MFDA Bulletin - Summer 2018

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY FOR THE MINNESOTA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION MEMBERS.

2018 District Meetings Combine as Regional Meetings

This year we are trying something different by combining District meetings into Regions and offering a full day of CEU’s.

We are NOT eliminating Districts and dues will be collected accordingly per District.

AUGUST 2018

Southern Regional Meeting Districts 1, 2, 3

Wednesday, August 15

7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Kato Ballroom, Mankato

SEPTEMBER 2018

Northwest Regional Meeting Districts 9, 10, 11

Wednesday, September 12

7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Shooting Star Casino, Mahnomen

OCTOBER 2018

Metro/Twin Cities Meeting Districts 6, 7

Tuesday, October 2

7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

LifeSource, Minneapolis

Central Regional Meeting Districts 4, 5, 8

Wednesday, October 3

7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Little Crow Golf Resort, Spicer

2018 REGIONAL MEETING AGENDA

7:30 - 8:20 a.m.

OSHA (1 OSHA CEU/1 Regulations & Ethics CEU)

8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

LifeSource Presentation (3 Body Prep CEUs)

12:00 p.m.

Lunch will be offered at each meeting at a cost of $20 per person.

1:00 p.m. (3 General CEUs)

Afternoon speakers representing

• MN Department of Health Mortuary Science

• Funeral Directors Life

• Federated Insurance

• Children’s Grief Connection

• Joe Sellwood, Cook-Girard

• University of MN Mortuary Science

• Minnesota Funeral Directors Assn.

Meetings will end approximately 4 - 4:30pm.

Note: Individual District Dues will remain the same as last year and will be collected at each meeting.

If planning to attend, please register online at www.mnfuneral.org or call 763-416-0124.

If planning to attend, please register online at www.mnfuneral.org or call 763-416-0124.

Minnesota Funeral Directors Association

BOARD OF DIRECTORS, STAFF AND OTHER CONTACTS

President

Dan Dahl

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

Treasurer

Chris Jacobson

Bell Brothers Funeral Home Duluth, MN chris.jacobson@tlcofduluth.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

Brian Dingmann (District 8) Dingmann Funeral Care Annandale, MN brian@dingmannfuneral.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

Chris Jacobson (District 11) Bell Brothers Funeral Home Duluth, MN chris.jacobson@tlcofduluth.com

Secretary

Kelly J. Kelly

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

Past President

Ashley Czaplewski

Hoff Funeral and Cremations Service St. Charles, MN ashley@hofffuneral.com The

POLICY BOARD REPRESENTATIVE

Pat Patton, CFSP Patton-Schad Funeral Home Sauk Centre, MN ppatton@pattonschad.com

PAST PRESIDENT REP

Norman Larsen Green-Larsen Mortuary International Falls, MN nlarsen@greenlarsen.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

May 20-22,

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

Executive Director’s Report: Summer…let’s celebrate!

I loved a recent photo of our April snowstorm with the caption “this was 10 weeks ago”! We cannot complain about boring weather. I sincerely hope you take the time to enjoy this time of year!

Thanks to all of you who took the time to join us at convention. From all accounts it appears that 99.9% of people had a great time and learned a lot. Every year staff breathe a sigh of relief on that last day and for several days after convention. We think things slow down and then the realization hits that we have a lot coming up for the next six months! No rest for the busy (we have no wicked people on staff). Big change for our district meetings, which we are combining into regional meetings. See the cover for more details. This is a great member benefit as we are offering potentially 7 CEU’s, including body prep. We want to give you more bang for your buck and in the process enjoy the company of other funeral directors in your area that you may not see as often as you would like.

I do want to stress that we ARE NOT DISSOLVING DISTRICTS!! Districts continue to be very important to the Association. I’m so pleased to say that we have had great support from YOUR district representatives. They show up to the monthly board meetings and make your voices heard. Please, if you have any concerns that you want MFDA to hear, contact your district director. Their information is listed on the inside cover of this bulletin. Note, your firm will continue to pay your district dues and we will be facilitating that process.

In mid-July your Executive Board, Dan Dahl, Chris Jacobson, Kelly Kelly and myself will be travelling to Asheville North Carolina to attend the NFDA Leadership Conference. Pat Patton will also be joining us as our NFDA Policy Director. This conference is focused on what it takes to run an association as a volunteer board member. It offers an opportunity to meet with other state Presidents, Treasurers and Secretaries and Executive Directors.

I am pleased that all of our Executive Board will be attending.

On a final note, I will be travelling the southern half of the state on July 16-17-18 to listen to any suggestions or concerns you might have about the association, as well as to answer questions. If you have truly read this complete article (Wow, thank you!) and live in the southern area, contact me via email or cell (info@ mnfuneral.org, 612-940-8169). I will have a plan in place before I take off, but I promise not to show up unannounced! I hope to make it other parts of the state in the next several months. Thanks for listening! I do look forward to seeing many of you this summer and fall. Take time to check out our website to see what else we will be offering between now and the end of the year and please share with staff. You should also be receiving a postcard in the mail with upcoming events.

Darlyne Erickson MFDA Executive Director

From the President: Hello members!

By Dan Dahl, MFDA President

Below is the speech from our MFDA 20182019 President Dan Dahl after his installation during MFDA 128th Annual Convention at the DoubleTree Minneapolis South on May 22, 2018. Thank you for allowing me to be your next president of the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association.

31 years ago, when I started funeral service, if you would have told me that I would be up here representing MFDA today, I would have told you, “yeah right”. That was for older directors like Wayne Cease and Ken Peterson. I guess now, I’m considered one of those “older” funeral directors.

I would like to bring to your attention a couple of significant items.

A Couple of “Firsts” for the MFDA

• First, thank you to Ashley; the first woman president and also the youngest. What we have accomplished this year as an organization, under your direction, is great. Let’s show our appreciation.

• My hope is to continue the work you have started—our organization still has much to do, but off to a great start do to your compassion and diligence to funeral service.

• The other first is that I believe that I am the first non-resident president of MFDA. I live in Grand Forks, ND but own the Dahl Funeral Home in East Grand Forks, MN.

