FALL 2017
BULLETIN
PUBLISHED QUARTERLY FOR THE MINNESOTA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION MEMBERS.
NFDA Cremation and Burial Report Shows Rate of Cremation at All-time High Increase in Cremation Impacts the Way Families Honor the Lives of Their Loved Ones
Many consumers are still unaware of the full spectrum of choices available for end-of-life services. In 2015, 32 percent of people who were cremated had no funeral or memorial service; 37 percent had a memorial service; and 31 percent
However, many consumers are not aware that cremation can be accompanied by a memorial service or viewing. Less than half of Americans associate cremation with a memorial service, and just 11.8 percent associate cremation with a funeral that includes a viewing. Over half of Americans (52.2 percent) are not aware that, as part of a funeral with cremation, they can view a body that has been prepared but is not embalmed. “Our role as a funeral director is to help make sure families understand all of the available options and commemorate the life of their loved one in a meaningful way regardless of whether they choose burial or cremation,” said Cozine. continues on page 4…
MFDA Bulletin
“The rate of cremation is projected to continue to rise as more Americans choose cremation,” says NFDA President W. Ashley Cozine, MBA, CFSP, CPC, CCO. “This shift has prompted many funeral homes to expand their service offerings to meet the emerging needs of consumers who prefer cremation.”
had a full funeral including viewing.
Minnesota Funeral Directors Association 7046 East Fish Lake Road Maple Grove, MN 55311
NFDA expects the trend shifting from burial toward cremation to continue over the next 20 years, with the projected rate of cremation reaching 78.8 percent of deaths by 2035. Over the next eight years, cremation rates will likely exceed 50 percent in 44 states, up from just 16 states in 2010. Simultaneously, the rate of burial is expected to decline from 45.2 percent in 2015 to 30.3 percent over the next eight years.
In response to this changing consumer preference, many funeral homes have opened crematories to meet the demands of Americans. Today, almost 30 percent of funeral homes in the U.S. operate their own crematories and another 9.4 percent intend to open a crematory within the next five years.
Change Service Requested
The rate of cremation in the United States is at an all-time high and surpassed the rate of burial for the second year in a row according to the National Funeral Directors Association’s (NFDA) 2017 Cremation and Burial Report. The annual report found that 50.2 percent of Americans chose cremation in 2016, up from 48.5 percent in 2015, while 43.5 percent of Americans opted for burial, down from 45.4 percent in 2015.
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Minnesota Funeral Directors Association BOARD OF DIRECTORS, STAFF AND OTHER CONTACTS President Ashley Czaplewski Hoff Funeral and Cremations Service St. Charles, MN hoff.ashleymarie@gmail.com
Secretary Chris Jacobson Bell Brothers Funeral Home Duluth, MN chris.jacobson@tlcofduluth.com
Treasurer Dan Dahl Dahl Funeral Home East Grand Forks, MN dahlfuneralhome@midconetwork.com
Past President Jeff Hartquist Hartquist Funeral Home Luverne, MN engebretson@iw.net
In This Issue Executive Director’s Report........................................................ 4 Message From the President....................................................... 5 2017 MFDA Convention Recap............................................... 6-7 FALL 2017 Legislative Update....................................................8 2017 MFDA Fall District Meetings............................................9 Book Review: Good Grief.............................................................12 Certified Funeral Celebrant Training.......................................14 2017 MFDA Mortuary Open.......................................................16 NFDA News.................................................................................18 NFDA Consumer Survey...........................................................19 In Memoriam......................................................................... 20-21 MFDA Career Center................................................................ 22 2017 MFDA Allied Members..................................................... 23
2017-18 MFDA Calendar
DISTRICT DIRECTORS Kelly J. Kelly (District 1) Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes Kasson, MN kjkell0803@yahoo.com
Tim Anderson(District 10) Anderson Funeral Home Twin Valley, MN timanderson@arvig.net
Tonya D. Borth (District 2) Schoenbauer Funeral Home Le Center, MN tonya_04@hotmail.com
Chris Jacobson (District 11) Bell Brothers Funeral Home, Duluth, MN chris.jacobson@tlcofduluth.com
Marquis Madison (District 3) Totzke Funeral Home Fulda, MN totzke@mchsi.com
POLICY BOARD REPRESENTATIVE Leif Larsen
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 Steve Sheets, CFSP (District 9) Schoeneberger Funeral Home Perham MN sheets.steve@yahoo.com
October 29-November 1, 2017 NFDA International Convention & Expo Boston, MA November 3-5, 2017 Children’s Grief Connection Hearts of Hope Family Grief Camp Hudson, WI May 21-23, 2018 MFDA’s 128th Annual Convention Bloomington, MN
Green-Larsen Mortuary International Falls, MN llarsen@greenlarsen.com
PAST PRESIDENT REP Norman Larsen
Green-Larsen Mortuary International Falls, MN nlarsen@greenlarsen.com
STAFF Darlyne Erickson, CAE Executive Director
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.
