MFDA Bulletin - Winter 2020

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY FOR MINNESOTA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION MEMBERS

Areas of Accomplishment in 2019 Thanks to Your MFDA Membership!

Thank you for your past membership with MFDA. We look forward to your continued investment in the future of funeral service by renewing your 2020 MFDA membership. If you have any questions regarding membership, please contact MFDA by calling 763-416-0124 or email kathy@mnfuneral.org.

Chris Jacobson President

Darlyne Erickson Executive Director

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Provided representation through our professional lobbyists to keep a close watch on legislative issues, including reciprocal licensing requirements, casket and urn sale license exception clarification, non-licensed personnel practicing mortuary science bill, and EMT removal bill.

MFDA’s Convention was held at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester for the 1st time in 129 years! Dodge, in conjunction with LifeSource, hosted two lab education sessions on embalming and restoration techniques post donation.

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Mentored our 4th group of young professionals through MFDA’s Leadership Academy program.

Provided a direct voice to the Minnesota Department of Health Mortuary Science Section on behalf of our members.

More than 500 attendees took advantage of education offered by MFDA throughout the year. Provided online CEU options with registration discounts for MFDA members.

Conducted a survey of Minnesota funeral directors on workforce concerns regarding removal assistance.

Offered preneed insurance course approved for both MN insurance and funeral director CEUs with registration discounts for MFDA members. Partnered with NFDA and InSight on quality education held in Minnesota.

MFDA Public Relations Committee began research on public awareness campaign to focus on MFDA member funeral homes to be used via social media and other advertising outlets.

Continued on page 4…

MFDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

Chris Jacobson

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

Treasurer

Kelly J. Kelly

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

DISTRICT DIRECTORS

Joe Mahn (District 1)

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

Tonya D. Borth (District 2)

Kolden Funeral Home Le Sueur, MN tonya_04@hotmail.com

Marquis Madison (District 3)

Totzke Funeral Home Fulda, MN totzke@mchsi.com

Lance Peterson (District 4/5)

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

Scott Benson (District 6 & 7)

Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel, Inc. Robbinsdale, MN sbenson@delmore.com

Sara Thompson (District 8)

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

Andrew Yaggie (District 9)

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

Tim Anderson(District 10)

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

David Huso (District 11)

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

The

Secretary

Brian Dingmann

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

Past President

Dan Dahl

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

POLICY BOARD REPRESENTATIVE

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

PAST PRESIDENT REP

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

STAFF

Darlyne Erickson, CAE Executive Director 763-416-0124

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

Amy Beckham (Administrative) amy@mnfuneral.org

Sue Sack (Accounting) sue@mnfuneral.org

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

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

7046 East Fish Lake Road

Maple Grove, MN 55311

p: (763) 416-0124

• f: (763) 416-0124

e: info@mnfuneral.org

www.mnfuneral.org

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

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Areas of Accomplishment in 2019 cont.

MFDA’s Career Center provides options for both employers and job seekers to use with a 50% discount for MFDA members. Monthly emails and social media posts promote job postings.

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Continued partnerships with our endorsed preneed insurance provider Funeral Directors Life, endorsed commercial insurance provider Federated Insurance, and support of the Children’s Grief Connection.

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Attended the MN School Counselors Conference to promote mortuary science as a career option for students, and the MN Hospice & Palliative Care Conference to connect and collaborate with attendees about our funeral home members.

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Produced our quarterly Bulletin newsletter, MFDA Membership Directory, and customizable brochures/forms.

6 New Initiatives Your MFDA Membership Will Provide in 2020!

1. Complimentary legal counsel for MFDA Members. MFDA has recently retained Michael D. Sharkey, Licensed Funeral Director and Attorney with Cousineau, Van Bergen, McNee and Malone, as its General Counsel. Beginning in 2020, Mr. Sharkey will serve as a resource to the association as well as our members. Those firms who need mortuary law specific legal guidance, (often on short or even emergency notice) can spend up to 30 minutes getting answers they need.

The most important part of this arrangement is MFDA has budgeted an amount that will cover the cost of a call. There are many benefits to this arrangement, but primarily Mr. Sharkey’s ability to troubleshoot mortuary law legal issues on a very short timeline and interfacing with difficult families so that the funeral home can maintain its reputation in the community.

2. Continued representation through our professional lobbyists, Cook Girard Associates, in 2020.

Throughout 2019, MFDA built relationships with many new legislators, furthered existing relationships, and policymakers are eager to assist MFDA with our needs at the capitol.

With changing workforce and regulatory trends, it is critical to maintain communication with those who craft policy, and MFDA has a daily presence at the capitol.

3. MFDA’s new Online Community is a place for member funeral directors to connect with peers, ask questions, find resources, participate in conversations, and hear the latest news from MFDA! All funeral director staff will have access as MFDA members.

4. Continue to provide a direct voice to the Minnesota Department of Health Mortuary Science Section through regular meetings with MDH and MFDA staff.

5. MFDA Public Relations Committee to continue to focus on public awareness campaign to focus on MFDA member funeral homes to be used via social media and other advertising outlets.

6. Continue to address workforce challenges through advisory committees and tasks force. We are working on legislation that may assist in the workforce shortage and will partner with the U of M Mortuary Science to conduct a survey on how our membership prefers this legislation.

Want to renew your membership online?

Visit www.mnfuneral.org and sign-in to your MFDA membersonly account.

