MFDA Bulletin Spring 2024

Minnesota Funeral Directors Association

MFDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

Joe Mahn

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

Treasurer

Sara Thompson

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

DISTRICT DIRECTORS

Tyler Hoff (District 1) Worlein Funeral Home Austin, MN tyler@worlein.com

Kevin Satre (District 2) Mankato Mortuary Mankato, MN kevin@mankatomortuary.com

Jeff Hartquist (District 3) Hartquist Funeral Home Luverne, MN hartquistluverne@gmail.com

Kyle TeBeest (District 4/5)

Anderson-TeBeest Funeral Homes Montevideo, MN kyle@andersontebeest.com

Open (District 6/7)

Open (District 8)

Jade Petznick (District 9) Larson Funeral Home Pelican Rapids, MN jade@larsonfuneralpelicanrapids.com

Allison Cease (District 10) Cease Funeral Home Bagley, MN ceaseallison@gmail.com

David Huso (District 11) Rowe Funeral Home Grand Rapids, MN husodavid@yahoo.com

Secretary

Jordan McReavy Seitz

Washburn-McReavy Funeral Homes Minnespolis, MN jordan@wmchapels.com

Past President

Brian Dingmann

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

In This Issue

PAST PRESIDENT REP

Dan Dahl

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

MFDA STAFF

Miki Tufto Executive Director

763-416-0124 (office) 651-235-3700 (cell) mtufto@mnfuneral.org

Amy Beckham Administrative amy@mnfuneral.org

Maria Olaez Accounting maria@mnfuneral.org

Kathy Sheridan Membership/Convention kathy@mnfuneral.org

Todd Pernsteiner MFDA Bulletin Advertising Sales & Design todd@pernsteiner.com

7046 East Fish Lake Road Maple Grove, MN 55311

p: (763) 416-0124 • f: (763) 335-9844 e: info@mnfuneral.org www.mnfuneral.org

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

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

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

By Joe Mahn, MFDA Board President

It’s That Time of Year

Springtime means something different for everyone. For me the past couple years, it has meant participating in a couple things that are great benefits of being a member of MFDA.

First is advocacy, both on the local and national level. The current Minnesota legislative session has had several bills that directly relate to funeral service in Minnesota, such as the transfer care specialist, the sale of human bones, and natural organic reduction. Thankfully we have the support of our lobbyists from Cook Strong Sellwood, Ltd. to help guide us through the process of testifying in front of several committees to ensure the voices of MFDA members are heard.

The legislative update from Joe Sellwood will discuss these in a bit more detail. We were able to have helpful discussions with members of the committees prior to session by utilizing the MFDA PAC. A strong PAC shows that we are serious about our profession and the decisions made about it. If you have not done so yet, please make a personal contribution to the MFDA PAC. Scan the QR code at right to help keep funeral service on the radar of those who make our laws.

Act) to help create some regulation and protection for people that choose donation and research for themselves or their loved ones. We will also be discussing regulatory issues like the FTC review of the Funeral Rule and the EPA’s review of Formaldehyde risks. I am honored to be able to have the opportunity to advocate on behalf of the funeral profession and the families we serve.

Along with advocacy, spring means that convention is right around the corner! This year’s MFDA 133 rd Annual Convention will be held at Grand Casino in Hinckley. Convention means a time to learn, collaborate, and have some fun. I always look forward to seeing many of you that I only get to see once a year and talk about what’s working for you and what’s not and somewhere along the way, have a bit of fun while doing it. The vendor floor is sure to have the latest and greatest in funeral service to help us all better serve the families that rely on us.

On a national level, myself and several members of the executive committee, as well as Executive Director Miki Tufto, will be heading to Washington D.C. to meet with members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate to discuss the Consensual Donation and Research Integrity Act (also known as the Body Broker

This year’s keynote speaker Michelle Perdue’s message “Rise and Shine to Become the Resilient You” is sure to teach us how to get through difficult situations and become better because of it.

All in all, spring is a great time of year for new beginnings, and I am looking forward to the handing the gavel to Sara Thompson from Patton Schad Funeral Home, who will be serving as your MFDA 2024-2025 President. n

Joe Mahn

MFDA President 2023-2024

A strong PAC shows that we are serious about our profession and the decisions made about it. If you have not done so yet, please make a personal contribution to the MFDA PAC.

Want to renew your membership online?

Visit www.mnfuneral.org and sign-in to your MFDA members-only account. Need your log-in? Contact Miki Tufto at 763-416-0124 or mtufto@mnfuneral.org

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

By Miki Tufto, MFDA Executive Director

The Convention is More than Just CEUs

As we are gearing up for our 133 rd Annual Convention, I wanted to share an insider perspective of what is the overall convention goal as the former planner of 15 previous MFDA conventions.

When MFDA staff meets with hotel staff to provide background about our convention attendees, we have always expressed how funeral directors can’t show up at their local chamber or rotary meeting and always share what their workday has been like. We’ve always made sure hotel staff understand that at our convention this is your space to be with colleagues who have experienced similar workdays, both fulfilling and difficult.

Sure, convention provides the continuing education you need to maintain your license, but we see this event as so much more. It’s an opportunity for professional development, time to visit and reconnect with our exhibitors about

their products and services, and to relax and have time with other funeral directors that understand how difficult your day might have been.

Providing an opportunity to learn and to share your experiences is really the focus of convention. When we hire a keynote speaker that is outside of the funeral industry there is always a preconvention meeting with the speaker. During this meeting MFDA staff provide insights into the industry to help cater their presentation to their audience. In the majority of these meetings, the speaker has an a-ha moment when I share how much the funeral industry is under-recognized for their commitment to serve grieving families, especially after everything you did during COVID. They realize how all the other areas of healthcare were supported and recognized during the pandemic, but it was rare that funeral directors were included in that recognition. As an attendee at our convention, we want you to feel appreciated and seen for

the important work you do. At this year’s convention we are recognizing not only the Minnesota funeral directors who have been licensed and dedicated to funeral service for 50 years, but we will also recognize Minnesota funeral directors who have been licensed for 10 years and 25 years! You deserve to be recognized at all of these milestones in your career. More information on these awards will be coming soon. Also new this year is our Pink Ball Golf PAC Fundraiser event on Tuesday afternoon, as well as our MFDA Trivia Night on Wednesday night. Both events will provide that much needed down time for our attendees. We encourage you to find some time for yourself personally and professionally and join us at Grand Casino Hinckley on April 30-May 2. Learn more in our Convention Guide on pages 11-17. n

- Miki

Providing an opportunity to learn and to share your experiences is really the focus of convention.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

By Joe Sellwood, Cook Strong Sellwood

Updates from the Capitol

Legislative updates from the Capitol continue to move at a fast pace with the committee hearing deadline coming on March 22. Below are some updates as of March 18. Current updates will be sent to members as they are happening.