763-416-0124 612-940-8169 (cell) info@mnfuneral.org
How We Accomplish This:
Amy Beckham (Administrative)
• Advancing the value of funeral service consistent with the changing needs of society
amy@mnfuneral.org
Sue Sack (Accounting)
• Essential and enduring principles that guide our organization’s behaviors and actions
• Advocacy on behalf of consumers and members
sue@mnfuneral.org
• Visionary leadership trust and confidence in staff and volunteer leadership
Kathy Sheridan (Membership/Convention)
• Promotion of integrity; honest and ethical behavior within the funeral industry
Miki Tufto (Communications/Convention)
• Recognize the importance of education as a vehicle to enhance both public service and public image
kathy@mnfuneral.org
• Collaboration with others in the interest of consumers and members
mtufto@mnfuneral.org
7046 East Fish Lake Road, Maple Grove, MN 55311 p: (763) 416-0124 • f: (763) 416-0124 e: info@mnfuneral.org • ww.mnfuneral.org The MFDA Bulletin is published quarterly for MDFA members. Copyright ©2017 MFDA Service Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior written permission of the publisher. Advertising opportunities are available by contacting MFDA to request an ad rate sheet. Please e-mail the ad to info@mnfuneral.org, fax or mail to the fax number or address listed above, along with the desired run time of your ad.
www.mnfuneral.org 3
Executive Director’s Report Summer always gives a little respite in the office as we wrap up May room with individuals who truly understand what you do, all involved convention. We all breathe a little easier, but certainly do not rest in funeral service. It certainly beats taking courses online by yourself, on our laurels! A decision was made earlier in the summer to hold in your jammies, in the middle of the night. Or so I’ve heard! district meetings in August/September/ Looking forward to NFDA’s convention in October. In August we visited Bagley & Boston, and as I write this article, I know that at Detroit Lakes. Heading south in September Looking forward to NFDA’s least 35 Minnesotans will be in attendance plus we travelled to Slayton, Mankato, and many of our allied members in exhibit area. convention in Boston. As Rochester and later in the month visited I write this article, I know that The 2017/2018 MFDA Membership Directory Duluth. October will feature Willmar, at least 35 Minnesotans will will be arriving on your desk later this fall. A Minneapolis/St. Paul and St. Cloud. Overall, big piece of this Directory is the inclusion of be in attendance plus many we will see approximately 200 funeral our allied members. These companies support directors, offering up CEU’s and OSHA…I’m of our allied members in the funeral industry in untold ways, whether it going to say that equates to somewhere in exhibit area. is chemicals, caskets, vaults, insurance, legal vicinity of 800 credits, and as importantly expertise, monuments or scene clean-up and about 10,000 miles covered by staff and they, in turn, deserve your support. I would like all the great speakers that have taken their to encourage all MFDA members to remember these companies time to travel the state to bring information that is both timely and when considering a purchase. As a reminder they are listed in the pertinent. Thank you to all participants! Bulletin on page 19. One addition to the district meeting agenda included conversations Wrapping up, I must say that autumn is my favorite time of year with local law enforcement regarding the opioid epidemic and how – coolness & colors prevail! Halloween was always a fun time in it affects funeral service. It is an eye-opening conversation for some our family as it was our father’s birthday. You just never get over and a reminder for others. This topic was brought to our attention at seeing your father dressed as a pregnant bride and your mother NFDA’s Leadership Conference this summer, and the Order of the as an angry guy with a shotgun. Yep, they did! My parents were Golden Rule has published a pamphlet that is available for purchase, no slackers when it came to creativity and fun. Probably too much Opioid Epidemic: How Funeral Directors Can Respond. information, but it makes me smile! www.ogr.org/opioid. You can also download a copy on Amazon. com. Please consider purchasing a copy at your funeral home. Thank you to the 50 individuals who attended the recent two-day insurance class. The reviews are always positive, and primarily around the fact that in addition to great education, you share the