Need your log-in info? Call Miki at 763-416-0124 or email mtufto@mnfuneral.org

Minnesota Funeral Directors Association

2020 Calendar of Events

APRIL 29-May 1

NFDA Advocacy, Washington DC

MAY 27

NFDA Certified Crematory Operator Training, Mystic Lake Center, Prior Lake

MAY 27-29

MFDA 130th Annual Convention, Mystic Lake Center, Prior Lake

JULY 23

MFDA District 10 Mortuary Open, Valley Golf, East Grand Forks

AUGUST 2-5

NFDA Leadership Conference, Charleston, SC

AUGUST 11-13

InSight Certified Celebrant Training

SEPTEMBER TBD

Southern District Meetings (1, 2, 3); Northern District Meetings (9, 10, 11)

OCTOBER TBD

Central District Meetings (4/5, 6/7, 8)

OCTOBER 7-8

MFDA Preneed Insurance Course, Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth

OCTOBER 18-21

NFDA International Convention & Expo, New Orleans, LA

From the President

By Christopher L. Jacobson, MFDA President

Happy New Year!

Your MFDA Board and I hope your holidays were filled with JOY, PEACE, and perhaps some REST. As we all know, the holidays are not only difficult for those who have experienced a loss, but also challenging for funeral service professionals. I am beyond thankful for each one of you for the sacrifices you make which often include missing holiday festivities with your families in order to serve those who are grieving. Minnesota was well represented at the National Funeral Directors Association convention in the windy city of Chicago. We had over fifty funeral directors from our wonderful state attending. There was an inviting array of learning opportunities covering a wide range of topics. The showroom was, as always, sensational. Chuck Bowman, NFDA President, made an important point: “Funeral directors are similar to first responders. We have to experience strong emotions, often on our own, while dealing with what needs to be done at the time.” It was a good reminder of the importance of self-care. How are you, as a funeral professional, taking care of yourself?

Our keynote speaker, Seth Godin, is an author, entrepreneur, and teacher.

Seth emphasized that funeral service is a profession, not an industry. He said we create a story, an experience, and a change happen. The community wants us to reach out and connect with them and provide something special. Seth relayed how Frank Lloyd Wright took a paper bag, designed a house on it, and forever impacted architecture. He made something special out of a plain paper bag. What are you doing in your funeral home that is remarkable to others?

Funeral service is profession that requires that we evaluate and possibly rethink how we provide for the people we serve. In funeral service and in life, there is a difference between management and leadership. Leadership is not about authority. Instead, leadership is about creating and managing change; it’s about innovation and risk taking. Seth encouraged us to being willing to be creative, take risks, and move out of our comfort zones. What have you learned as you evaluate your funeral service, and how are you moving forward?

In early December, the MFDA Board met in Bloomington for our annual winter meeting. We were excited to meet Alex Treitler, the new Executive Director for

Children’s Grief Connection. Coral’s departure from this organization left quite a void; however, we are confident CGC is in great hands as Alex leads.

Joe Sellwood from Cook Girard Associates provided us with a legislative update. MFDA is extremely appreciative of his hard work and advocacy for our profession.

We also heard from Michael Sharkey, MFDA’s new legal consultant. Michael works in both Mortuary Law and Litigation Law. He is also the General Counsel for Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association.

Please keep an eye open for 2020’s upcoming events and trainings. Opportunities to sharpen your skills from embalming to restoration and our May 27-29 convention will provide you with a variety of ways to further your education and build relationships with your peers.

I have thoroughly enjoyed serving as your President for the last half of 2019 and look forward to 2020 being full of growth and new adventure in this profession.

Blessings to you and your families, Christopher L. Jacobson 2019-20 MFDA President

Seth emphasized that funeral service is a profession, not an industry. He said we create a story, an experience, and a change happen. The community wants us to reach out and connect with them and provide something special.

Executive Director’s Report

By Darlyne Erickson. CAE

2020…really?!

Advertiser

Attention Address

Phone

Fax

I don’t know about you, but I certainly recall 20 years ago when we thought the sky was about to fall in the year 2000! How in the world did 20 years fly by so quickly?! I will say that 2019 was a good year for MFDA and it is because of members like you that we have excelled. Thank you! Looking forward it appears that we will have a lot on our plate legislatively. I will defer to our Lobbyist Joe Sellwood and his article on page 7. We will be asking a lot of questions of our members in the months ahead, as we need your input on what 149A might look like in the next few years. Stay tuned, but start thinking now!

From the July 23, 1935 MFDA Newsletter:

LET’S LOOK AT THE RECORD!

The only justification for a trade association is found in the answer to the question: “Does It Pay?” If it isn’t able to do for the industry what individual members could do for themselves, then it is not justified. If it does what should be done better than individuals could do profitably for themselves, then the answer to the question is YES.

As far as the individual is concerned or the entire group in some instances, a trade association’s program of necessity has to do partly with intangibles. The benefits of these intangibles are hard to appraise. For instance, how can George Bergreen, Sauk Centre, know what it was worth to him to have the state association put burial insurance companies out of funeral business. They never competed with him, maybe they never would, but if they had been permitted to spread and “caught” at Sauk Centre they might have cost Mr. Berggren a hundred times as much each year as he pays into the state association.

2019 Minnesota Funeral Directors Association Membership Directory

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

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

MAS Communications

Mary Reeves

465 Poplar St.

Email Ad Size Color Designer

I prefer to look ahead as opposed to reminiscing, but the following excerpt is fun to read and reflect. A funeral director sent me an MFDA “newsletter” from 1935. We had copies available at the fall district meetings and I thought it would be interesting to include a small portion on the tangible and intangible benefits of being part of an association (shown at right). These benefits hold true today!

Mankato, MN 56001

507-387-6543

507-345-3816

marypreeves@mascommunications.net

1/4 Page

Full Color

PAST

There are tangible as well as intangible activities in a trade association. One of the tangible activities in our trade association is the re-rating of funeral establishments, brought about wholly thru the association’s efforts, and which will save Minnesota funeral directors thousands of dollars every year when the work is completed. About 100 re-ratings were announced as of April 1st. Since then, the work has been progressing slowly and will be completed this year. As Al Smith says, “Let’s look at the record”

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

Please respond within 5 business days

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

Alfred Emanuel Smith (December 30, 1873 –October 4, 1944) was an American politician who served four terms as Governor of New York and was the Democratic Party’s candidate for President in 1928. He was the urban leader of the Efficiency Movement.