Transfer Care Specialist Bill

MFDA’s Transfer Care Specialist legislation (HF 2509 / SF 2611) is now included in HF 4247, the House’s Scope of Practice Omnibus bill. On the Senate side, the bill will be heard on Wednesday, March 20 in the Senate Judiciary committee before being sent back to the Senate HHS committee, where it awaits inclusion in an omnibus bill. While MFDA strongly supports the inclusion of this necessary provision, it

is disappointing that the Department of Health has determined the registration fee amount to be $894. MFDA has been working to get the fee to an appropriate amount in line with the other mortuary science fees, but the Department has maintained that this is the amount required to register Transfer Care Specialists.

The bill continues to be well-supported, and legislators have let us know they’ve received your emails. Thank you for taking the time to reach out.

Natural Organic Reduction Bill

In advance of the MDH environmental study on green burial and natural organic reduction (NOR) that is due in January 2025, bills (HF 2669 / SF

3134) authorizing NOR had committee hearings last week. MFDA submitted testimony stating that it supports offering NOR to the public as another option for families to provide a meaningful form of disposition for their loved ones. However, MFDA encouraged legislators to consider factors to ensure protection of public health, protection of the individuals working in a NOR facility, and ensure the dignity of the decedent. MFDA has had positive discussions with the proponents of the NOR legislation and will continue to work to address concerns on behalf of MFDA’s members.

We will continue to keep you updated on the legislative session through email communications. n

Bulletin is published three times per year by Minnesota Funeral Directors Association and mails directly to all members. It is also available online. This publication features topics relevant to the funeral industry and is a great way to reach Minnesota Funeral Directors and staff. To advertise, contact Todd Pernsteiner at 952-841-1111 or todd@pernsteiner.com.

Michelle Perdue

Resilience, the Key to My Rise Finding the Strength to Rise, One Chemotherapy Treatment at a Time

January 17, 2017 was the day Michelle Perdue’s life changed forever. It was the infamous day she received the news she had breast cancer. In that paralyzing and devastating moment, she fought to make sense of what her life would become. As a wife, and mother of two, her future no longer had the spark of hope to bring to light her most creative and life-changing ideas and aspirations, but rather her fears began to overshadow her ability to live a purpose-driven life.

Suddenly, faced with a life of uncertainty, Michelle knew that if she

didn’t acquire the resilience needed to survive cancer, she would lose the battel before the true fight had even begun. Therefore, rather than surrender to the relentless impact of cancer due to the mental and disheartening anguish it could cause, she made the decision to rise to the occasion to become the best version of herself despite feeling as if she was losing herself.

While fighting to stay alive, Michelle soon realized it wasn’t the chemotherapy treatments and major surgeries that posed the greatest

Getting to know

Michelle Purdue, M.Ed., founder of Speak To Advance Communications & 2024 MFDA Convention keynote speaker

challenges to her survival, but rather self-liming thoughts and actions. Little did she know this life-altering realization would become the catalyst and fuel needed to ignite her passion. A passion that reflected the authenticity of her humanity and transparency of her life’s calling, which would explain how she has become the person she is today.

As a result of her journey with cancer, it has inspired her to start a business helping others live their best, most authentic and courageous life. She believes that although everyone may

“Michelle was energetic, uplifting and provided a lot of useful food for thought for those in attendance. Her highenergy and positive message was a highlight of the evening.”

- Tracey Williams-Dillard, MSR CEO

not be impacted by cancer in their lifetime, it’s a good chance they will be consumed by cancerous thoughts or actions that may undermine their skills and talents to rise to their potential. Now, this is where Michelle comes in.

Michelle Perdue, M.Ed., is a resilience keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and transformational coach. She has the privilege of helping organizations create healthy and sustainable working environments. This is realized by equipping their staff with the tools and resources needed to cultivate resilience by minimizing stress, and increasing their emotional intelligence to optimize their health and well-being.

As a former Area Director for Toastmasters International, a certified speaking coach, and a member of the Minnesota National Speakers Association, Michelle has had the pleasure of working with clients from a diverse group of organizations. They include, but are not limited to, Land O’ Lakes, General Mills, and Johnson & Johnson. In addition to keynote speaking and facilitating result-driven workshops to thousands of employees, Michelle has been a CEO moderator for some of

the most influential corporate leaders.

Michelle is the author of the book “Rise and Shine! How to Live a Life of Resilience and Perform and Your Potential.” Her book has inspired many to live beyond the status quo and gain the strength and courage to overcome adversity and win in the game of life.

Michelle is a veteran of the United States Army Reserves, and when she is not speaking or facilitating workshops, she enjoys writing poetry and acting in films and stage productions. As a graduate of the Ruskin School of Acting, and a member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), Michelle received a grant from the Minnesota States Arts Board to write and produce the stage play, “The Housekeeper’s Dirt. More recently, Michelle was nominated for two films in the 2023 Z-Fest Film Festival.

Michelle believes that when she incorporates her creative abilities into her presentations she emerges as her authentic self by presenting in a way that genuenly engages and transforms her audience one speech at a time. n

I Still Survive

By Michelle Perdue

My spirit bruised my ambitions depleted my passion for life, I feel robbed and defeated, but through it all, as I fight the tears in my eyes it’s because of a power greater than myself, I still survive

You’ve rocked my world, you’ve rained on my parade, you’ve uprooted my anchor you’ve caused my faith to sway, but through it all, as I prepare to succumb to your demise, as you’ve shaken me to my core, yet I still survive

You taint my perception of what my future could hold, you keep me in the dark, let the truth be told, but through it all, it’s my light that gives me the strength to thrive, like the homeless in desperation somehow I still survive

I tiptoe in silence afraid of you being resurrected, fear you will rise again and chemo or radiation won’t protect me, but through it all, faith has proven to save many lives, mine is unshakeable, unbreakable, unmistakable, that’s why I still survive

You pounce into my life like a leopard claiming its stake, you act as if you own me, and I have nothing to say, as if my self-worth is for sale, and I’m ok with being bribed, you have no idea the value of my worth that’s why I still survive

You have me running in all directions in disbelief and in awe, trying to make sense of your intentions how was I the luck of the draw? But through it all, I’ve managed to stay on my feet, and refuse to hide, I hold on to hope like the falsely accused who hungers for freedom that’s why I still survive

The reality of your existence tries to suffocate my hopes and dreams, it tries to squander my ambitions jeopardizing my self-esteem, but through it all, I live on purpose, I fight to be alive, I’m unapologetic about who I am that’s why I still survive

You try to distort my identity and replace the word victim with my name, but I refuse to give in to your disease-stricken ways, I refuse to play your games

Like a treasure chest filled with opulent jewels, I know my worth inside, my value is not dictated by you or anyone else that’s why I still, and will survive!