• By the way, Shawn Kirby and Ken Peterson, after the meeting today I will show you my Green Card. I may live close to Canada but I am really a US citizen.

I Have a Few “Thank Yous” I Would Like to Share

• I would like to thank NFDA President Elect Chuck Bowman for being here today for my swearing in. Thanks too for the kind words of encouragement. I will put them to good use.

o My wife Jeanette and I met Chuck about six years ago at an NFDA Convention. Over those six years he has become a great college—I believe we share a lot of the same schools of thought—many old and a few new, and he has also become a great friend.

o Chuck, thank you for your leadership in NFDA and a great MFDA advocate. Good luck to you in your future endeavors with being the next NFDA president.

• Thanks to the MFDA Board of Directors. Without this board, a lot of the decisions for MFDA would not happen with such ease.

o A number of years ago, we had problems filling board member chairs. Today, we have a waiting list to be able to sit on the board. Such a great problem to have.

• I would like to thank the MFDA Office staff, Darlyne Erickson, Miki Tufto, Sue Sack, and Kathy Sheridan, and Amy Beckham. You women are the backbone of MFDA office, and without you, none of this would happen with such ease.

• I would also like to thank all members of MFDA. This convention is for all for you. Remember that the MFDA Board is at your disposal anytime. We are always open to suggestions on how to improve your association. I could not ask for a better board to serve on and work with.

• Finally, thanks to my wife Jeanette, and children, Grant, Brandon, and Caitlin, which by the way are all here. Thanks for coming.

o 34 years ago, when I told Jeanette that I wanted to become a funeral director, the first thing out of her mouth was “If you wanted to wear a tie, couldn’t you just be a banker.” So, Jeanette and kids, thanks for all your love, support, and most of all patience throughout all these years.

Final Thoughts

In speaking with you today, I have but a few items on my agenda that I feel are extremely high on my list to address you today.

• First is the number of available funeral directors verses funeral homes looking for licensed funeral directors.

o In my eyes and a number of other funeral home owners – it is a real problem and an issue that needs to be addressed now. There are only two states requiring bachelor’s degree in the entire US, MN and Ohio with Iowa contemplating the move with a lot of hesitation.

o I know that all states are facing these same issues, but I feel that if MFDA put their heads together, we can resolve that issue.

o Whether it’s an education issue, that is allowing a graduate of either a twoyear or a four-year accredited mortuary science school, having passed the required National Funeral Boards and

the MN Department of Health Boards, complete their apprenticeship, then being allowed to practice as a funeral director in Minnesota.

o Many of you as MFDA members, along with myself have the two-year degree, as we were “grandfathered” in, and being owners of a funeral home, are having a very difficult time hiring funeral directors that qualify to practice under today’s educational standards. The last I checked, there were approximately 26 funeral homes in the state of Minnesota looking for licensed funeral directors, and nowhere near that number of directors available graduating with the prerequisites needed to become licensed in Minnesota.

o Some of us are getting into that thing called retirement age and may have a difficult time accomplishing this without directors to take our place.

o If any of you have suggestions, please contact the board and you will be heard.

• Second, I would encourage funeral directors to consider volunteering for committees in MFDA.

o Whether it be on the education committee, the legislative committee, or any of the committees too numerous to mention, you will play an important part of the way MFDA functions, and who knows, your participation could lead to bigger and better things with MFDA.

• Third, is our attempt to get the state to raise the amount of payment for county funded funerals to a level that we as funeral homes can live with.

o We have gone way too many years of taking the backseat on not getting what we deserve for our services rendered.

o Contact your local legislative members and let them know what it actually costs for a funeral.

o Awhile back, I received a letter from Jeff Hartquist outlining the need for our services, why we charge what we charge, and that we as funeral directors are not getting rightly compensated.

Continued on page 6…

SUMMER 2018 Legislative Update

By Joe Sellwood, Cook Girard Associates

The 2018 legislative session adjourned on time but there is little to show for the three months of legislative work – and in the case of the crematory operator legislation, over two years of work on the issue.

Over the past two years, MFDA members have shown an interest in legislation to require training or certification for those performing cremations. The 2017 version of the cremator operator legislation required certification for anyone performing cremations, regardless of licensure. The 2018 proposal only required certification for unlicensed individuals performing cremations. These individuals are currently permitted to perform cremations and the bill clarified “proper training” within 149a.95 subdivision 3, to require completion of a cremator operator certification program. In addition, it included the option of adding training on cremation practice to

the body preparation, care or handling requirements (3 CE Hours) of funeral directors ongoing requirements. This year’s version of HF1025 (Kiel - Crookston) / Senate companion SF1665 (Weber –Luverne), enjoyed broad support from industry stakeholders, the Department of Health, and key legislators. Ultimately, the proposal was included in the Supplemental Budget bill, a massive 990-page bill with spending and policy across all agencies. Representative Joe Schomacker (House HHS Reform Chair), Representative Matt Dean (House HHS Finance Chair), and Senator Michelle Benson (Senate HHS Policy and Finance Chair) all strongly supported the measure and, along with their Conference Committee counterparts from the House and Senate, voted to include the language in the package. The Supplemental Budget bill passed both the House and Senate floors with bipartisan

From the President, continued from page 5…

o We do not see cemeteries, churches, vault companies, and other third-party people taking a partial payment for their services rendered for a county funeral.

o This letter which is available can be sent or brought to your local representative to help further explain our predicament

• Fourth is to open up a greater line of communications with LifeSource. Some of you may not see the final outcome of a full body donation. Those that do see it know that it has become a much greater task of reconstruction when LifeSource gets done with them. Sometimes next to impossible. Some things to consider are as follows.

1. There should be much more in disclosure to the family.

a. Perhaps we make a campaign to educate the public on what can be the final outcome of the organ donation.

b. Legislation as to certain points to be disclosed to family.

2. More education as to difference between organ donor and tissue donor.

a. Perhaps an informative video to show family? Could the video be password protected? They would/could check a box

to decline watching the video and still give consent?