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

Legislative Update

By Joe Sellwood, Cook Girard Associates

The 2020 legislative session began on February 11th and there’s no shortage of issues for policymakers to work on. With potential debates over insulin prices, voter ID requirements, gas taxes, education funding, health care delivery, and much more, legislators will be working toward favorable outcomes, while also posturing for the November 2020 election. This November, all 201 legislators (134 Representatives, 67 Senators) are up for re-election.

With regard to funeral service issues at the capitol, we expect a few more bills

to be introduced that would impact either the license or the practice – or both. The bills from last year’s session remain available for legislators to act on, and MFDA has worked to educate key decisionmakers on the impacts of currently introduced bills. As of now, we don’t anticipate much movement on these bills.

The Mortuary Science Section, through the previously appointed Ad Hoc Committee, has convened a broader group of stakeholders to discuss a general update to 149A. The last time the

statute was meticulously updated was 1997, and the timing is right to look at some reforms. During the first meeting, over one-hundred ideas were proposed – and discussion of these ideas will take place over the next year. This will be a great opportunity for our voices to be heard, and get a number of changes and updates put into place.

As always, Cook Girard will keep MFDA members updated on all issues of interest at the state capitol.

With potential debates over insulin prices, voter ID requirements, gas taxes, education funding, health care delivery, and much more, legislators will be working toward favorable outcomes, while also posturing for the November 2020 election.

2020 MFDA BULLETIN ADVERTISING RATES

By Judy Cook, Cook Girard Associates

info@mnfuneral.org | www.mnfuneral.org

Sharkey Announced as General Counsel to MFDA and Provides Legal Guidance for Members

New 2020 MFDA member benefit of mortuary law specific legal guidance available for all member funeral director staff.

The Minnesota Funeral Directors Association (MFDA) has recently retained Michael D. Sharkey, Licensed Funeral Director and Attorney with Cousineau, Van Bergen, McNee and Malone as its General Counsel.

Beginning in 2020, Mr. Sharkey will serve as a resource to the association as well as our member funeral directors as a new member benefit. Those firms who need mortuary law specific legal guidance, (often on short or even emergency notice) can spend up to 30 minutes getting answers they need. If a call will take more than 30 minutes of guidance, the member will be advised to retain Mr. Sharkey privately. Please call 952-525-6990 to reach Mr. Sharkey’s office.

The most important part of this arrangement is MFDA has budgeted an

amount that will cover the cost of a call for our members. There are many benefits to this arrangement, but primarily Mr. Sharkey’s ability to troubleshoot mortuary law legal issues on a very short timeline and interfacing with difficult families so that the funeral home can maintain its reputation in the community.

If you have any questions about this new member benefit, please contact MFDA Executive Director Darlyne Erickson at 763-416-0124 or info@mnfuneral.org.

U of M Mortuary Science Update

By Michael LuBrant, Program Director

As we enter a new year in the Program of Mortuary Science, many exciting things are happening here at the U!

Looking to 2020, we are planning an ambitious agenda for the goal of continuing to build and strengthen our work in funeral service education. Last year, we offered our first on-line course to our students: Microbiology and Pathology. We were able to make this course available on-line thanks to the University’s recent adoption of Zoom and Canvas software technology. This technology allows us to present coursework on-line in both synchronous and asynchronous formats, for the convenience of our students. Michael Mathews, who for 43 years has served as an outstanding faculty member, took the lead in making this course available completely on-line for the first time this past summer. Michael is now finalizing work with his chemistry course, which will go on-line this upcoming spring semester. And in the near future, his Rules and Regulations course will also be offered on-line.

Our Program is working closely with both the University and UPCEA (the University Professional and Continuing Education Association) to create on-line learning opportunities so that our Program can be accessible to a greater number of

students, both here in Minnesota, and across the country (and world!). As we see the number of prospective mortuary science students who seek to pursue online learning opportunities grow, we are actively planning to create opportunities here at the U for world-class online mortuary science coursework. Additionally, we are investigating options for the creation of an American Board of Funeral Service Education-accredited certificate program that will meet the needs of prospective students who wish to practice funeral service in states that have educational licensure requirements that are different than those we have here in Minnesota. It is truly an exciting time to be in higher education, because the opportunities to expand our coursework offerings using distance learning technology mean that more students than ever before will be able to access a funeral service education here at the U. Now that’s something to celebrate in the New Year!

We are also please to share news that we are expanding our teaching staff. We welcome Carrie McGhee, who is joining us to teach coursework in funeral service business, marketing, management, and funeral arrangements. Other individuals who are joining us this spring include several licensed morticians actively

working in funeral service, who will teach in the areas of embalming, restorative art, and clinical rotation education. These appointments will be finalized soon, and we will announce the names of our new teaching staff once all of our onboarding work is complete. We are especially excited to welcome instructors who continue to work actively within our profession. The experience they will share with our students, rooted in their current clinical practice, will continue to strengthen our educational efforts for the goal of ensuring a relevant, practical learning experience for mortuary science students here at the U.

As always, we encourage you to visit both our website and Facebook page often for news of upcoming events, activities, and other happenings. We look forward to seeing you at state association conventions this spring, and, as always, invite your e-mails, phone calls, and visits at any time.

With all best wishes for a very Happy New Year to you and yours!

Sincerely,

Michael LuBrant Program Director

Situation Update: Wuhan Coronavirus

By the National Funeral Directors Association

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring an outbreak caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Chinese authorities first identified the new coronavirus, which has resulted in close to 300 confirmed human infections in China with several deaths reported.

A number of countries, including the United States, have been actively screening incoming travelers from Wuhan and exported human infections with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in Thailand, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

The United States announced its first infection with 2019-nCoV detected in a traveler returning from Wuhan. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals, including camels, cats and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people, such as has been seen with MERS and SARS.