APRIL 30 - MAY 2, 2024

GRAND CASINO HINCKLEY | HINCKLEY, MN

GRAND CASINO HINCKLEY HINCKLEY, MN

2024 MFDA CONVENTION KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Wednesday, May 1

MICHELLE PERDUE Rise and Shine! How to Live Up to Your Potential to Be Happy, Healthy, and Highly Functional

Sponsored by Matthew R. Weiser, Wieser Vault Company

The ability to live up to your potential despite work-related challenges takes courage, cognitive flexibility, and a keen sense of self-awareness. These things, when applied strategically and with intention, are what lays the foundation to cultivating a life of resilience. It’s only with resilience can you strengthen your interpersonal relationships with clients, manage stress related tasks, and implement the self-care practices needed to be happy, healthy and highly functional. It’s time to operate as the best version of you.

It’s time to rise and shine!

Thursday, May 2

an Active Shooter Situation

Sponsored by Brown-WIlbert

ROBERT SHENE, DULUTH PD (RETIRED) Workplace Safety: Responding Effectively to

In today’s unpredictable world, ensuring the safety of employees is a top priority for every organization. This presentation, “Workplace Safety: Responding Effectively to an Active Shooter Situation,” addresses the critical need for preparedness and proactive measures in the face of potential threats.

This informative session is designed to equip employees and management with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and mitigate an active shooter scenario in the workplace. We will explore the key components of an effective response plan, emphasizing the importance of situational awareness, communication strategies, and decisive action.

Part 1 of this presentation will cover embalming of a severely jaundiced body in the presence of advanced decomposition and mummification. Lincoln will cover pre-embalming steps to be taken along with recommended chemical mixtures, as well as a step-bystep process to assure a properly embalmed body through arterial injection, cavity injection and topical preservation. Part 2 of this presentation will cover ways to stabilize and preserve tissues that were not sufficiently preserved during normal arterial embalming, and to better prepare the deceased for dressing and cosmetizing. 133

LINCOLN PLAIN Embalming a Decomp and Jaundice Case, Parts 1 & 2

Restorative Arts Keynote sponsored by The Dodge Company

2024 MFDA ANNUAL CONVENTION

REGISTRATION

Please complete the form below OR ONLINE at www.mnfuneral.org/event/convention2024

NOTE: For easier writing with a pen, you may want to make a photocopy of this form and then complete.

REGISTER

EARLY

AND RECEIVE

A $50 DISCOUNT! Complete the registration form below and return it to MFDA postmarked on or before Friday, April 15, 2024 and save! Forms returned after April 15 should include the full registration fee.

Name (please print/type):

Firm name:

Address (city, state, zip):

Cell Phone: ( )

Name on badge:

Email:

Registration J Please select the appropriate registration fees below. Subtotals

❑ MFDA Member Funeral Director: $275 ($325 after April 15) $

❑ Guestk: $100 ($150 after April 15 ) Guest name for badge: $

❑ U of M Mortuary Science Student/Intern/2023 Graduate: Free ($30 after April 15 ) $

❑ Non-Member: $775 ($825 after April 15) $

❑ Past Presidents Breakfastv (for MFDA past presidents only): $25 $

❑ Wednesday Trivia Night Guestu: $25 Guest name for badge: $

❑ MASTERCARD ❑ VISA ❑ AMEX ❑ Check (Payable to MFDA)

Credit card #:

Name as it appears on card:

Billing address:

Total Enclosed $

Exp: / CSV code:

Signature:

City:

State: Zip:

❑ Check here if you require special assistance or have dietary requirements, and attach a statement of your needs.

J Registration includes daily admission to Convention program sessions/CEUs, all Exhibit Hall functions, all meals and Wednesday evening’s event. Non-Minnesota Funeral Directors who are members of their state Funeral Director Association (ND, SD, WI, and IA) can register as an MFDA Member Funeral Director.

k A guest is a non-funeral director who is a guest of a licensed funeral director. This also includes unlicensed funeral home staff. Out of respect for our exhibitors, non-exhibiting suppliers or allied members are not allowed to register or attend the Convention.

v Past Presidents Breakfast is for MFDA past presidents only.

u Wednesday Trivia Night guest ticket will only be allowed to attend the Trivia Night event. A name badge will be provided at MFDA’s registration desk - please pick up your name badge by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. You may purchase a Wednesday Trivia Night guest ticket for more than one person.

We’re proud to offer Minnesota CEUs in all categories required by the State of Minnesota.

SEND COMPLETED FORM:

By Fax (with credit card information) to: 763-335-9844

By Mail (with payment) to:

Minnesota Funeral Directors Association 7046 E. Fish Lake Rd Maple Grove, MN 55311 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF MFDA AND OUR 133 RD ANNUAL CONVENTION AND EXPO!

www.mnfuneral.org

SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCE*

Tuesday, April 30

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ....................... MFDA Board of Directors Meeting

1:00 – 5:00 p.m. ................................................... MFDA Pink Ball Golf Event

Wednesday, May 1

7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Attendee Registration Open

8:00 – 9:00 a.m. OSHA Training (1 CEU OSHA/Body Prep or Regs)

8:00 – 8:50 a.m.

9:15 – 10:15 a.m......................................................

Past Presidents Breakfast

Keynote: Michelle Perdue “Rise and Shine!” (1 CEU PP)

10:30 – 11:20 a.m. Breakout Sessions (1 CEU PP or Body Prep)

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch / Business Meeting/ Officer Installation / 50/25/10 Year License Awards

1:00 – 2:50 p.m.