3. Another designation to driver’s license?

a. Organ Donor

b. Tissue Donor

c. Both

4. Make it mandatory for individuals that when obtaining a driver’s license watch a video before making a choice.

5. Fair compensation for funeral director based on procedures.

a. Bone restoration

b. Partial skin restoration

c. Full skin restoration

d. Various skeletal restorations (spine, shoulder, ribs, etc.)

6. Disclosure to next of kin not only what was harvested, but what the amount of money the procuring organization were compensated.

7. Bring this discussion to various media outlets: Star Tribune, MPR, etc., so the public can be educated on tissue donation. Again, suggestions from you as members.

support. Unfortunately, the bill was vetoed by Governor Dayton just days after the session adjourned due to his opposition to a variety of unrelated provisions in the bill. With strong support among legislators on this issue, we should be able to achieve passage again in the future.

MFDA has strong relationships in place and this year was a step forward in terms of grassroots outreach from MFDA members to legislators. With the November general election fast approaching, there will be many chances to make contact with legislators and candidates – these are great opportunities to introduce yourself as a constituent and funeral service professional. I look forward to seeing everyone at the fall meetings this year. Cook Girard Associates will continue to keep MFDA up-to-date on issues important to funeral directors in Minnesota.

• Fifth (and last) is your participation with the Children’s Grief Connection.

o Whether it be volunteering at one of their camps, financially helping them out, a donation to the camp, even sending a child or family to camp, or even something as radical as the “Frunge”.

o I thought the only thing you were supposed to put in ice water was throwing back a walleye too small to filet when Ice Fishing.

In Closing

Remember that the success of MFDA depends on the continued support of all our members. THANK YOU for your membership and support to MFDA, and I look forward to serving you for the years 2018-2019 as president.

With that in mind, please make sure you thank the convention vendors for their continued support and enjoy the Convention.

Regards,

Dan Dahl

2018-19 MFDA President

Certified Funeral Celebrant Training Offered in the Twin Cities

An InSight Certified Celebrant is a person who has been trained and certified by InSight to meet the needs of families during their time of loss. A funeral Celebrant serves by providing a funeral service, memorial service, or tribute that is personalized and individualized to reflect the personality and life-style of the deceased after consultation with the family and loved ones and coordination with the funeral home.

To learn more about Certified Celebrant Training, visit www. insightbooks.com/celebrants

You’re invited to join this training on August 8-10, 2018, provided by MFDA (Minnesota Funeral Directors Association)

Registration Fees

MFDA Member $900 ($850 each for 3 or more from one firm)

Non-Member $950

Student $500 (limit five)

Register online at www.mnfuneral.org or call our office at 763-416-0124.

Michael D. Sharkey, Esq., CFSP, CCO

Attorney Sharkey provides advice, counsel and litigation services for funeral homes, cemeteries, and crematories.

952-525-6990

msharkey@cvmmlaw.com

www.cvmmlaw.com

Seminar & Hotel Location

Doubletree by Hilton Minneapolis North 2200 Freeway Blvd

Minneapolis, MN

$115/night plus tax for King room

Room block code: MFD

Room block deadline July 10, 2018

Make room reservation by calling 763-566-8000 or book online on hotel link on www.mnfuneral.org .

Schedule

August 8-10, 2018

DAY 1

3:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m. / Dinner provided

DAY 2

8:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. / Continental breakfast and lunch provided. Dinner on your own. You will have homework!

DAY 3

8:00 a.m.— noon / Continental breakfast provided

What to Bring

We will provide a notebook and other materials. If you have a laptop computer, it is recommended (but not required) that you bring it for the funeral presentation work. We will have a printer available.

The dress is business casual. This is an active, participant-driven training. We want you to be comfortable and ready to be a part.

CE Information for Funeral Directors

The Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice: 17 hrs of attendance hours

State Funeral Service Board approval: Approved hours vary by state, contact Glenda Stansbury for more information, glenda@insightbooks.com.

More Information

If you have any questions about this Celebrant training opportunity, contact MFDA: Darlyne Erickson info@mnfuneral.org

If you have questions about Celebrants in general, contact: Glenda Stansbury at InSight Books, Inc., glenda@insightbooks.com, 800-658-9262 or 405-810-9501.

Emergency Cell Phone Number during week of training only: Glenda Stansbury 405-550-7854.

Chair, Mortuary Law Practice Group Attorney • Funeral Director

Creating Memorable Customer Experiences and Life Tribute Events –

NFDA Arranger Training program to be held in Minneapolis

Creating memorable customer experiences and life tribute events –NFDA Arranger Training program to be held in Minneapolis

Are you:

• seeking ways to convey the value of the funeral?

• at a loss for words when families ask for direct cremation?

• fearful of where your firm will be in five years?

Lacy Robinson, CFSP, NFDA director of member development, addresses these and other topics through the exclusive, new NFDA Arranger Training program. Learn how to make the most of the arrangement conference through a creative, five-step process you’ll only discover here.

This high-energy, interactive program provides you with the tools you need to convey the value of the funeral to families and partner with them to design memorable life tribute events.

Through a combination of small- and large-group discussions, problem-solving and creative collaboration, you’ll leave with fresh approaches and new ideas to transform your arrangement conferences.

You’ll also take home comprehensive tools and resources you need to initiate an action plan for your team, including exclusive guidelines from T. Scott Gilligan, NFDA General Counsel; Dr. Jason Troyer and other notable sources!

Arranger Training Seminar

Thursday, September 6, 2018

8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Washburn McReavy Hillside Chapel 2610 19th Avenue NE Minneapolis, MN

Host: Minnesota Funeral Directors Association

Registration & Check-in: 7:30 – 8 a.m.

Seminar Presenter:

Lacy Robinson, CFSP, NFDA Director of Member Development CE Seminar is approved for up to 8 CE hours by APFSP and most state licensing boards.

Registration Fees

Registration fee includes NFDA Arranger Training Workbook, handouts, collaborative presentation, continental breakfast and lunch, CE processing, and certificate of completion.

NFDA Member

Nonmember Funeral Director

Non-Funeral Director

Student Member

$475 (CE)

$605 (CE)

$475 (No CE)

$160 (No CE)

Registration open at www.nfda.org/education/certificationtraining-programs/at-program-schedule

Online registration is not available for students. Special pricing is available for multiple attendees from the same firm and active duty military. Call 800-228-6332 for details.

