THE HEART & SOUL&of Korsmo

Ruth Korsmo may be the heart and soul of Korsmo Funeral Service in Moorhead. Her husband appreciates her as they work as a team to offer caring help to families when they deal with the loss of a beloved person.

There is a third member to this family team – although not one of the three great funeral directors or five wonderful support staff serving beside them.

This special team member is a dog, enjoyed by everyone in the Korsmo group.

BY KATHERINE TWEED | PHOTOS BY5FOOT20 DESIGN LOUNGE

Barnabas, Barney for everyday use, is a seven-year-old cockapoo. He sports seasonal bandanas, a wagging tail and big brown eyes that are almost always successful when he asks to have a treat. The little guy is not just a mascot.

The Korsmos experienced the loss of a dog before Barney. When they were ready for another dog, Ruth began the search. Even though they were surrounded by a mass of puppies, Barney sat and looked at Ruth. The little buff colored dog was “so sweet” he had to come home.

Barney does valuable work. He knows when to just sit and be petted. He knows when to cuddle. He is empathetic but he can tell when someone doesn’t like dogs. He simply moves away.

A consultant does a survey of every client for Ruth and George. The replies help identify strengths and weaknesses and changes are implemented as needed.

A recent survey returned, as many do, cited Barney. He quietly sat beside a woman in a wheelchair and she petted him. He was her solace.

When grandchildren come in with families, he will sit and get love from them, as well as give them love.

Barney, although not formally trained as a therapy dog, has an innate sense of how to bring caring and comfort.

While the funeral service has the firstgeneration motto, “Serving When the Need is Greatest,” George and Ruth added a personal motto from a Biblical perspective, “Comforting all who mourn.” They are partners in what they believe God called them to do.

“Funeral services have traditionally been male-dominated. When Ruthie, although not a funeral director, joined the family business, she brought a woman’s dimension of caring for people, her compassionate nature and her nursing background. We are a true partnership, softening and strengthening each other,” George said.

They believe one has to be called to do endof-life services because it takes heart to be in the business. “This is where the Lord wants us,” Ruth said.

Always looking for ways to improve care, Korsmo Funeral Service, as do many other funeral homes, collect and recycle eyeglasses from people they serve. The latest batch of recycled eyeglasses will go to Mexico when the Fargo Lions Club takes them on a mission trip.

And Barney – he’ll watch it all, cuddle, comfort and invite people to sit with him on his Barney bench at the door. Just another service from the Korsmo team. [AWM]