Breakout Sessions (2 CEUs PP or Regs)

3:00 – 5:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall w/Reception/Bingo (1 CEU General)

7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Wednesday Evening Social – MFDA Trivia Night (Open to attendees, exhibitors, and paid guests)

Thursday, May 2

8:30 – 10:30 a.m. ....... Exhibit Hall with Breakfast / Bingo (1 CEU General)

8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. .......................................... Attendee Registration Open

10:30 – 11:50 a.m. ............................

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

1:00 – 1:50 p.m.

Keynote: Robert Shene (1.5 CEUs PP)

Lunch / Service of Remembrance

Breakout Sessions (1 CEU PP or Regs)

2:00 – 3:50 p.m. Restorative Arts Keynote Speaker: Lincoln Plain (2 CEUs Body Prep)

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. OSHA Training (1 CEU OSHA/Body Prep or Regs)

*Schedule subject to change

THANK YOU SPONSORS!

(as of March 19, 2024)

MFDA Golf Event: Federated Insurance

Wednesday Keynote: Matthew R. Weiser, Weiser Vault Company

Wednesday Exhibit Hall Reception: Available

Wednesday Trivia Night: Funeral Directors Life

Thursday Keynote: Brown-Wilbert

Closing Keynote: Dodge

Lanyard Sponsor: Baines Professional Vehicles

Service of Remembrance:

• Funeral Home Gifts

• Vertin

• Precoa

• Kelco Supply Co.

Bingo Prizes:

• ELCO Mutual Life & Annuity

• Sunburst Memorials

• Terra Trees, LLC

Overall Sponsor: Minnesota Funeral Directors Association Service Corp SERVICE CORP

EXHIBIT HALL HOURS

Wednesday, May 1 (1 CEU)

3:00 – 5:30 p.m. | Exhibit Hall Open

Thursday, May 2 (1 CEU)

8:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Exhibit Hall Open Breakfast served in the exhibit hall

10:15 a.m.

$500 Bright Idea Bingo Grand Prize awarded (must be present to win)

Bingo Prizes sponsored by ELCO Mutual Life & Annuity, Sunburst Memorials, and Terra Trees, LLC

BRIGHT IDEA BINGO

Play Bright Idea Bingo during exhibit hall hours by engaging with exhibitors to learn more about their companies and then ask for their secret words to make a traditional Bingo on your card. Turn in your card to pick up another one and complete another Bingo!

Want to get 1 General FD CEU?

Complete the entire Bingo sheet by visiting all the exhibitors on your page and turn it in to get your 1 CEU (On both Wednesday and Thursday). All cards will be entered into drawings for prizes! Completed cards must be turned into the registration desk by 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 2 to be entered for the Grand Prize drawing at 10:15 a.m.

Wednesday, May 1 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. | Rival House ? ?? MFDA ?

WEDNESDAY EVENING SOCIAL MFDA TRIVIA NIGHT

Get your teams together now for MFDA Trivia Night!

Party starts at 7 p.m. | Trivia runs from 7:30 – 9 p.m.

We close the place at 11. Stay after Trivia and have a beverage (cash bar), have a slice of pizza, listen to a great playlist, play pool, go bowling, play arcade games, throw some darts.

What to prepare:

1. A team of 4-6 people

2. A name for your team!

3. Costumes encouraged! Maybe a team theme?

How it works:

• Each team chooses a leader.

• Each team answers each trivia question

• The leader submits the team answers via the Trivia Mafia mobile app (instructions to be given that night).

• The Trivia Mafia team will compile all of the scores.

• Fabulous prizes will be awarded!

Sponsored by Funeral Directors Life

PINK BALL GOLF PAC FUNDRAISER

Tuesday, April 30

1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Grand National Golf Club 300 Lady Luck Lane Hinckley, MN

What to Do:

• Form your foursome!

• Decide if you’re playing 9 holes ($32/pp + tax), or 18 holes ($42/pp +tax)

• Call the Grand National Golf Club to book your tee time 320/384-7427.

Hole Challenges:

• Longest Drive/Women

• Longest Drive/Men

• Closest to Pin

• Longest Putt

Pink Ball Prizes:

• 9 Hole

Lowest Score

• 9 Hole

Highest Score

• 18 Hole

Lowest Score

• 18 Hole

Highest Score

Sponsored by Federated Insurance

What to do upon arrival at the course:

After checking in at the Pro Shop, head to the patio to meet up with MFDA staff to purchase your Pink Ball (1 per team) and Mulligans (no limit!). NOTE since this is a PAC fundraiser, we are accepting cash and personal checks or credit cards only. We cannot accept business donations/payments due to PAC rules.

Pink Ball - $80 Mulligans - $10/each

Bring your score sheet to the registration desk

Wednesday morning, all prizes to be awarded at the Exhibit Hall Reception Wednesday afternoon.

www.mnfuneral.org

CONVENTION SESSIONS

Wednesday, May 1

8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

OSHA Training

Mark Arnold, OSHA Trainer

1 Body Prep or Regulations & Ethics CEU/OSHA CEU

9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Opening Keynote: Rise and Shine!

How to Live Up to Your Potential to Be Happy, Healthy, and Highly Functional

Michelle Perdue

1 Professional Practices CEU

Sponsored by Matthew R. Weiser, Wieser Vault Company

10:30 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.

What No One Tells You About Funeral Home Websites

Haley Laurence, Digital Marketing Supervisor at Funeral Directors Life

1 Professional Practices CEU

Most funeral homes are comfortable spending lots of time and money on the lawn, entryways and foyers to make families feel welcome. But they’re often missing an opportunity to give families that same feeling from the very first experience - the funeral home’s website. This breakout session with Funeral Directors Life will explain how to make your website welcoming, give families clear instructions on what to do next, and double your preneed leads from your website. Come see the data and find out what families truly care about on your funeral home website!

Elevating Decedent PresentationSmall Effort Does Not Mean Small Outcome

Kelley Romanowski

1 Body Prep CEU

Restoration of decedents does not always require elaborate processes to be successful. This session will focus on techniques that a practitioner of any skill level can utilize during preparation, restoration and dressing to elevate the final presentation of the decedent.

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Lunch / Business Meeting / Officer Installation / 50 Year License Awards

1:00 - 1:50 p.m.