Early on, many of the patients in the outbreak in Wuhan, China, reportedly had some link to a large seafood and animal market, suggesting animal-toperson spread. However, a growing number of patients reportedly have not had exposure to animal markets, suggesting limited person-to-person spread is occurring, though it’s unclear

how easily or sustainably this virus is spreading between people.

Both MERS and SARS have been known to cause severe illness in people. The situation with regard to 2019-nCoV is still unclear. While severe illness, including illness resulting in a number of deaths, has been reported in China, many other patients have had milder illness and been discharged.

There are ongoing investigations to learn more. This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available.

2019-nCoV in the U.S

The CDC announced Tuesday afternoon that the first case of 2019-nCoV has been reported in the United States, in Washington state.

The man returned to the Seattle area in the middle of last week after traveling to Wuhan, China. The Snohomish County resident is in his 30s and was in good condition Tuesday at a hospital in Everett, outside Seattle. He’s not considered a threat to medical staff or the public, health officials said.

Late last week, U.S. health officials began screening passengers from Wuhan at three U.S. airports — New York City’s Kennedy airport and the Los Angeles and San Francisco airports. On Tuesday, the CDC announced it will add Chicago’s O’Hare airport and Atlanta’s airport to the mix later this week.

Risk Assessment

Outbreaks of novel virus infections among people are always of public health concern. The risk from these outbreaks depends on characteristics of the virus, including whether and how well it spreads between people, the severity of resulting illness, and the medical or other measures available to control the impact of the virus (for example, vaccine or treatment medications).

There is much more to learn about how 2019-nCoV spreads, severity of associated illness, and other features of the virus. Investigations are ongoing. While CDC considers this is a serious public health concern, based on current information, the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV to the general American public is considered low at this time. Nevertheless, CDC is taking proactive preparedness precautions.

What to Expect

Access to the full genetic sequence of 2019-nCoV will help identify infections with this virus going forward. More cases may be identified in the coming days, including more in countries outside China, including possibly more cases in the United States. Given what has occurred previously with MERS and SARS, it’s likely that some limited person-toperson spread will continue to occur.

For Funeral Directors

NFDA has consulted with federal officials and embalming experts. At this time, they recommend that should an individual die from 2019-nCoV, funeral home personnel who will come into contact with the body should use universal precautions.

Treatment

There is no vaccine for human coronaviruses, and most people will recover on their own. A room humidifier or hot shower can relieve a sore throat and cough, the CDC says. Mildly sick patients should drink liquids and rest as must as possible.

Summary of the CDC Response

• CDC is closely monitoring this situation and is working with World Health Organization.

• CDC established a 2019-nCoV Incident Management Structure on January 7, 2020. On January 21, 2020, CDC activated its

• Emergency Response System to better provide ongoing support to the 2019-nCoV response.

• On January 21, 2020, CDC again updated its interim travel health notice for this destination to provide information to people who may be traveling to Wuhan City and who may get sick. The travel notice was raised from Level 1; Practice Usual Precautions, to a Level 2: Practice Enhanced Precautions advising travelers that preliminary information suggests that older adults with underlying health conditions may be at increased risk for severe disease.

• CDC began entry screening of passengers on direct and connecting flights from Wuhan, China, to the three main ports of entry in the United States on January 17, 2020, and will to expand that screening in the coming days. CDC, working with the Department of Homeland Security, also will funnel all travelers from Wuhan, China to the five airports conducting entry health screening. Together, the five airports will cover all travelers arriving in the United States whose travel originated from Wuhan, China.

• CDC issued an updated interim Health Alert Notice Advisory to inform state and local health departments and health care providers about this outbreak on January 17, 2020.

• A CDC team has deployed a team to support the ongoing investigation in the state of Washington in response to the first reported case of 2019-nCoV in the United States, including potentially tracing close contacts to determine if anyone else has become ill.

• CDC has developed a real time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) test that can diagnose 2019-nCoV. Currently, testing for this virus must take place at CDC, but in the coming days and weeks, CDC will share these tests with domestic and international partners through the agency’s International Reagent Resource.

Visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus for more information.

Minnesota Department of Health Seeks Your Input

The Minnesota Department of Health’s Injury and Violence Prevention Section (IVPS) supports programs that help reduce the risk of injury and violence. Through our drug overdose prevention work, we have learned that Funeral Directors are often one of the first points of contact with grieving loved ones after a drug overdose death. With this brief survey we hope to learn more about how you address this topic with the families you serve, and we want to work with you to address any needs that may be identified.

We ask that you take a few minutes to complete the short survey at: www.bit.ly/MNDOHsurvey

The feelings associated with the loss of a loved one to drug overdose are complex. They can create the need for unique services and support. We want to understand how you care sfor the loved ones of those who have lost someone to a drug overdose so that we may assist in designing and developing materials that may be helpful in addressing your needs as a professional.

The Minnesota Department of Health, Injury and Violence Prevention Section, asks that you complete the following survey to us help understand and support your work in easing the burden of grief felt by those coping with loss of a loved one to drug overdose.

Your participation is voluntary and greatly appreciated. The survey should take 5 to 10 minutes, your responses are anonymous, and responses will only be analyzed as a large group. If you have any questions about this survey, please contact Sam Robertson at sam. robertson@state.mn.us or 651-201-5483.

Cremation Certification Seminars are Approved for up to 7 CE Hours by APFSP and Most State Licensing Boards

The recognized standard for funeral service professionals, NFDA’s Cremation Certification Program covers cremation ethics, crematory operations and maintenance, safety, compliance and liability issues, cremation customer service, and much more.

If you offer cremation to the families you serve, whether you currently own or operate a crematory, are thinking of opening one or want to evaluate a thirdparty crematory, this training is necessary for your success. This course is based on Cremation Standards for Funeral Service Professionals, published by NFDA, which attendees receive upon arrival at the seminar.