By registering for this event, you consent that photos and videos of you at the event may be published in print or posted online in online photo albums; on photo/video-sharing sites such as YouTube; on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Google +; and in other Web-based media at the sole discretion of NFDA.

New Organization to Assist Grieving Families in Minnesota Opens in Eden Prairie

Who We Are

Brighter Days Grief Center is a newly established nonprofit organization serving individuals anticipating or enduring the death of a beloved family member. Although we are a Grief Center providing necessary services and resources, we are so much more than that at our core. We are a community of families turned into volunteers, staff and board that are bound together by our own experiences.

These experiences, although personally painful, have inspired us to support and guide grieving families in ways that were not available to us. Our programs are designed to address the many layers that come with grief. We realize each family member grieves differently, and therefore has different needs. Our goal is to help determine those needs and provide the resources to compassionately address them. Overall, we hope to lessen the devastating impact that grief can have on a family as well as a community. By providing a compassionate space for people to gather, with access to crucial programs and services, we will work to help families and communities move forward together rather than apart. We do not take this lightly; we understand that “moving forward” can seem impossible, yet we believe with genuine care and compassion it truly is.

Our Approach

We believe that our approach to a holistic model of care will lay the foundation for moving each family in a positive and healthy direction as they learn to live together without their loved one. By partnering with other grief related organizations, we provide compassionate and tailored resources and programs that are specific to each family member. Additionally, we work tirelessly to bring awareness to schools, communities, and organizations to make sure families receive compassionate and appropriate support in all settings.

Youth

For children of any age, we provide summer and after-school activity, free tutoring to stay successful in school, and peer-based events that provide connection to others that have experienced a similar loss. We view this connection as one of the most important emotional aspects of our model of care; knowing that there are others facing a loss can help diminish the level of isolation one typically feels.

Adults

For adults, we offer a more in-depth level of support because we understand that the impact of grief can bring additional stressors of legal and financial issues. We provide financial assistance, access to scholarships for young adults, and free consultations with insurance agents, real estate attorneys, and financial advisors. Additionally, we provide grocery cards, pre-made meals, and many other forms of personalized support.

Families

Other offerings focus on overall psychosocial wellness such as access to local fitness and community centers, self-care classes, weekend retreats, mental health resources, and family activities. We also offer various events at our center and in the community through our partners and other organizations.

Why We Matter

On May 17, 2008 I was woken by a knock on the door. I panicked as I saw a police officer outside my door. A mother’s worst nightmare came slamming into reality as the officer relayed the tragic news that my daughter had been in a car accident and she did not survive. Nothing can prepare you for news like this; however, the uncertainty and lack of knowledge of where to get help and support when experiencing loss makes the grief even more unbearable.

Brighter Days Grief Center offers support and resources that provide hope and healing to families who are struggling with grief.

“I was not aware of the resources that I could tap into for my family nor did I have the ability to even begin the search for them. I am so thankful that Brighter Days Grief Center is here to help other families like mine. To have been handed a card by the officer with a number that I could call would have been a lifeline at a time I felt I was drowning.”

- Melody Richards, Mother, Author, Grief Counselor

To learn more about Brighter Days Grief Center, visit www.brighterdaysgriefcenter.org or call 952-303-3873

LifeSource Update

As funeral service providers, you are in the business of caring for others at one of the most difficult times imaginable. You perform this work tirelessly and with the utmost respect to the families you care for. Working in this field exposes all of us to the most rewarding aspects of humanity. We see generosity, strength, caring and hope in the face of grief. Caring for donor families provides our team at LifeSource with the same possibilities to work with families as they honor their loved ones through the gifts of donation. We have the unique opportunity to share in those traits that embody those families before their care is transitioned to your funeral home.

A brave little boy and his mom helped make one of the toughest parts in donation very personal and healing for his family and provided an unanticipated effect to the recovery team as well as many others. Cooper Rice was two years old when he was able to share the gifts of life through organ donation. Following his surgery, Cooper’s mom asked that the recovery team dress him in his favorite pair of pajamas. This was symbolic of a child’s preparation for bedtime. The simple wish of Cooper’s family had a powerful impact that touched not only his family, but the hospital staff, the recovery team and funeral home as well. The influence of this little gesture changed the way the completion of the donation process felt to everyone in the operating room.

littlest donors. We collaborated with LifeCenter Northwest and have carried on this project honoring Cooper which began for LifeSource on May 1, 2018. LifeSource will now be dressing our youngest donors up to age 5 in brand-new pajamas upon completion of donation.

We wished to share a few informational items with our funeral home partners as we move forward with the Cooper PJ Project:

• We are sharing with the families of this process, so that if they desire, they may choose to provide pajamas. The families will be aware that the pajamas will not be returned to them.

• Upon receiving the donor into your care, a tag should be present indicating that the donor is involved in the Cooper Project.

• We are asking that the pajamas NOT be returned to the family, but they be respectfully disposed.

• Pajamas were generously donated to LifeSource through a pajama drive that Cooper’s Mom arranged and through team members of LifeSource.

We hope this program will help bring everyone involved in these difficult cases a little comfort and provide another way to honor these beautiful young people and their amazing legacy. For further questions about the Cooper PJ Project, please feel free to contact Kelley Romanowski, Partner Support Liaison with LifeSource – Organ, Eye and Tissue donation at 612-800-6271.

Immediately, upon LifeSource hearing about Cooper and LifeCenter Northwest’s Cooper PJ Project, our team was moved and felt that we should also provide the same cozy transition to our

A brave little boy and his mom helped make one of the toughest parts in donation very personal and healing for his family and provided an unanticipated effect to the recovery team as well as many others. Cooper Rice was two years old when he was able to share the gifts of life through organ donation.

Photo courtesy of LifeCenter NorthWest’s Website: httxp://www.lcnw.org/wpcontent/uploads/2015/05/Cooper-PJ-Sheet.pdf

Cooper Rice was two years old when he was able to share the gifts of life through organ donation.

Thank you to all who attended MFDA’s 128th Annual Convention on May 21-23 at the DoubleTree Minneapolis South in Bloomington!