Licensing, Certification and Registration Review and Updates

MDH LCR Staff

1 Professional Practices or Regulations CEU

During this session MDH LCR staff will review recent change of ownership changes and provide a general overview of licensing.

The Funeral Director and Medicaid: Unlocking Growing Opportunities for Service and Revenue

Damon Wenig, The Krause Group

1 Professional Practices CEU

Nearly every deathcare professional has encountered the age-old nursing home scenario: a long-term private pay resident liquidates their assets with little funds left to fulfill their final funeral wishes. But what if, instead of navigating that story, we were better equipped to offer more compassionate and actionable advanced planning to avoid these scenarios and add meaningful revenue lines to your businesses.

This presentation will dive into the intersection of deathcare and Medicaid, providing funeral directors with a comprehensive understanding of how these realms collide. Funeral Director, Damon Wenig, and Elder Law Attorney, Thomas Krause will help explore the community outreach benefits, ethical considerations, and financial opportunities in adding this holistic approach to your funeral home.

Through case studies and realworld scenarios, participants will gain practical insights into the opportunities, allowing them to offer informed and compassionate guidance to families before, during, or after the funeral process.

2:00 - 2:50 p.m.

Creating Space for Children in a Funeral Home

Jessica Moujouros, Healing Hearts Connection

1 Professional Practices CEU

When someone dies the entire family is impacted, including the children. Having a child-friendly space in your funeral home ensures the youngest grievers are cared for compassionately. Funeral homes that are welcoming to children not only make children comfortable but their caregivers as well, which can set your funeral home apart. This session will follow the National Alliance for Children’s Grief guide for creating a child-friendly funeral home, which Jessica worked to create. She will discuss options for all providers with different options for staffing levels, time, space, and resources.

Legal Concerns and Best Practices for the Modern Funeral Director

Michael Sharkey, MFDA General Counsel

1 Regulations CEU

This 90 minute presentation will be an analysis and review of the latest developments in mortuary law, discussion of cases that I have personally worked on as both a litigator and Expert Witness, advice as to best practices, and “take home ideas” for the participants to implement at their funeral businesses (whether a funeral home, crematory, or cemetery operation). We will also discuss aspects of buy/sell agreements. The overall theme is for attendees to learn how to better protect their business, reputation in the community, and pocketbook. I will discuss nuances of the GPL and how it can be used to bolster the funeral home, a better understanding of insurance, a review of legal and PR pitfalls that I have seen in my mortuary law practice and how to avoid them, and anecdotes from my work that are informative for the modern funeral service professional.

CONVENTION SESSIONS

3:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Reception with appetizers and cash bar

1 General CEU

(Must complete entire Bright Idea Bingo card and submit to registration desk to receive CEU for Wednesday by 5:30 p.m.)

7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

MFDA Trivia Night

Rival House

Open to attendees, exhibitors, and paid guests.

Sponsored by Funeral Directors Life

Thursday, May 2

8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Exhibit Hall Open with Breakfast

1 General CEU

(Must complete entire Bright Idea Bingo card and submit to registration desk to receive CEU for Thursday by 10:00am Grand prize drawing at 10:15 a.m.)

10:30 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.

Morning Keynote: Workplace

Safety: Responding Effectively to an Active Shooter Situation

Robert Shene, Duluth Police Dept (retired)

1.5 Professional Practices CEUs

Sponsored by Brown-Wilbert

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Lunch / Service of Remembrance

Sponsored by Funeral Home Gifts, Vertin, Precoa, Kelco Supply Co.

Please join us as we honor the funeral industry professionals who have died since last year’s Convention.

1:00 - 1:50 p.m.

Breaking down the ABC’s of an Investigation

MDH Evaluation Team

1 Professional Practices or Regulations & Ethics CEU

The Minnesota Department of Health, Health Regulation Division – Mortuary Science Evaluation Team will introduce the three most common complaints it receives and walk through the stages of completing an investigation.

1:00 - 1:50 p.m.

Hire, Retain, and Develop Future Leaders

Federated Insurance Staff

1 Professional Practices CEU

One good hire today could become a great leader tomorrow. This presentation will address hiring and retaining employees and will examine how to help them develop into future leaders to better position your organization to have well-trained, experienced people in key positions. Managing the succession of talent is a vital strategic process that can minimize gaps in leadership and enable your best people to develop the skills necessary for possible future roles.

2:00 - 3:50 p.m.

Restorative Arts Keynote: Embalming a Decomp and Jaundice Case Parts 1 & 2

Lincoln Plain, Dodge 2 Body Prep CEUs

Sponsored by The Dodge Company

4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

OSHA Training

Mark Arnold, OSHA Trainer

1 Body Prep or Regulations & Ethics CEU/OSHA CEU

CONVENTION HOTEL

Grand Casino Hinckley

777 Lady Luck Dr Hinckley, MN 55037

HOTEL RESERVATIONS

Room rates are $89 per night plus 9.875% tax.

Group Code: MFA429H

Make room reservations at https://book.rguest.com/ onecart/wbe/offers/1025/ Grand-Hinckley-Book

Please ask for the MN Funeral Directors Association group rate to receive your discounted room rate when making your reservation.

Grand Casino Hinckley offers:

• Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi

• Complimentary self-parking

• ATM, Executive Lounge and 24-hour Business Center

• 24-hour Fitness Center, Indoor pool

• The Winds Steakhouse

• Rival House

• The Grille House

• 411 Craft Bar

• Stories Diner

ROOM BLOCK DEADLINE: March 30, 2024 @ 5:00 p.m.

www.mnfuneral.org

HEALING HEARTS CONNECTION

What’s New at Healing Hearts Connection?

Spring Camp is April 6-7

Registration is currently open for our Spring Camp, held April 6-7th in Annandale, MN. Camp is offered at no charge to families or funeral homes who refer them. More information at https://healingheartsconnection.com

15th Annual Frunge

On March 2, Healing Hearts Connection held the 15th annual Frunge event at Lola’s Lakehouse in Waconia. The Frunge is our largest fundraiser and helps us provide our Hearts of Hope Family Grief Camps to families who are grieving the death of a loved one. We were able to raise nearly $80,000! Thank you to everyone who jumped in frozen Lake Waconia, donated to Frungers, and came to cheer them on!