Obtaining certification requires passing the online NFDA Cremation Certification Test within a designated time frame. A test link is provided to candidates whose complete attendance has been verified in writing by the onsite instructor. During registration, attendees may choose the designation they will earn upon successful completion of the program:

• CCSP - Certified Cremation Services Provider: For funeral directors and staff that offer cremation services through a use of a third-party crematory

• CCO - Certified Crematory Operator: For crematory owners and/or operators

Registration Fees*

Seminar fee includes the comprehensive manual, seminar presentation, continental breakfast and lunch, exam and scoring, CE processing and certificate.

NFDA Member

Nonmember Funeral Director

$525 (CE)

$695 (CE)

Non-Funeral Director $525 (No CE)

Student Member* $160 (No CE)

U.S. Dollars on U.S. Bank

For CEU details and to register online, visit www.mnfuneral.org/CCSP2020

*Online registration is not available for students. Call 800-228-6332.

Special pricing is available for multiple attendees from the same firm and active-duty military. Call 800-228-6332 for details.

AM Best Reaffirms Funeral Directors Life’s Excellent Rating

AM Best Company, a full-service global credit rating agency for the insurance industry, recently reaffirmed a rating of A- (Excellent) with a “stable” outlook for Funeral Directors Life (FDLIC) and its subsidiary, Kentucky Funeral Directors Life (KFDLIC). AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financial strength and ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations. Best’s credit ratings are based on a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative evaluation of a company’s balance sheet strength,

operating performance and business profile.

“We are proud to be rated A- (Excellent) by AM Best for the last 13 consecutive years,” said President and CEO, Kris Seale. “We are committed to serving our customers and policyholders as the best, most-respected provider of service in our industry. We strive for excellence at every level of our business, especially when it comes to maintaining the longterm safety, security, and stability of the company.”

“The ratings of FDLIC and KFDLIC reflect the companies’ balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk

management (ERM),” reported AM Best Company in their press release. “The ratings of FDLIC and KFDLIC also reflect their risk-adjusted capital positions being at the strongest level, favorable operating results, good market positions and extensive expertise in the funeral home business. The group continues to post steady earnings, which have strengthened capital over time without using leverage or reinsurance.”

Funeral Directors Life Insurance Company, based in Abilene, TX, is a leading provider of insurance-funded preneed funeral products and services, and is the endorsed preneed insurance provider of the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association. To learn more, go to www.funeraldirectorslife.com.

Cremation Certification Program Registration

Wednesday, May 27, 2020. Registration

a.m. Seminar 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Mystic Lake Conference Center, 2400 Mystic Lake Bld., P rior Lake, MN 55372

Hosted by Minnesota Funeral Directors Association

7 FD CE Hours*

www.mnfuneral.org/CCSP2020

Operators: in more than half of U.S. states, crematory operators must be certified/licensed and/or trained in accordance with specific state laws. This certification program meets all or part of the requirements for crematory operator certification in most states. Check your state or province cremation licensing authority for applicable requirements. Fees

designation applies to you or your staff contact Mike Nicodemus at mnicodemus@nfda.org

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Registration

Life Insurance Beneficiaries Often Aren’t Prepared for the Worst, Association Finds

By Ernie Smith, Associations Now

A new survey from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners finds that many consumers don’t know whether they are life insurance beneficiaries — which means they never collect benefits a loved one intended for them.

People buy life insurance hoping that their beneficiaries never have to access the benefits. But when the worst happens and beneficiaries need to receive those funds after the death of a loved one, many have no idea what to do. And that means that millions of dollars in benefits go unclaimed every year, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

According to a new survey from NAIC, just 39 percent of baby boomers, 30 percent of millennials, and 22 percent of Generation Z individuals felt prepared for being life insurance beneficiaries. Many respondents didn’t even know if they had been named as a beneficiary by someone else: Just 21 percent of Gen Zers and 20 percent of millennials said they were aware. Many also didn’t know where to look for such a policy or even which insurance company backed the policy.

“There is a life insurance preparation gap, and it’s not the buyer who’s unprepared—it’s the beneficiary,” NAIC President Ray Farmer said in a news release. “There’s clearly a need for better communication between policyholders and beneficiaries, especially when that beneficiary is younger and less familiar with the process.”

To help close the preparation gap, NAIC offers a free online Life Insurance Policy Locator Service (https://eapps.naic. org/life-policy-locator/#/welcome) to connect consumers with insurers after a loved one’s death. A user may submit a request with information listed on a death certificate. The service contacts participating insurance companies to determine whether the person held a policy and to facilitate the exchange of information with beneficiaries. NAIC says the tool has assisted in recovering more than $765 million in policy benefits since 2016.

For a beneficiary seeking to claim life insurance benefits, “knowing you’re the beneficiary is just the start. Information about the policy and coverage is important,” said Farmer, who is director of the South Carolina Department of Insurance. “It’s helpful to think of it in three parts: who, what and where. Who is the carrier? What is the benefit amount? Where is the policy stored? Having this basic information will save time and help to ensure the benefits are paid.”

This article originally appeared on AssociationsNow.com. Reprinted with permission. Copyright ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership (January 2020), Washington, DC. Ernie Smith is the social media journalist for Associations Now, a former newspaper guy, and a man who is dangerous when armed with a good pun.

According to a new survey from NAIC, just 39 percent of baby boomers, 30 percent of millennials, and 22 percent of Generation Z individuals felt prepared for being life insurance beneficiaries.

Book Review: “End of Something Wonderful”

by Stephanie V.W. Lucjianovic, illustrated by George Ermos

By Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm Sez, LLC

You’re really going to miss your little pet. He hasn’t been feeling well lately, and you know that the worst thing is coming soon. You’re not sure how you’ll act and you’re not sure what you’ll do when it happens, but in the new book “The End of Something Wonderful” by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, illustrated by George Ermos, you’ll get some ideas.