More than 400 people attended convention including 50+ exhibitors. The Convention was kicked off with an additional day of education on Monday and a beautiful spring night outside at the MFDA Backyard Welcome Party, sponsored by Kelco Supply Co, MAS Communications, and Wieser Vault. The following two days were filled with professional education, opportunities to network with colleagues, and to visit with exhibitors. We greatly appreciate our convention sponsors and exhibitors who were part of our 128th annual event!

Save the date for MFDA’s 129th Annual Convention - May 20-23, 2019, at Mayo Civic Center in Rochester.

2018 Convention photos by Max Haynes

THANK YOU CONVENTION SPONSORS!

TITLE SPONSORS

SERVICE CORPORATION

BACKYARD WELCOME PARTY FOOD TRUCK SPONSOR

JACK STAHLMANN KEYNOTE SPONSOR

VERNIE FOUNTAIN KEYNOTE SPONSOR

EXHIBIT HALL OPENING APPETIZERS & DRINK TICKETS SPONSOR

EDUCATION SPONSOR

Lions Gift of Sight/University of Minnesota

CONVENTION APP SPONSOR

Passare

SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE SPONSORS

Brown Wilbert, National Funeral Directors Association, Messenger, Sympathy Florists, United Heritage

WEDNESDAY COFFEE BREAK SPONSOR

Federated Insurance

PHOTO BOOTH SPONSOR

National Funeral Directors Association

EXHIBIT HALL PRIZE SPONSORS

Chillon Leach, Pekin Life Insurance Co

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Congratulations to the 2017-2018 MFDA Leadership Academy Graduates!

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, as well as gain important insights into the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association.

The next Leadership Academy will meet six times in 2018-2019 with graduation at the MFDA Annual Convention in May 2019.

• This program will teach you skills that will enhance both your funeral home and the impact in your community.

• You will learn strategies for personal growth and organizational development that will help you and your funeral home.

• You will build lasting relationships with classmates, fellow leaders in your profession. 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 heritage of Funeral Service and advancing the mission of MFDA.

To apply for the upcoming Leadership Academy, visit www.mnfuneral.org.

Thank you to our MFDA Leadership Academy Sponsors: Kelco Supply Co and MFDA Service Corp!

Tonya Borth Craig Buysse Lance Ehrlin Brett McReavy Jordan Seitz Camille Steffel Kyle TeBeest Matthew Wieser

Book Review: The Group: Seven Widowed Fathers Reimagine Life

by Donald L. Rosenstein and Justin M. Yopp

By Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm Sez, LLC

‘Til death do you part.

Did those words give you pause when you said them in front of an officiate and a handful of friends and family? Did you even hear them, in your nervousness and joy? Or, as in the new book “The Group” by Donald L. Rosenstein and Justin M. Yopp, were they things you put aside, hoping they’d never come true?

As far as they could tell, it had never been done before.

In their work at the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of North Carolina, Rosenstein (a psychiatrist) and Yopp (a clinical psychologist) “often consult with patients nearing the end of their lives.” Their work sometimes includes patients’ families, but Rosenstein and Yopp noticed something missing: there were few support systems specifically for widowed fathers. To fix the issue, the doctors organized their ideas, created a format, decided on topics for discussion, and hung

Since 1976, Batesville’s Living Memorial® program has been a source of comfort and hope to families after losing a loved one. Thanks to dedicated funeral professionals like you, more than 14 million trees stand as living legacies to families you’ve served over the past 40 years.

a sign-up sheet; five men joined (Joe, Karl, Bruce, Neill, and Dan), and two came in later (Steve and Russ). Single Fathers Due to Cancer began with the original intent to meet once a month for six months.

At first, the sessions included lectures followed by open talk, but the format was altered immediately: instead of lectures, the men needed to examine thoughts and ask questions. They talked about their own grief and that of their children, while learning to overcome societal expectations of stoicism. They discussed experiences of being alone early in a marriage, and they tackled the subject of clueless-but-well-meaning friends and relatives. Through the realities and situations they shared, the seven men changed – and they changed Rosenstein and Yopp’s way of looking at patients with terminal illness and the spouses they leave behind.

They were only supposed to meet six times. More than three years later, they were still meeting.

While this may seem like a book for clinicians and hospice workers, I saw it differently: as much as it is about dying, “The Group” is also about friendship and finding the people we need to lean on.

Yes, there are things here that grief professionals will appreciate, including new studies on loss and a deep look at how Elizabeth Kübler Ross’s five stages of grief has expanded and altered with better understanding.

That’s information that lay-readers can surely appreciate, but they’ll be just as fascinated by the journeys that authors Rosenstein and Yopp shared with the seven men who taught the doctors so much.

There’s sadness inside this book but, moreover, there’s hope and healing, resolution and honesty, eye-opening observations that may surprise you, some unexpected chuckles, and tales of ultimate peace with a situation that nobody ever wants to think about. Also, be sure you read all the way to the end, to catch the sweetest, most satisfying closure you’ll ever find.

For men who are facing the unthinkable, this book will ultimately be a valuable resource. For professionals, absolutely, “The Group” is a book to read. And if slice-of-life stories enhance your days, be sure to make this one a part.

VIVID REMINDERS OF LIFE ... 14 MILLION OF THEM

Authors Donald L. Rosenstein and Justin M. Yopp

The Little Big Horn … Far More than Just a River

By Jerry J. Brown

Two and one half hauntingly silent days had elapsed since the incessant sounds of gunfire, frantically plugging rider less horses and shouts and screams of the wounded Cavalry troopers of Custer’s elite 7th Company and the indigenous Indians of the Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne tribes violated the beauty and serenity of the Little Big Horn valley. The date was June 25th, 1876 and the armed conflict between Indian and White man would remain in the annals of western history for decades to come.

Tragically, of the 245 Cavalry troopers dispersed by Ulysses S. Grant and General George Armstrong Custer to ‘peacefully’ return the recalcitrant tribes to their respective reservations, a deadly fate had preordained their mission. Word of Custer’s advance into the valley had reached Chiefs Sitting Bull, Gall, Red Cloud and White Man Runs Him of the great Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne tribes and were waiting in ambush supported by 150 combat warriors.