Visit Our Convention Booth

Look for our booth at the MFDA Convention this spring at Grand Casino Hinckley on April 30-May 2, and don’t forget to catch our Executive Director Jessica Mourjouros at her breakout session: Creating Space For Children in Your Funeral Home.

Funeral Directors Life (FDL) is pleased to introduce its new all-inclusive marketing packages for funeral home clients. These packages offer a range of digital marketing options, including social media management, Google Ads, Facebook ads, YouTube ads, custom video production, customer relationship management (CRM), preneed eCommerce, website management, aftercare, and more.

“What sets FDL’s marketing packages apart from other options available to funeral homes is that all these services work together in one ecosystem,” said Drew Seale, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “This means that funeral homes benefit from working with a single marketing company with a cohesive message and strategy across all marketing channels.”

Funeral homes can now quickly and easily implement digital marketing

strategies to increase brand awareness, generate preneed leads, improve Google ranking, stream ads on various platforms, and manage their website professionally, all with one marketing service. In addition, any consumer who responds to any aspect of the funeral home’s digital marketing will filter into a centralized CRM system, making it easy for preneed sales professionals to follow up with every lead.

Plus, website management is a new offering that is now included in the marketing packages.

“Our goal is to provide top-level service to funeral homes, especially when it comes to websites,” said Drew. “We have partnered with Tukios to provide proprietary options with messaging that builds the value of the funeral and offers multiple options for capturing leads. The websites are created by professionals who understand the funeral profession, and it shows. We want to offer funeral homes something they can’t get anywhere else—an affordable, highquality website with customization options and the exceptional content and customer service our clients have come to expect from FDL.”

Learn more at funeraldirectorslife. com/services/marketing-services.

HR Question of the Month

Do you have an employee retention strategy?

The U.S. continues to experience labor shortages across many industries and roles. This increasingly hurts business owners, as attracting and training new employees can be more costly than implementing an employee retention strategy.

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, 71% of small businesses reported that they were dependent on one or two key individuals for ensuring organizational success.1

Federated Insurance® recognizes employee retention is a business risk that may be managed. To encourage longterm employment while rewarding good performance, Federated® offers a plan to help retain your best employees.

The Benefits of Federated’s Triple Protection PlanSM

Our Triple Protection Plan allows businesses to combine three risks in one plan:

1. A Private Bonus Plan can help retain employees. The business owns and pays the premiums on a life insurance policy on the key employee to informally fund a private bonus plan.

2. Key Person Coverage can help protect against financial losses associated with the death of a key employee. The proceeds from the same life insurance policy can be used to recruit and train a replacement.

3. Family Protection allows the business the opportunity to share some of the life insurance protection with the employee’s family.

Ensure the success of your business by retaining key employees. Ask your local marketing representative about how Federated can help you implement an employee retention strategy.

1 Life Insurance For Key Employees | III. Accessed 1/22/24.

BOOK REVIEW

By Terri Schlichenmeyer The Bookworm Sez, LLC

“Accidental: Rebuilding a Life After Taking One”

By David W. Peters

©2023, Broadleaf Books, $26.99, 182 pages

You’ll remember it for as long as you live.

The screech of tires.

The hollow kunk of vehicle-on-vehicle, then vertigo. Or maybe it was a bang and a gasp that still haunts you at night.

In the end, though you didn’t mean it, someone has died and you were the indirect cause. You’ll remember that as long as you live, and in the new book “Accidental” by David W. Peters, you’ll learn to live with yourself again.

He was just nineteen.

Recently home from boot camp and beginning his freshman year at Bible college, David Peters was driving a friend to Sunday night services when tragedy struck. The sun was glaring, and Peters tried to switch lanes. It happened so fast: he swerved, hit concrete, and when it was over, a young woman lay dead on the side of the road.

To a young man who was injured, “I said I was sorry,” Peters writes. “I must have said it a thousand times...”

Peters says he felt like he was the only person who’d done something like this, but he wasn’t. There are

40,000 vehicular fatalities in the U.S. annually, plus accidental firearm deaths, wars, and work accidents. Even famous people can call themselves “CADIs,” which stands for “Causing Accidental Death or Injury.”

CADI, Peters says, is softer, more acceptable than “killer,” because an accident is an accident.

As a “professional Christian,” Peters has leaned on God since his accident, reading the Biblical tale about “cities of refuge” for CADIs. He explores the ways that, for instance, a drunk driver might deal with tragedy versus what an accidental shooter might feel. One’s own profession might lead to guilt and grief. He writes about mercy, and about “moral injury” for witnesses of tragedy.

“All of us will have different memories... based on what kind of accident we experienced,” he says, so don’t use this book as a one-size-fits-all.

“Your journey is your journey, but you are not alone on it. We are all with you.”

Whether you need this book or you hope you never will, “Accidental” is

absolutely one squirmy read. That, surprisingly, may be an accident in itself.

Author David W. Peters, who is an Episcopal Church vicar, writes with a tone that’s soothing and calming, but he doesn’t preach and he doesn’t push. Even if you’re a nonbeliever, he has mercy for you and there’s no judgment here; he’s been in your shoes, and his father showed him what true forgiveness looks like. Reading this book, then, is like meeting with someone trained to help untangled the complicated feelings of being on the blame-end of a tragedy. The squirm comes in the honesty that readers will see is absolutely necessary, but difficult nonetheless. You won’t want to go there, need to or not – but with Peters’ comforting words, you know you’ll be okay doing so.

For CADIs and those who love them, for victims, and for counselors and pastors, here’s what you want on your shelf. “Accidental” is a book you can truly live with. n

W. Peters

WHETHER YOU NEED THIS BOOK OR YOU HOPE YOU NEVER WILL, “ACCIDENTAL” IS ABSOLUTELY ONE SQUIRMY READ. THAT, SURPRISINGLY, MAY BE AN ACCIDENT IN ITSELF.

David

MORTUARY SCIENCE UPDATE

Greetings from Mortuary Science!

We are now back on campus following Spring Break. It’s hard to believe the semester is half over already! We are busy now planning for our graduation ceremony, which will be taking place in just a few months here on campus at Coffman Memorial Union. As we work toward the completion of the semester, some highlights of recent happenings include the following:

Admissions and Enrollment:

expect at least as many new students to begin their studies this upcoming September as did last year. We thank MFDA for continuing to be a part of our Orientation Day activities and welcoming our new students to the funeral service profession!