When something is dead, it means that it “was once alive but isn’t any longer.” Your Something Dead is loved very much, and you’re going to miss it a lot so maybe later, it would help to have a funeral in your back yard. Your Something Dead would’ve liked that, if you’d asked – but

even if you didn’t, he knows how much you wish he was still around, though neither of you have the words to say so.

First, you’ll want to find a box. A shoebox will probably work fine, and you may want to put some tissue, or a small piece of cloth inside for your Something Dead to lay on.

Next, you’ll need a hole in the ground. Ask a grown-up for help, especially if your Something Dead is “really big, like a hippopotamus or a narwhal.” Be sure not to bury something that’s not quite dead. That’s really rude.

At the funeral, it’s okay to talk about your Something Dead and how wonderful your friendship was. Sing some songs, if you feel like it; or don’t say anything at all, “hug that thought inside your heart...”and just cry. It’s all okay.

When all the words have been said and the thoughts have been thought, put the box in the ground, cover it up, and “bring on the flowers.” Then leave it alone because no Something Dead likes to be disturbed and besides, you’ll want to visit that burial spot now and then, to talk about the weather and things. And someday, maybe you’ll think about “Something Wonderful” again.

Although the first few pages of this book may seem a little on the light side in both word and illustration, adults know that there are times when you have to smile

through the tears when someone (or something) dies. But neither tone, story by author Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, nor the images by George Ermos make light of a serious subject; in fact, the truth is that “The End of Something Wonderful” is a book that teaches kids to grieve. Even so, there are things this book is not. It’s not something to grab without thinking: Lucianovic doesn’t include cats or dogs in her narrative, and kids without proper back yards may feel left out. It’s not something to blithely read aloud; it needs appropriate adult guidance. It’s not sentimental, either, but it shows kids that it’s okay to cry, and move on. For the child who needs that nudge, or for one that’ll soon be facing the inevitable, this is the book to have around. Parents of those kids know that “The End of Something Wonderful” is one you can’t miss.

For the child who needs that nudge, or for one that’ll soon be facing the inevitable, this is the book to have around. Parents of those kids know that “The End of Something Wonderful” is one you can’t miss.

Stephanie V.W. Lucjianovic, author

Photo by Sam Breach

Selected Board Director Jake Johnson Gives Back to the Independent Funeral Service Profession Through Newest Book

Jake Johnson, Board Director, Selected Independent Funeral Homes, has released his new book Staying Alive in the Funeral and Cemetery Profession. The book brings the insights funeral service professionals need to understand current trends and opportunities to buy, grow, and sell while building a proud legacy.

“This is a great book for the front-line employee as well as anyone in management to gain a better understanding and appreciation for what a funeral business has been, is, and will be facing as customer preferences shift and the internet and applications continue to gain popularity,” said Johnson. “I often am skeptical when I see a must-read for our profession, but this is a must-read,” said James H. Busch, Selected member and President of Busch Funeral and Crematory.

Johnson decided that 100% of the proceeds will be going back to the industry in a variety of ways. He plans to donate a portion of these books to mortuary schools to provide to those who are entering the profession. Proceeds also will be donated to the Funeral Service Foundation, ICCFA’s Educational Trust, and the Selected Educational Trust.

The book as well as the audio version also are available for purchase on Amazon.com. Selected members can purchase the book at a discounted rate at Selected’s Online Store.

Order online or call us at 800-323-4219 to place your order by phone.

About Selected Independent Funeral Homes: Connecting Leaders. Transforming Care.

Selected Independent Funeral Homes (www. selectedfuneralhomes.org) delivers innovative and pertinent resources, solutions and ongoing support necessary for enduring excellence to its international network of independently owned death care providers who aspire to be the very best in their profession. Selected serves as a resource for support for our members in achieving the best practice performance and recognized leadership in service to families. Selected offers many distinct advantages and benefits to its growing membership. While remaining faithful to its founding principles and its one-hundred-year tradition, the association is constantly evaluating new and exciting ways to better serve its members today. Selected empowers funeral firm owners and employees to achieve their goals by creating business tools, developing education, and connecting members to better each other. We are Selected. And together, we are stronger.

The Frunge is Coming!

The Children’s Grief Connection’s largest fundraiser of the year, The Frunge will be held Saturday, March 7 at Lola’s Lakehouse on frosty Lake Waconia in Waconia, MN. Visit their website at www.childrensgriefconnection.com for more details and follow them on Facebook (search for Children’s Grief Connection).

And don’t forget about the Fuzzy Bear Frunge and Friends of Frungers!

Children that are not old enough to Frunge in Lake Waconia are invited to participate in the Fuzzy Bear Frunge, an inflatable slide into a pool of teddy bears! Our Friends of Frungers can raise money to NOT jump into the lake. If you aren’t able to make it on Saturday, or your doctor won’t let you Frunge, this is the option for you!

Frunge Fast Facts:

Date: Saturday, March 7

Site: Lola’s Lakehouse, Waconia

Ages: 1 - 101

More Details at: childrensgriefconnection.com

IN MEMORIAM

Ada Luverne Bredman, 92, of Ada, MN, mother of Jim Bredmen of Stenshoel Houske Funeral Home, passed away peacefully at Bridges Care Center Wednesday morning, October 30, 2019. She had been a resident of Bridges since October 15th. Luverne, as she was known throughout her life, was born on March 27, 1927 in Fossum Township of Norman County, near Twin Valley, MN, the youngest of 11 children of the union of Oscar and Ada (LaFayette) Erickson. She was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley, and confirmed at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley. After attending country school, Luverne completed her education at Twin Valley High School, graduating as a member of the Class of 1944.

Following graduation, she worked in an office at Boeing Aircraft in Renton, WA. After returning home Luverne was employed at the ASC office in Ada, MN. On June 1, 1947 she was united in marriage to Calman L. Bredman at the rural Twin Valley home of her sister and brother-in-law, Nellie and Martin Skaurud.