Albeit victorious in the Little Big Horn battle, the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians of the Central Great Plains won their last major battle with the deaths of 161, 7th Cavalry troopers, General George Armstrong Custer and many of his regimental officers. Major Marcus Reno, Arikara

Indian scout named ‘Curley’ and a saddle horse named Comanche” were among the few survivors of the battle.

Historians are still uncertain as to Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne’s fatalities as it was an unwritten manifesto of warfare for the Plaines Indian Tribes to gather up their wounded and dead tribal members even during the heat -of-battle to save the fatalities for post-death ceremonies. Hence, statistics regarding ‘killed-in-action’ were dubious at best.

The gruesome reality of Custer’s 7th Cavalry annihilation was discovered on June 28th, 1867 by a Colonel Gibbons and his regiment as they returned from the Northern Wyoming territory to join Custer in support of his mission to quell the Indian problem.

Three years after the battle of the Little Big Horn, the “Indian Wars” of the 1800’s ended on July 18th, 1879. An immensely competent and highly revered and respected Belknap Indian chief named “Joseph” surrendered to Colonel Miles of the Cavalry.

Upon handing over his war bonnet, riffle, bow and quiver of arrows to the officers of the 7th, his sadly profound and moving declaration of surrender still ranks as one of the most ‘bitter sweet’ speeches ever given.

“As the sun disappears beyond the Western horizon in a land I have tried to save for my people, I hereby sadly declare that I shall fight no more forever.” - Chief Joseph, Belknap Tribe, 1879

Jerry Brown is a well-known funeral service columnist who once raised buffalo in Ingomar, Montana.

What Are You Doing for the ‘Unchurched?’

By the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)

As families’ preferences continue to evolve, it is more important than ever for funeral directors to offer a variety of services to exceed their expectations. To help you meet the needs of families that are not affiliated with a particular religion or church, NFDA has partnered with InSight Institute to host two Certified Celebrant Training seminars in 2018. (MFDA will also host the InSight Certified Celebrant Training in Minneapolis on August 8-10 – see page 8 for details.)

Americans are, generally speaking, less religious than they were in the past. According to Pew Research Center’s most recent “Religious Landscape Study,” while a many Americans still believe in God, they are much less likely to:

• Pray daily

• Feel religion is very important to their life

• Attend religious services

2018 NFDA Consumer Awareness & Preferences Report

According to the 2018 NFDA Consumer Awareness & Preferences Report, 38.7% of consumers said religion was a “very important” component of a funeral, down from 49.5 percent in 2012 years ago.

Percent Who Feel a Religious Component in a Funeral of a Loved One is Very Important

With fewer families incorporating religious rites into funeral and memorial services, many funeral directors see certified celebrants as a way to meet the needs of non-religious families and those who may see themselves as spiritual but are not affiliated with a particular church or religion.

A certified celebrant will work with you and the family to create a funeral, memorial service or tribute that is personal, meaningful and reflects the personality and lifestyle of the deceased.

The Certified Celebrant Training seminars hosted by NFDA will be conducted by InSight Institute. In a creative and collaborative environment, attendees will develop such skills as:

• Articulating the Value of the Funeral

• Facilitating Family Meetings

• Using Music and Readings Resources

• Art of Ceremonial Writing

• Presentation Skills

• How to Serve as a Master of Ceremonies

• Developing the Celebrant Concept in the Community

• And much more

The seminars will be held:

• July 17-19 at NFDA headquarters in Brookfield, WI

• August 8-10 at DoubleTree Minneapolis North in Brooklyn Center

• October 12-14 in Salt Lake City, UT (an NFDA preconvention seminar)

Good Reasons to Have a Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace Program

By Federated Insurance

In its simplest form, managed care describes a variety of techniques that, when properly deployed, can help support an effective risk-management program. These strategies can be most effective when they concentrate on both injury- prevention and postinjury techniques.

Testing May Equal Savings

One effective managed care strategy is a drug- and alcohol-free workplace program, which, where appropriate to business need and after consultation with qualified counsel, may include pre-employment, random, or post-incident drug testing.

An appropriately utilized and compliant program can help prevent drug and alcohol use. A drug- and alcohol-free workplace program can also offer benefits over and above initial intent.

Direct savings may come in the form of premium credits. Some states offer workers compensation discounts for a certified drug- and alcohol-free workplace program. Insurance carriers in other states may have discretionary underwriting credits available.

Indirect savings are those realized by simply reducing the negative consequences of workplace drug and alcohol use. Intuitively, it makes sense that employees who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are more likely to experience a workplace injury. Breathalyzer tests detected alcohol in 16 percent of emergency room patients injured at work.1. These workers jeopardize their productivity and safety, and the safety of others. Few businesses are immune from this issue.

What Can a Drug/Alcohol Policy Impact?

An effective drug- and alcohol-free workplace program can have an impact on your business in a few different ways. Pre-employment drug testing can help sidestep the risk before you hire it into your business. This also sets a cultural expectation that drug and alcohol use will not be tolerated in your workplace. Random drug testing sends a strong message to employees that workplace substance abuse will be monitored. It may also help you identify and manage employees with risky behavior.

Post-incident drug testing can be a critical component of claims management. The presence of drug or alcohol usage can impact the course of treatment for the affected individual.

The End Result

When using any of these drug-testing measures, a worthwhile goal is to help eliminate negative consequences of drugs and alcohol. You’re not testing to catch anyone; it could be argued that the best testing program is one that catches no one. Success can be defined by the absence of these substances.

Taking appropriate measures to help reduce the number of claims could create a distinct competitive advantage, not to mention the overall positive effect on your business. A compliant and well-managed program is a technique you can use to enhance your work environment. It is important to note, however, that legal rules and restrictions may apply to policies that involve workplace drug use or testing. Be sure to seek qualified legal counsel before developing and implementing a policy. Federated Insurance offers clients access to vendors who provide drug and alcohol testing resources. For more information, contact your local Federated representative or log in to Federated’s Shield Network ®

1 “Drugs and Alcohol in the Workplace”; National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. www.ncadd.org/about-addiction/addiction-update/ drugs-and-alcohol-in-the-workplace; accessed June 2018

IN MEMORIAM

MFDA Past President

Howard Carl Friedrich died April 7 at his winter home in Mesa, AZ; he was 91 years of age.