Look forward to seeing you this fall either on the road in Minnesota or Boston. You know where to find me! Darlyne Erickson, MFDA Executive Director
NFDA Cremation and Burial Report (continued from cover) Trends Impacting Rate of Cremation Vs. Burial Several factors contribute to the changing rate of cremation and burial in the U.S., including: • Religion: Non-religious Americans are the most likely to consider cremation for family and friends (23 percent in 2015). In fact, since 2012, the percent of Americans who feel it is very important to have religion as part of a funeral has decreased from 49.5 percent to 39.5 percent.
4 MFDA Bulletin • FALL 2017
• Age: The aging of the American population has a direct impact on the funeral profession. In 2011, the Baby Boomer generation began turning 65, and by 2030, all Boomers will be age 65 and older. Individuals between the ages of 65 and 79 account for 27.7 percent of funeral service marketplace, and individuals 80 and older account for 46.1 percent of the marketplace. Individuals 80 years old and older are less likely to be cremated and more likely to opt for burial.
About the NFDA 2017 Cremation and Burial Report The statistical projections contained in the 2017 NFDA Cremation and Burial Report were compiled by the University of WisconsinMadison Applied Population Laboratory Department of Community and Environmental Sociology. State-level deaths by method of disposition data were collected from state vital statistics departments or similar state regulatory agencies for the years 2002-15. Other findings presented in the report are from proprietary NFDA research studies, such as the 2017 Annual NFDA Consumer Awareness & Preferences Study.
An exciting road ahead! By Ashley Czaplewski, MFDA President
And just like that, fall is here! I hope you all had a great Summer! District meetings are in full swing and we have been making the rounds. We will be in Willmar, Minneapolis and St. Cloud in a week and that will wrap up the tour. I have really enjoyed traveling across the state and meeting more of our membership. Each district is so different, yet everyone shares many of the same concerns; especially as it relates to the workforce shortage we are facing.
We are looking to get the workforce shortage committee up and running as soon as possible so they can begin looking at the various options to tackle the issues our profession is facing.
Reach out to the MFDA office if you are interested. We are looking to get the workforce shortage committee up and running as soon as possible so they can begin looking at the various options to tackle the issues our profession is facing.
• Convention Committee – Help to plan the convention each year.
We are looking for candidates for our 2017-2018 Leadership Academy. This will be our third year and I highly encourage each of you to either participate yourself or send someone from your firm. It is a great way to help build leadership skills for the future both within your own communities and within our association. The application deadline is October 31.
• Marketing/PR/Outreach Committee – Work on increasing our public relations, outreach to associated organizations and marketing.
My husband, Brandon and I are looking forward to attending the NFDA Convention in Boston in a few weeks along with many others from our Association.
• Education Committee – look at ways to increase MFDA’s continuing education opportunities.
• Workforce Shortage/Licensure Task Force – Will discuss ways that we can begin working on tackling the workforce shortage we are facing.
Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns and again, please consider joining one of the committees. Enjoy this beautiful time of year!
• Membership Committee – look at ways to increase MFDA’s membership throughout the state.