Luverne and Cal made their home in Ada and were blessed by the births of 2 children, James and Karen. Luverne was a stay at home Mom until December of 1959 when, with both children in school, she began employment with Ada National Bank. She retired as Vice President of the Bank in April of 1992. It was a very successful 32-year long career and as she reflected on it Luverne shared many times, “I just loved working and all the wonderful people I got to see every day.” She and Cal enjoyed attending high school concerts and plays; and were often ‘fans in the stands’ supporting the high school sports teams and celebrating their successes. Luverne especially enjoyed watching the girls play!

Luverne and Cal were devoted members of Grace Lutheran Church. Luverne served on the Church Council, was an active member of the Circles and GLCW, and taught Sunday school. Her 2-3 prayer group was very special to her and she

cherished those longtime friendships. Luverne was also a charter member of the Minnada Study Club and a quilting club. She volunteered much of her time to Grace Lutheran Church and over the years to several different organizations in the Ada community.

Luverne was a woman of deep faith and conviction. The Church was a focus in her life as she served faithfully and displayed Christian grace to the very end. She loved her family dearly in the special ways that a wife, mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother does; and looked forward to visits and the opportunity to see her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Luverne is lovingly survived by Cal, her husband of 72 years; their son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Rose Bredman of Crookston, MN; daughter, Karen Busche of Fargo, ND; 5 grandchildren: Tamara Miller and husband, Phil, of Park Rapids, MN, Jennifer Carlstrom and husband, Brad, of Crookston, Michael Myers and wife, Shonna, of Fargo, Steven Myers of Minturn, CO, and Rebecca Myers of Fargo; 4 great-grandchildren: Peyton Carlstrom of Duluth, MN, Teagen Carlstrom of Grand Forks, ND, Kiefer Miller of Fargo, and Anya Myers, of Fargo; many very special nieces and nephews; extended family, and her church and community friends. Luverne was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Beau Donald Miller, who passed away on March 5, 1997; her son-in-law, Dale Busche, who passed away on February 17, 2016; her parents, Oscar and Ada Erickson; and parents-in-law, Carl and Tilla Bredman. She was preceded in death by her 10 siblings: Leonard, Lester, and Oscar Erickson, Laurel Carroll, Lorraine Burnett, Lourena Kjos, Lila Miller, Nellie Skaurud, Leola Widme, and Nina Waller; and many dear friends. Luverne will leave warm memories in the hearts of all who were touched by her life.

Special thanks from Cal and the Family to the wonderful staffs of Hospice of the Red River Valley and Bridges Care Community for your affection and excellent care; Pastor Jack Carlson and Chaplain Nathan Richman for the comfort given Luverne by your visits; and the

concern for their last living Erickson aunt shown by her nieces and nephews. You are all very special.

The funeral service celebrating the life of Luverne Bredman will be held on November 9, 2019, at Grace Lutheran Church in Ada, MN, with The Rev. Jack Carlson, officiating. Visitation was at the Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home in Ada on November 8. Visitation will continue at the church for one hour prior to the funeral. Inurnment will take place in the Ada Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be given in Luverne’s name to Grace Lutheran Church or Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Richard Walter Kenison, age 86 of Plymouth, formerly of Crystal and Robbinsdale, passed away November 2, 2019. Preceded in death by parents, Samuel and Esther; brother, Clifford, and dear niece; Susan Berglund. Richard served in the U.S. Army and graduated from the University of Minnesota.

Richard was a long-time, devoted employee of Crystal Lake Cemetery and North Memorial Hospital.

He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Survived by loving wife of 65 years, Carol; sister, Eleanor Johnson; daughter, Diane (Kevin) Moody; sons, Doug (Judy O’Neill) Kenison and David (Barb) Kenison; beloved grandchildren; Elizabeth Kenison, Karen Kenison, Ryan Moody, John Kenison, and Thomas Kenison; and many nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to the staff at St. Therese of New Hope for their exceptional care of Richard.

A celebration of Richard’s life was held November 8 at St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, Plymouth.

Visitation was held November 7 at Gearty-Delmore Plymouth Chapel. Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Betty Baier Slater, age 96, formerly of SE Minneapolis and Excelsior, died at Lake Minnetonka Shores Senior Living on Nov. 6, 2019.

Betty was born in Comfrey, Minnesota. She graduated from Comfrey High School and from Minneapolis School of Business. On December 23, 1944, she married Robert C. Slater in Rush City, Minnesota. Betty and Bob raised their children in Minneapolis before moving to Excelsior in retirement.

Betty loved entertaining family and friends, gardening and playing hymns and old time music on the piano. Betty was active in her churches, Messiah Lutheran Church in Minneapolis and Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Excelsior, in the U of M Faculty Women’s Club; and volunteering at the U of M Hospital surgery lounge. She devoted thousands of hours gardening as a member of the Women’s Auxiliary at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Robert C. Slater; sister Clarice Baier Erickson and brothers, Lloyd and Robert Baier.

Survived by. son, John and Susan of Nisswa, daughters, Jane and Ed Draheim of Owatonna, Joan Slater and Mary Wojcik of St. Ignace, MI, Joyce Poppe and Michael Kremer of Minneapolis; grandchildren Erik and Katy Slater, Kate and Jeff Finzen, Jill and Mack Graham; great granddaughter Britta; three nieces and three nephews.

Memorials preferred to Mount Calvary Lutheran Church Foundation or The Robert C. Slater Scholarship at Slater Scholarship #10209, Univ. of MN Foundation, P.O. Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN 55486 or makingagift. umn.edu/give/… SLATER

Interment Lakewood Cemetery. Funeral service was held November 12 at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Excelsior. Visitation was held on November 11 at Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel.

Daniel D. Macken, Sr., age 92, lifelong Rochester resident and former owner and operator of Macken Funeral Home for many years died Friday at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Mary’s Campus.