Faculty and Staffing Updates:

New adjunct instructor Mesfin Negia continues in his work teaching human anatomy, and this semester

By Michael LuBrant Program Director

prepare proposed revisions to its accreditation Standards.

We share bittersweet news that Education Program Associate and Academic Advisor Ashley Mishek, who recently celebrated her fiveyear anniversary in mortuary science, has transitioned to a new role in the Medical School Finance Office. We are deeply grateful for Ashley’s service to our Program and students and wish her all the best in her new position at

I thank you all for your continued support of our Program and students. We could not achieve our success without your dedication to mortuary science at the University of Minnesota.

networking event will be held in early September - please join us! More information to follow as details are finalized.

The Program continues to participate in several regional career exploration events for students who are seeking information regarding a major in mortuary science. I had a number of prospective students visit my booth at a career exploration event hosted at the Coffman Great Hall in February, and we will be participating in a similar event on campus in April.

Thank you! I thank you all for your continued support of our Program and students. We could not achieve our success without your dedication

to mortuary science at the University of Minnesota. I am excited to share information that we were able to award approximately $84,000 in Program scholarships this past year. As you consider your annual gift planning, I would ask that you please consider supporting our endowed scholarship funds. More information about giving opportunities, including how to make a gift online, can be found here: https://med.umn.edu/ mortuaryscience/give.

We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming MFDA Convention in Hinckley in early May. With all best wishes for a wonderful spring!

Michael LuBrant

Spring Semester Professional Networking Event

MFDA Past President

Ashley Czaplewski at the Spring Semester Professional

Michael LuBrant at Career Exploration FairCoffman Memorial Union

MFDA at January New Student Orientation

Farewell Reception for Ashley Mishek

MEMORIAM

Marvin “Mort” Roy Leonard, MFDA emeritus member, 68, passed away at his residence in St James, MN on November 6, 2023. Per Marvin’s wishes no visitation or funeral service will be held. Burial held at Holman Township Cemetery in Sibley, IA.

Marvin “Mort” Leonard was the third child born to Eldon and Faye (Mercer) Leonard on June 18, 1955, in Sibley, IA. He had one older brother, Robert, who he was very close to. His sister, Mary Louise, passed away at birth. Marvin attended Sibley-Ocheyedan Public Schools as a child. Upon graduation, he attended Mankato State University and later transferred to the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mortuary Science. After college, Marvin returned home and began working full time in the funeral service industry. Marvin later

Richard “Dick” W. Kelley, Minnesota funeral director, age 89 of Tracy, died Friday, January 5, 2024 at the Cottagewood Senior Community in Mankato. Funeral services were held January 12, 2024 at the Tracy United Methodist Church. Interment will be in the Tracy City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Tracy Country Club that will go toward a tree and marker. Online condolences may be sent at www. stephensfuneralservice.com.

Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

transitioned out of full-time funeral service and became a 911 Dispatcher at Watonwan County Sheriff’s Office for 23 years. At this point he moved from Sibley to Mountain Lake, MN, and later to St James, MN where he settled for the remainder of his life. In 2010 Marvin began working as a Quality Assurance Technician for Tony Downs Foods in Madelia, MN. Marvin never married and took care of his parents up until their deaths. While working for the Sheriff’s Office, a colleague gave him the nickname of “MORT” since he worked as a funeral director in the past. The nickname stuck with him throughout his life. Everyone knew of him as “MORT.”

After Marvin’s mother passed away, he decided to give back to his community and became an Emergency Medical Technician. He served on the St James Ambulance Service for 13 years. Marvin enjoyed his time off and spent much of it with friends. He loved warm summer nights with bonfires and good

Dick Kelley was born April 8, 1934 in Tracy, MN to Frank and Marjorie Kelley. He graduated from Tracy High School in 1952 and from there went on to college at Mankato State. After Mankato, Dick attended the University of Minnesota as he pursued his degree in mortuary science. During his time in school and upon graduation, Dick worked for the family business Kelley Furniture and Funeral Home. When Frank and Marge retired in 1971, Dick continued in the funeral business and helped his dad build their house on 3rd Street in Tracy. He eventually got out of the funeral business and farmed. In his later years, he returned to the funeral business and retired in 2018. Dick was always well-known around town as an active member of his community, and served his country in the U.S. Army. His community

company. He had a love for dogs and enjoyed puppy-sitting a family friend’s two miniature pinschers, Diamond and Asher. He enjoyed being at home browsing Facebook and watching TV. Marvin was very meticulous and kept everything he had in excellent shape. He loved vehicles and everything about them. He referred to his vehicles as “family.” He was particularly fond of one vehicle which was given to him by his parents when graduating college - his 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. Marvin referred to it as his “baby” since he owned it from brand new. He enjoyed driving it to local car shows and talking with the car guys about it.

Marvin is survived by his niece, Kimberly Leonard, of Federal Way, WA and other relatives.

Marvin is preceded in death by his parents, Eldon and Faye; brother Robert Leonard; sister Mary Louise Leonard; sister-in-law Mary Leonard; and other relatives.

service involved city council, fire department, ambulance service, and Box Car Days volunteer. Dick was a member of the Tracy Chamber, Tracy Masonic Post 155, Tracy Eagles, and Tracy Country Club, just to name a few. Dick was generous with his time and the knowledge he could share. He always enjoyed time with friends, spending time at the lake, reading, golfing, tinkering in his shop, local baseball games, and classic cars. He was a jack of all trades and was wellknown for his one-liners, his quick-wit, and his many stories.

Dick is survived by cousins and his many friends in the community of Tracy. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert, and his close friends Tom Rignell and Shorty Engel.

Joan Kathryn Hoff, mother of MFDA Past President Tim Hoff, grandmother of MFDA Past President Ashley Czaplewski and MFDA Board Member

Tyler Hoff, 93, of St. Charles died on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield.

Joan was born December 14, 1930, in Waukegan, IL to Melvin and Violet (Nelson) Johnson. She graduated from Central High School in Superior, WI in 1949. While in Superior, her mom married Alex “Pop” Kerecman. He became a huge part of Joan’s life. Joan worked for a brief time as a service representative for the Wisconsin Telephone Company. On October 18, 1952, she married her sweetheart, Lowell Hoff in Superior. They lived in Superior and Milwaukee until moving to St. Charles in 1969, when they purchased the Sellner Funeral Home of St. Charles and Rollingstone. This was the beginning of the family business, Hoff Funeral Home. Joan worked alongside Lowell, helping families in their time of need.

