com

Monumental Sales

Chris Taylor

www.sunburstmemorials.com

Northwestern Casket Co.

David Koll

www.nwcasket.com

Pluto Boes Legal

Callyn Bedker

www.plutolegal.com

Scene Clean

Nate Berg

www.scenecleanmn.com

Senior Advantage Consultants

Julie and Jim Palm

www.sradvantageconsultants.com

Shephart, LLC

Dawson Grover

www.shephart.com

Steinhaus Supply Services

Steven Steinhaus

United Heritage Insurance

Bob Hanson

www.unitedheritage.com

University of Minnesota

Mortuary Science

Michael LuBrant

www.mortuaryscience.umn.edu

Wieser Vault

Matt Wieser, Todd Wieser

www.wieser-doric.com

Willmar Precast Company

Ron Jasperson

Be the Hero

TO THE FAMILIES YOU SERVE

Funeral service can be stressful, but it’s all worth it when you get that hug from a family you’ve served. That is why Funeral Directors Life is dedicated to helping funeral directors grow an active preneed program. When you can tell a family, “Don’t worry, it’s all prearranged,” it’s the best feeling in the world…for you and the families you serve.

Please contact:

JOHN HARRINGTON

Regional Sales Vice President

john.harrington@funeraldirectorslife.com

763-607-0659

SCOTT TUFTO Director of Sales Development

scott.tufto@funeraldirectorslife.com

952-807-6503

ENDORSED BY:

Contact us today to request a free preneed program analysis so you can stop worrying about collecting payment at the time of need and start collecting more of those hugs from grateful families.