Note: Committees meet via teleconference, so do not let distance keep you from considering volunteering.
Regards,
As we have been traveling around to the districts, we are seeking volunteers to sit on committees; some committees are already up and running but need more members, and others are brand new. Committee involvement is a great way to be involved in your association but requires no travel. Everything takes place via teleconference. So please consider joining one of the following committees:
• Legislative Committee – Work with our lobbyists to discuss possible legislative changes.
Ashley
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FALL 2017 Legislative Update By Judy Cook,Full Cook Girard Associates Page (7-1/2 w x 10 h)
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Rates per issue. Printed quarterly - winter, spring, summer, fall 7046 East Fish Lake Road, Maple Grove, MN 55311 Phone: (763) 416-0124 | Fax: (763) 416-0124 Email: info@mnfuneral.org | www.mnfuneral.org
www.mnfuneral.org 5
FALL 2017 Legislative Update By Joe Sellwood, Cook Girard Associates
It has been a pleasure to see so many of you at the district meetings around our state. Hearing from you is very valuable learning what issues are most important to all of you while getting to spend some time in your areas.
who are not certified and need to complete initial certification would have an additional requirement of the performance of ten cremations under the direct supervision of an individual already certified.
This upcoming session MFDA will be working to pass the comprehensive cremator operator certification bill (HF1025 Kiel/SF1665 Weber). We’ve already began speaking with key legislators about the need for this legislation. As a recap, the bill would require cremator operator certification by an organization (approved by the commissioner of Health) every five years, and complete bloodborne pathogen training once each year. Individuals
MFDA has been working with the Minnesota Department of Veteran’s Affairs to increase the current limit of $8,500 which individuals in Minnesota Veteran’s Affairs homes may set aside for funeral/burial costs. This limit only applies to individuals after they enter a Veteran’s Affairs home in Minnesota. We will keep MFDA members updated on the outcome of the Department’s review of the current limit.
While you may have noticed that our state’s politics are particularly fragile right now with the House and Senate fighting with Governor Dayton at the Supreme Court level over legislative funding, we are hopeful that a resolution will arise in the near future and the work of the people can begin in the next legislative session on February 20th of 2018. As always, we will keep MFDA and all of its members abreast of legislative and regulatory developments in the funeral industry. Joe Sellwood Manager of Government Affairs Cook Girard Associates (o) 651-917-6001 jsellwood@cookgirard.com
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6 MFDA Bulletin • FALL 2017
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U of M Mortuary Science Update By: Michael LuBrant, Program Director
With the start of Fall Semester courses at the University of Minnesota last month, the Program of Mortuary Science welcomed 31 new students to campus. I wish to extend a special note of thanks to Darlyne Erickson for being present to warmly welcome our incoming class at Orientation Day on behalf of MFDA, and also University Regent (and program alumnus) Tom Anderson, for being with us. Additionally, several Advisory Board members, many of whom are also active within MFDA, as well as current students and representatives from the Minnesota Department of Health, also participated in Orientation Day, held on August 31. (Note: Please visit us on Facebook to see photos of recent Program events, including new student orientation day.)