Daniel David Macken was born August 13, 1927, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester to Dan and Emily (Thomas) Macken. Both sets of his grandparents were early Olmsted County settlers.

The youngest of six children, he attended St. Johns School, then moved to Lourdes High School following the completion of the original building in 1943. He later attended Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa and then joined the US Air Force.

He was stationed at Scott Air Force Base near St. Louis, Missouri where he was assigned duty as a chaplain’s assistant. Following military service, he attended and graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Mortuary Science. His father had founded Macken Funeral Home in 1909; and son, Dan joined him in 1950 when the firm was located at 223 Fourth Street SW. Later purchasing the business, he built and moved the firm to its current location at 1105 12th Street SE. He retired in 1992.

In 1951 he married his loving wife, Dolores L. “Lorry” Sullivan at Wayne, Michigan. She survives.

In 1964 he moved his family from the city to Marion Township. He enjoyed the outdoors and the chores associated with country living. He had a fondness and affection for animals, particularly dogs, cats, wild birds and members of the parrot family. He kept and cared for horses and enjoyed Western horseback riding.

He had a number of interests and hobbies throughout his life. He played piano and Hammond organ by ear and later learned to play guitar. He loved the music “standards” from the 1920’s onward. He was a ham radio enthusiast as well as an early radio-controlled model boat and airplane hobbyist. A model

steamboat he built from his own plans in the mid-1950’s received statewide press coverage when it was launched on Silver Lake. In addition, he restored player pianos and military band organs.

He and his wife took up the game of golf later in life and enjoyed playing area golf courses and Arizona courses during the winter months. He was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus. He also belonged to Rochester Exchange Club, Rochester Sertoma 700 Club and Rochester Toastmasters through the years. He was a founding member of Resurrection Catholic Church and joined St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church when he and his wife moved back into town.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by nine children, Susan Dighero, Denver; Daniel K. (Debbie), Satellite Beach, FL; Timothy (Sue), Rochester, Ann (Kevin) Nigon, Rochester; Joseph (Kathy), Dallas; Mary (John) Garry, Rochester; Margaret “Peggy” (Tom) Ryan, Mendota; Katherine “Katy” (Bob) Cass, Eagan; Jennifer Sandstrom, Stewartville. In addition, he is survived by 31 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Paul, John and Richard; two sisters, Mary Emily Campbell and Esther Ann Zilch.

A Funeral Mass for Dan was held on February 3 at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist with the Rev. Msgr. Gerald Mahon officiating. Visitation was held February 2 in The River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the CoCathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church, and Paws and Claws Humane Society of Rochester.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

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SPECIAL THANKS

TO MFDA’ S 2020 ALLIED MEMBERS

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

21st Century Bank

Dustin Winter

www.21stcb.com

Anatomy Bequest Program

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

www.bequest.umn.edu

Answering Service for Directors

Craig Meehan

www.myasd.com

Artco Casket Company, Inc.

Al Whitmer, Steve Doscher, Wally Gelecinskyj

www.artcocasket.com

Asphalt Associates

Brad Larson

www.asphalt-associates.com

Assurance Funeral Funding

Joel Morimanno

www.assurancefuneralfunding.com

Assured Decontamination Service

Perry Ebner

www.deconservices.com

Baines Professional Vehicles

John Baines

www.4hearse.com

Brown-Wilbert, Inc.

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

www.brown-wilbert.com

Children’s Grief Connection

Coral Popowitz

www.childrensgriefconnection.com

Chosen Payments

Jim Luff

www.chosenpayments.com

Cousineau, VanBergen, McNeese and Malone

Michael Sharkey

www.cvmmlaw.com

Dodge Company

Lincoln Plain

www.dodgeco.com

Federated Funeral Directors of America

Kim Alexander

www.federated-funeral.com

Federated Insurance

Ben Cox

www.federatedinsurance.com

Forest Lawn Memorial Park Association

Kari A. Hubbard

www.forestlawnmn.com

Funeral Directors Life

John Harrington

Scott Tufto

www.funeraldirectorslife.com

Funeral Home Gifts

Karl Weisenbeck

www.funeralhomegifts.com

Great Western Insurance Company

Doug Stolt

www.gwic.com

Hy-Vee Eagan

Chris Straub

www.hy-vee.com

Johnson Williams Funeral Car

Todd Anderson www.jwfuneralcars.com

Keith M. Merrick Co., Inc.

Kyle Grimes www.keithmerrick.com

Kelco Supply

Alicia Carr

www.kelcosupply.com

Keystone Funeral Home Design Build

Russ Karasch

www.keystone.db.com

Laker Insurance

Patrick Zalusky

LifeSource Organ and Tissue Donation

Melinda DeVries

www.life-source.org

Lions Gift of Sight

(Formerly Minnesota Lions Eye Bank)

Patty Stockdale www.mnlionseyebank.org

MAS Communications

Mary Reeves

www.mascommunications.net

Matthews Aurora Casket

Roger Ruth, Alexis Smith www.matw.com

Messenger

Bob Hoaglund

www.messengerstationery.com

Midwest Medical Examiners Office

Angie Chalmers

www.midwestmedicalexaminer.com

Monumental Sales

Chris Taylor

www.sunburstmemorials.com

Northwestern Casket Co.

David Koll

www.nwcasket.com

Pluto Boes Legal

Callyn Bedker

www.plutolegal.com

Scene Clean

Nate Berg

www.scenecleanmn.com

Senior Advantage Consultants

Julie and Jim Palm

www.sradvantageconsultants.com

Shephart, LLC

Dawson Grover

www.shephart.com

Steinhaus Supply Services

Steven Steinhaus

United Heritage Insurance

Bob Hanson

www.unitedheritage.com

University of Minnesota

Mortuary Science

Michael LuBrant

www.mortuaryscience.umn.edu

Wieser Vault

Matt Wieser, Todd Wieser

www.wieser-doric.com

Willmar Precast Company

Ron Jasperson

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