Joan was a member of the St. Charles United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and served as treasurer for several years, Eastern Star, Rochester Shrine Auxiliary, Winona County Homemakers, VFW Auxiliary, and the American Legion Auxiliary, as well as several other organizations throughout the years. Joan was proud of being a “stubborn Swede” and her Swedish Heritage. She and Lowell took many trips throughout the years, and after his death in 2002, she continued traveling by taking bus trips throughout the country.

Her family was her true pride and joy and she loved visits from her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. She is survived by her three children: Lori (Gary) Nelson of Alden, Tim (Jenny) Hoff of St. Charles and Gary (Sue) Hoff of Rushford; twelve grandchildren: Aaron (Sue) Nelson, Trevor (Kristy) Nelson, Trent Nelson and Krystle (Bobby) Hutchinson; Ashley (Brandon) Czaplewski, Alyssa (Eric) Gardner, Danielle Hoff and Tyler (Emily) Hoff; Gretchen (James) Colbenson, Alex (Kourtney) Hoff, Nick Hoff (Fiancé, Kelly Jerviss) and Olivia Hoff (Jack

Young); great-grandchildren: Connor, Jaiden, Ellie, Waylon, Brooks, Tessa, Haddie, Kate, Will, Arthur, Leni, Peter and Silas; as well as nieces and nephews and June Smith, who held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lowell in 2002; infant twin daughters; parents; her two sisters: Gloria Wipfli and Virginia Johnson and longtime companion, Chuck Schweitzer.

Joan’s family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at Chosen Valley Care Center for the compassionate care they gave Joan over the last few years.

Funeral Service was held January 15, 2024, at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service – St. Charles, led by funeral celebrant Jodi Heim. She was laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the St. Charles United Methodist Church, Healing Hearts Connection (healingheartsconnection. com) or the Special Olympics (support.specialolympics.org). Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service – St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements. www.hofffuneral.com.

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

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

Employer Benefits

• Access highly-qualified, professional candidates.

• Generate high return on recruitment advertisement spending.

• Easy-to-use job posting and resume search capabilities.

• Access to job board networks for broader job distribution to qualified candidates.

• Only pay for resumés of interested candidates.

• Applicant tracking and management capabilities.

• Internal messaging system automatically stores messages sent from the job seeker in the candidate’s file.

• User-friendly template system to resuse job postings, pre-screen filters and automatic letters and notifications.

• MFDA Members receive 50% off their listing by using coupon code MFDA50 at checkout.

http://mnfuneral.careerwebsite.com

THANK YOU

2024 MFDA 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 or refer to your MFDA Directory.

Anatomy Bequest Program

Angela McArthur, Shannon Vadnie, Linnea Seidelmann, Sarah Paulsen, Marina Burandt, Jason Vollmer www.bequest.umn.edu

Artco Casket Company, Inc.

Bill Currie, Wally Gelecinskyj www.artcocasket.com

Baines Professional Vehicles

John Baines www.4hearse.com

Bedker Law, PLLC

Callyn Bedker www.bedkerlaw.com

Brown-Wilbert, Inc.

Christopher Brown, Andrew Brown, Maleia Kavitz, Jeff Bauer, Joel Cairy www.brown-wilbert.com

Dodge Company

Lincoln Plain www.dodgeco.com

ELCO Mutual Life & Annuity

Julie and Jim Palm www.elcomutual.com

Federated Insurance

Hunter Kennedy www.federatedinsurance.com

Forest Lawn Memorial Park Association

Kari A. Hubbard www.forestlawnmn.com

Funeral Directors Life

John Harrington, Scott Tufto www.funeraldirectorslife.com

Good Life Consultants

Richard Graner

www.goodlifeconsultants.com

Great Western Insurance Company

Doug Stolt www.gwic.com

Healing Hearts Connection (Formerly Children’s Grief Connection) Jessica Moujouros www.healingheartsconnection.com

Johnson Williams Funeral Car

Todd Anderson www.jwfuneralcars.com

Karasch Business Development Solutions

Russ Karasch 320-761-8065

Kelco Supply

Alicia Carr www.kelcosupply.com

Keystone Funeral Home Design Build

Marcel Kelash www.keystonedb.com

Laker Insurance

Patrick Zalusky

LifeSource - Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation

Kelley Romanowski

Melinda Van Waus www.life-source.org

Maguire Refining, Inc. John Maguire www.maguireref.com

MAS Communications

Mary Reeves www.mascommunications.net

Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions

Roger Ruth www.matthewsaurora.com

Messenger

Bob Hoaglund www.messengerstationery.com

Midwest Medical Examiners Office

Shane Sheets, Angie Chalmers www.midwestmedicalexaminer.com

Minnesota Roadways Co. Monica Bestge www.mnroadways.com

Northern Design Caskets

Scott Haiby 800-468-4955

Northwestern Casket Co.

Thomas Dunleavy www.nwcasket.com

Otter Creek Monument

Amy Louhela

www.ottercreekmonumentco.com

Parks Superior Sales

Michael Parks www.parkssuperior.com

Precoa Kelsey Akinradewo www.precoa.com

Rock What Your Got Jim Gibson www.rockwhatyougotlive.com

Safe Air Today/DPS

Leia Ryan www.safeairtoday.com

Scene Clean

Nate Berg, Jenny Berg www.scenecleanmn.com

Sharkey Law, PLLC

Michael Sharkey, Esq. 952-334-4460

Star Tribune/Obituaries

Alison Wikre alison.wikre@startribune.com

Sunburst Memorials

Steve Barber www.sunburstmemorials.com

Terra Trees, LLC Misty Dietz www.terratrees.earth

The Purple Cross Plan

Denis Nordlum www.purplecross.com

United Heritage Insurance

Bob Hanson www.unitedheritage.com

University of Minnesota Mortuary Science

Michael LuBrant www.mortuaryscience.umn.edu

Wick Law

David W. Wick www.wicklawgroup.com

Wieser Vault

Matt Wieser, Todd Wieser www.wieser-doric.com

Allied membership provides ways to reach Minnesota Funeral Directors. Annual Allied membership is just $360. For more information and to join, visit www.mnfuneral.org and click “Join MFDA” in the top menu.

Endorsed

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