8 MFDA Bulletin • FALL 2017
I am often asked about the demographics of our incoming class. This year, as is typical for us, the majority of our new students are from Minnesota (n=22; 71%). We also continue to draw students from contiguous and nearby states: Wisconsin (n=5; 16%), South Dakota (n=2; 6%), North Dakota (n=1; 3%) and Michigan (n=1; 3%). Enrollment of female students continues to exceed male student enrollment, as has been the case nationally for nearly two decades now. However, the proportion of male students starting our Program has increased slightly this year, to 45% (n=14). Enrollment of students of color is also increasing, with 23% (n=7) of the incoming class identifying themselves as either non-white, or of mixed racial background, as follows: Asian (n=3); AfricanAmerican (n=3); Hispanic (n=1). We are
pleased that our student body is increasingly reflecting the diversity of the client families they will be serving throughout Minnesota and our surrounding states. As many of you may be aware, college enrollments are often affected by economic conditions. When the economy is not strong (such as during the recent “Great Recession”) enrollments tend to go up, especially as people look to train for new careers. Likewise, college enrollments tend to decline when economic conditions are strong, as they are today. We have been working hard to actively recruit new students into our Program. For example, we actively participate in at least 20 recruiting events each year for the goal of bringing prospective students into the Program. As a funeral service professional, please know
that you play a very important role in our recruiting efforts. Many of our strongest students report to us that it was a positive interaction with a funeral director that led to their choosing a career in funeral service. If you are not doing so already, please make a commitment to visit at least one high school a year to speak about our profession. We have handouts that we can provide you about mortuary science as a career choice in general, and our Program in particular. You are probably aware that the average age of Minnesotans continues to increase, and the number of baby-boomers who will likely retire in the next ten to twenty years is expected to impact all professions throughout the state. In order to meet workforce needs in funeral service, we must all work together for the goal of recruiting and retaining excellent persons to serve as funeral service professionals. I plan to write more about this topic in future articles, but in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me with any suggestions you may have for recruiting new students into our Program. I would ask that you please “save the date� of November 8th for a student and professional networking event, to be held here on campus. Funeral firms are
invited to register and reserve a table in a gathering space in Coffman Union, where our students will be present to meet with funeral home representatives to discuss career opportunities with their firm. An e-mail to all licensed morticians will be going out shortly, with additional information to be posted on our website: www.mortuaryscience.umn.edu. In other news, we are pleased to announce that Giselle Wynia was recently hired to teach embalming, restorative art, and human anatomy theory and labs for the Program. Giselle began work for us last August of 2016, assisting with advising and clerical responsibilities while Student Adviser Robyn Meunier was on maternity leave. Giselle continued on as a teaching assistant during fall and spring semesters (2016-2017), helping with classes in embalming and restorative art theory and lab. Following a national search process, Giselle was selected by the search committee to fill an opening in the Program for a Teaching Specialist. Prior to earning her Bachelor of Science Degree in Mortuary Science in 2007 here at the University of Minnesota, she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Hamline University in Anthropology, with a minor in Criminal Justice and a Certificate in Forensic Sciences.
She is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Human Anatomy and Physiology Instruction. Finally, our Program is up for re-accreditation by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) next year. In September of 2018, a three-person Site Visit Team will come to campus for three days and meet with students, faculty, and Advisory Board members. In anticipation of the visit, we are now working on our Self Study report. Information about the Self-Study process can be found at www.abfse.org. We welcome any comments on the Program you may wish to share with us as we work to prepare the report. As part of this process, I have been discussing our future plans with attendees at the MFDA District Meetings throughout the state this Fall. We look forward to working with MFDA as we engage in strategic planning for the next several years. As always, thank you for your continued support of funeral service education at the University of Minnesota. I can always be reached at mpl@umn.edu, or telephone at 612-624-3980. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time with any questions you may have.
www.mnfuneral.org 9
2017 NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Awards: Funeral Homes Honored for Excellence in Service to Families and Communities By: NFDA
The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is pleased to announce that more than 160 funeral homes have earned the 2017 Pursuit of Excellence Award. This award is presented by NFDA annually to firms that have demonstrated a commitment to raising the bar on funeral service excellence by adhering to strict ethical and professional standards and providing outstanding service to families and communities. To earn an NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award, a funeral home must demonstrate proficiency in key areas of funeral service, including compliance with state and federal regulations; providing ongoing education and professional development opportunities for staff; offering outstanding programs and resources to bereaved families; maintaining an active level of involvement in the community; participating and actively serving in the funeral service profession; and promoting funeral home services through a variety of marketing, advertising and public relations programs. Participants are also required to adhere to a Pledge of Ethical Practices.