Howard was born August 24, 1926, in Jasper, MN, the son of Carl E. and Hilda (Eikmeier) Friedrich. He attended Jasper Schools and graduated from Jasper High School June 3, 1944. He enlisted in the US Navy June 6, 1944. He attended boot camp in Farragut, ID. While in Farragut, Howard attended the Hospital Corps School before serving in a number of capacities. He became a crew member aboard the USS Enterprise (CV6 Carrier) in May of 1945.

In October of 1945, the Enterprise was part of a fleet of ships that docked in New York for the Celebration of Navy Day. During his time in New York, Howard met his bride to be, Marie Louise Henrich of Williston Park, Long Island, New York. He and Marie were married August 17, 1946 at the Dutch Reformed Church in Williston Park by the Reverend Alvin J. Neevil.

Howard attended General Beadle State College in Madison, S.D. for one year before they returned to Williston Park in 1947. While living in Williston Park, he worked for Fairchild Sons Funeral Home in Brooklyn, NY. They moved to Minnesota in 1948.

Howard attended the University of Minnesota School of Mortuary Science and graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree in June of 1949. He and Marie then moved to Henderson, where they lived until 1956. While living in Henderson, Howard was employed by Roschen Funeral Service; they served the communities of LeSueur and Henderson.

Howard went from employee to employer in 1956 when he and Marie purchased Tyrholm Furniture and Funeral Service in New Richland, MN. They also purchased a funeral home in Hartland in 1967. They owned and operated the businesses until March 1985; they sold the businesses to Bonnerup Funeral Service of Albert Lea and Ellendale, MN. After the sale, they

continued residency of their New Richland home (built in 1966) until 1997. For several years, Howard continued to work for Bonnerup Funeral Service.

During retirement, Howard was occasionally employed by Brenny Funeral Chapels of Baxter and Cross Lake, MN.

In the fall of 2003, Marie was admitted into the Alzheimer’s Unit at St. Peter Community Health Care Center in St. Peter. Howard was able to be close to Marie; he lived with his son and daughter-in-law during the winter of 2004. Marie died March 16, 2004. Howard was an active member of the communities he resided in. He served on the church council of St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church in Henderson; he served as Commander of Sibley Post 74 of the American Legion in Henderson; he was a member of Henderson Lodge 13 of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (serving as Master of the Lodge in 1956); he was a charter member of the New Richland Lions Club (serving as its president); he served as the Lions District Eye Bank Chairman District 5M6; served a term on the New Richland Village Council; was a member of the New Richland Commercial Club; he and Marie were members of Trinity Lutheran Church (serving on the church council and as president of the congregation in 1964); served as president of the St Olaf Cemetery Association; he was a life member of the Tuscan Lodge AF&AM No 77 of Waseca (Master of the Lodge in 1977); he was also a life member of the Royal Arch Masons in Waseca; a life member of the Commandery No 4 in Mankato, MN. He was a longtime member of the Zuhrah Temple of the shrine in Minneapolis and the Aadzuhman Shrine Club in Brainerd, MN. He also had been a member of the Waseca, MN, Shrine Club and had served as its president. He was a life member of the Royal Arch Masons in Owatonna, MN, past member of the Elks Lodge No 813 in Albert Lea, MN, an active member of the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association and served as its president 1982 - 1983. He was also a life member of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, and a 19-year member

of the Cross Lake Lutheran Church. He presently was a member of the El Riad Shrine, First Lutheran Church, VFW Post 628 and the Gjoa Sons of Norway Lodge all in Sioux Falls, SD.

Howard is survived by his children Larry (Cynthia) Friedrich of St Peter, MN, and daughter Mary Ann (Thomas) Kramer of Granite Falls, MN. Also surviving are granddaughters Laura Eyre of Austin, MN, Heather (Dylan) Hooper of Nikiski, AK, and Rebecca (Christopher) DeVries of Wahpeton, ND. Grandsons Jeremy (Chris) Kramer of Owatonna, MN, and Colin Kramer of Woodbury, MN, sister Margie Friedrich of Worthington, MN, 8 great granddaughters Lindsey, Brittney, Madison, and Gabrielle Kramer of Owatonna, MN, Ellie Eyre of Austin, MN, Emily and Leah DeVries of Wahpeton, ND, Morgan Hooper of Nikiski, AK. 4 great grandsons; Samuel Eyre of Austin, MN, Brady DeVries of Wahpeton, ND, Aiden Pecks of LeMars, IA, and Jackson Hooper of Nikiski, AK.

Funeral services were held on April, 14 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Richland, MN. Visitation was held April 13 at the Friedrich Funeral Home in New Richland, MN, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in St Olaf Cemetery, New Richland.

Charles Peter “Cub” Holm, age 86, of Luverne, died April 16 at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne. Cub was born September 15, 1931, in Grove City Minnesota, to Chester and Lydia (Maddison) Holm. Cub graduated from Grove City High School and later received his Mortuary Science Degree from the University of Minnesota. He served in the United States Army Quartermaster Corps in Europe from 1954 to 1956.

Cub married Joyce Thulin on June 26, 1954, at the First Lutheran Church in Grove City. After Cub returned from the army, he and Joyce moved to Luverne where he worked with his father at Holm Funeral Home,

while also working at Smith Furniture. Cub purchased the funeral home in 1969 after Chet died. After Cub sold the funeral home to Dick & Diane Lynch in 1993, he retired as a funeral director, and he and Joyce moved to Spicer, and then later to Tucson. Cub returned to Luverne and entered the Veterans Home in 2014.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Luverne, was a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 114, Luverne, and was a Shriner. He was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. Cub had strong mechanical skills that he picked up in his youth while working at the Holm Brothers Hardware Store in Grove City. Whether at home or while traveling, he always found the shop where the guys assembled at coffee hour, where he would pull up a chair and take up the discussion of the day. He was never shy.