2017 NFDA Hall of Excellence Inductee: • Worlein Funeral Home, Austin, Minn. 2017 NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award Recipients: • Anderson Funeral Home, Alexandria, Minn.***
NFDA will honor the 2017 Pursuit of Excellence Award Recipients on October 30 during the All-Star Recognition Ceremony, which will take place during the 2017 NFDA International Convention & Expo, October 29 through November 1 in Boston, Mass. Information about the NFDA Pursuit of Excellence program can be found by visiting www.nfda.org/pursuitofexcellence. Registration and application materials for 2018 will be available in late-October 2017. Congratulations to the following MFDA members on their recognition as 2017 NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award winners:
• Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Litchfield, Minn.* • Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge, Minn.* • Kok Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cottage Grove, Minn. • Pedersen Funeral & Cremation Service, Morris, Minn. • Worlein Funeral Home, Austin, Minn.**** *Previously inducted into the NFDA Hall of Excellence **2017 Best of The Best Award Finalist ***First-time Award Recipient ****2017 Hall of Excellence Inductee
MFDA Royalty Currently Serving Congrats to MFDA Past President Bill McReavy, Jr. (right) of Wasburn-McReavy Funeral Homes who is currently Commodore of the Minneapolis Aquatennial, and Jason Bradshaw (left) of Bradshaw Funeral Home who is currently King Boreas of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.
10 MFDA Bulletin • FALL 2017
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R.I.P. Paper Death Record Submissions The Minnesota Department of Health has had so much success facilitating clinicians’ use of online filing of death records that, starting October 1, it will reduce wait times for families by eliminating paper submissions for the state’s 42,000 annual deaths.
complete and accurate death certificates to families faster when both the fact and cause of death are entered directly into the Minnesota Registration and Certification System, a secure, real-time, web-based application.”
Paper submission has been on the decline since Minnesota implemented electronic death registration 20 years ago. However due to Project Paper Cut, it has boosted e-death registration among clinicians, including physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners, from 80 percent to 97 percent during the past year.
Minnesota’s Paper Cut initiative was funded by a federal grant that is part of a national effort by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to improve the quality and timeliness of death records. Under the Minnesota Vital Records Act, the state registrar manages the statewide system to collect, file, register and issue vital records.
“We’ve made such great progress that this fall is the right time to finally go completely electronic,” said State Registrar Molly Crawford. “E-filing is a real benefit to grieving Minnesota families. It allows us to get more
Previously, some physicians wrote out the cause of death information on worksheets, then wrote the same information on faxed requests to authorize cremation and then logged into Minnesota’s e-death certification
2017-2018
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
system and completed the same information even a third time. Clinicians who have never registered a death online will need to establish an registration and certification account. The Office of Vital Records encourages these medical certifiers to set up their accounts before a death needs to be registered. Vital records staff are ready to assist in establishing accounts. Information specifically for medical certifiers is at Death Registration Information for Medical Certifiers and Designated Staff. Clinicians can contact vital records for help at 651-201-5993, 1-888-692-2733 or health.MRCAdmin@state. mn.us. For general questions about birth and death certificates, the public can call 651-201-5970 or email health.vitalrecords@state.mn.us.
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 2017-2018 with graduation at the MFDA Annual Convention in May 2018. 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.
LE A D E R S H I P AC A D E MY S P O N S O R E D BY:
SERVICE CORPORATION
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. Your MFDA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY application, including a current resumé, must be submitted online at www.mnfuneral.org. Please do not email, fax, or mail the form. APPLICATION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 30, 2017 Questions? Please contact Darlyne Erickson at Darlyne@mnfuneral.org or call (763) 416-0124.