Cub is survived by his wife, Joyce, of Luverne; three daughters, Jodyne Holm, Seattle, WA; Jill (Jim) Holmes, Cedar Rapids, IA; and Jennifer (Tom) Hey, Marshall; six grandchildren, Carina Miller, Charlie Miller (Melissa), Tom Holmes (Leah), Peter Holmes, Sami Hey, and Sydney Hey; and three greatgrandchildren, Mackenzie, Mason and Madeline Miller.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Dorothy Martin and Joan Service.

A time of fellowship was held at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne. Memorial service was held at the Dingmann Funeral Home, in Luverne, officiated by Pastor Dorie Hall. Burial of cremains with full military honors provided by the Luverne American Legion & VFW at the Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.

Westen H. Anderson, Minnesota Funeral Director, age 81 of Bloomington, born August 29, 1936, in Minneapolis to Henry W. & Joyce M. Anderson, passed away April 28.

Westen was a licensed funeral director for over 50 years and the second-generation owner of Henry W. Anderson Mortuary in Minneapolis and Apple Valley, taking over in 1967 after the death of his father Henry W. Anderson. He was very proud of his heritage and was active for many years with the American Swedish Institute. As a lifetime member himself, and usually with a membership form in his pocket, he would often encourage others to join. He also enjoyed many years of fellowship with his friends in the Gustavus II Adolphus Society, serving more than one term as President. He recently received his 50-year recognition as a member in the Masonic Order and was a member of the Minnehaha Masonic Lodge, #165, AF & AM in Minneapolis. Spending summers as a child on the North Shore, Westen loved spending time with his family at his cabin in Lutsen.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Carol and sister and brother-in-law, Beverly and Alan Glass. Westen will be dearly missed by his children: Daniel Anderson, Timothy (Susan) Anderson and Kari (Daniel) Watne; granddaughters: Taylor, Riley, Caitlyn, Sara and Macy; nephew, David (Patty) Glass; nieces, Pam (Todd) Robinett and Connie (Brad) Reiten and many other family and dear friends.

Visitation was held May 3 at Henry W. Anderson Mortuary in Minneapolis. Funeral service was held May 4 with visitation one hour before at Diamond Lake Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Westen was laid to rest with his wife, Carol at Lakewood Cemetery.

Violet Fern Johnson, former co-owner of Johnson Funeral Home in New London, Belgrade, and Paynesville, peacefully went to be with the Lord on April 18 at her home surrounded by family and to join with those who left before her.

Her funeral services were held April 21 at Peace Lutheran Church in New London. Visitation was held two hours prior the service. Burial was in Lebanon Cemetery in New London.

Violet was born on October 15, 1928, to Henry and Mabel (Lind) Bohm. Violet attended Lafayette grade school and graduated from Willmar High School in 1946. Following graduation, Violet worked at Northwest Bell Telephone Company for several years and was an awarded employee and union activist.

On June 7, 1952, Violet and Richard Henry Johnson were united in marriage. Throughout her life, Violet assisted Richard in the operation of the family owned business of the Johnson Funeral Home in various capacities (New London, Belgrade, and Paynesville).

At the age of 53, Richard surprised her with the purchase of Rainbow’s Enchanted Florist in New London, where Violet was able to pursue and share her God-given talents.

She held a strong Christian Faith, attending Mission Covenant Church and Peace Lutheran Church.

She is survived by husband, Richard H. Johnson; two children: Beth Ann and Connie Kaye; and three grandchildren: Natarah, Natasha, and Jennesa. She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Erland; two sisters: Marion and Harriet; and other countless family and friends.

Violet left an everlasting mark on everyone she encountered with her faith and love. She will be deeply and forever missed. We have not lost her, we know right where she is and we are thankful for the promise of heaven.

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SPECIAL THANKS

TO MFDA’S 2018 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.

Anatomy Bequest Program

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

www.bequest.umn.edu

Artco Casket Company, Inc.

Al Whitmer, Steve Doscher, Wally Gelecinskyj

www.artcocasket.com

Asphalt Associates

Brad Larson

www.asphalt-associates.com

Baines Professional Vehicles

John Baines

www.4hearse.com

Batesville

Mark Worley

www.batesville.com

Brown-Wilbert, Inc.

Dave Gavin, Christopher Brown, Andrew Brown, Bruce Bratton, Brett Jacobsen, Maleia Kavitz, John Schmitt, Jeff Bauer, Jerry Brown

www.brown-wilbert.com

Children’s Grief Connection

Coral Popowitz

www.childrensgriefconnection.com

Cousineau, VanBergen, McNeese and Malone

Michael Sharkey

www.cvmmlaw.com

Custom Goldsmithing Inc.

First Impressions Fingerprint Jewelry

Jake Fuhrman

www.jewelrythatmatters.com

Decorating Den Interiors

Gina Wolleat

www.gina.decoratingden.com

Director’s Buddy

Brian Denny

www.directorsbuddy.com

Dodge Company

Lincoln Plain

www.dodgeco.com

Federated Funeral Directors of America

Kim Alexander

www.federated-funeral.com

Federated Insurance

Connor Odykirk

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

Graceful Burial

Kelly Moore www.gracefulburial.com

Hays Companies

Scott Stence www.hayscompanies.com

Heritage Bank

Dean Steinwand www.heritagebankna.com

Homesteaders Life Company

Steve Byhre www.homesteaderslife.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)

Sara McFee 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

Dave Dobe

www.sunburstmemorials.com

Mutual of America

Tom Burkhart www.mutualofamerica.com

Northwestern Casket Co. David Koll www.nwcasket.com

Pekin Life Insurance Company

Michelle Vos www.pekininsurance.com

Pluto Boes Legal

Cheryl Vos www.plutolegal.com

Senior Advantage Consultants

Julie and Jim Palm

www.sradvantageconsultants.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

As a full-service preneed provider, Funeral Directors Life is here to help you grow and succeed in a rapidly changing marketplace. That ’s why we have developed a suite of technology services that help funeral professionals connect and communicate with families before, during and after the funeral service. We call it the digital Continuum of Care.

CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE

s C ot t t u f to scott.tufto@funeraldirectorslife.com | 952-807-6503

J o h n h a r r I n G to n john harrington@funeraldirectorslife com | 763-607-0659