12 MFDA Bulletin • FALL 2017
Equifax Data Breach: Protecting Your Identity Experts from NFDA’s Work/Life Resource Program (EAP), a benefit of your NFDA membership, have put together the following information to help you protect your identity. On September 7, 2017, Equifax, one of the largest consumer credit agencies, announced that a data breach took place mid-May through July of this year, potentially affecting 143 million U.S. consumers. The data breach included Social Security numbers, names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, dates of birth, and in some cases, credit card numbers. Equifax published a web page for consumers to visit and determine if their information was included in the breach https://www. equifaxsecurity2017.com. If the member’s information has been compromised, Equifax has also extended a year of credit and identity monitoring as well as insurance coverage to those involved. Equifax is not currently offering any services to remedy or restore your identity or credit should your information be used fraudulently. It is important to note that while there are millions of people whose information has been compromised, very few have actually become victims of identity theft at this time. Accordingly, taking proactive steps to monitor and secure your identity are of the utmost importance. Here are specific steps to consider if you’re impacted by the Equifax Breach, many of which are good practices for anyone: Check your credit reports for free at annualcreditreport.com: Accounts or activity that you don’t recognize could indicate identity theft. Place a fraud alert on your credit file: Once you place a fraud alert with one bureau, they will alert the other two. Please visit the following link to do so https://www.consumer. ftc.gov/articles/0275-place-fraud-alert Place authentication features on financial accounts: Ask your bank to require a password or pin to complete account transactions. DMV alerts: Next time you visit the DMV, ask if they can place a fraud alert on your driving record
Set up an account at ssa.gov/myaccount: Setting up an account with the Social Security Administration allows you to monitor your annual earnings to ensure a fraudster is not using your SSN for employment purposes. Setting up the account also ensures a fraudster doesn’t set up the account to gain further access to your information. Security Freeze: Placing a Security Freeze with the credit bureaus locks your credit, making it inaccessible to creditors. When you place a Security Freeze, the bureaus will send you a confirmation pin number that will be used to lift your freeze. We recommend only lifting the freeze temporarily when you need to use your credit. You can remove the freeze on the credit bureaus’ websites. This must be done through each of the three credit bureaus. Visit https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/ articles/0497-credit-freeze-faqs for more information on how to place a security freeze. File an IRS Affidavit: Alert the IRS of your compromised information by filling out the IRS Affidavit https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/ f14039.pdf Chex Systems Alerts: You can place an alert with chexsystems.com to alert banks and financial institutions of your compromised information. This will help keep fraudsters from opening bank accounts in your name. Change all your passwords regularly: Smart account management should include complex passwords that are changed regularly. Consider making your passwords on any financial accounts different than your email passwords, and make them as intricate as possible by including letters, numbers and symbols. Place authentication features such as passwords and pins that are required to complete such actions as address changes, account updates, wire transfers or ordering new cards. Beware of phishing emails: Once fraudsters gather identifying information, they usually send official-looking texts, emails, or phone calls to gather more data. If you click on a link or respond to a text from an unfamiliar source, it may allow the fraudster to implant malware or viruses on your phone
or computer. Never click on any links in emails or respond to unknown senders of text messages. If you receive something of concern that looks official, go to that business’s secure website to get the correct phone numbers to call and inquire about messages you have received. Beware of phone scams: If you receive a call from a bill collector or other source soliciting you for money on a past due bill, you need to validate the debt. A recent scam involved fraudsters pretending to be the IRS and collecting thousands of dollars from victims that had their personal data compromised. Always confirm debts with creditors directly and remember that most of the time you should receive a letter in the mail before a phone call.
The NFDA Work/Life Resource Program (EAP) offers a toll-free hotline staffed by experts who can suggest resources and offer support, along with unlimited access to online resources for: • Unlimited phone/online consultations and up to three in-person sessions with a licensed counselor • Online referrals to: care services (adult, child or special needs care, summer camps, etc.); education services (school, tutoring, test prep, etc.); family services (parenting, adoption, pregnancy, infertility, etc.); convenience services (home repair, pet care, relocation, etc.); financial planning & referrals; legal information & referrals • Articles, tools, webinars, podcasts and more! The support offered through the NFDA Work/Life Resource Program is free and confidential. It is available to you, your immediate family, your staff and members of their immediate family. For more information about the Work/ Life Resource Program, visit www.nfda.org/ worklife (member log in required).
www.mnfuneral.org 13
Book Review: “The Chick and the Dead: Life and Death Behind Mortuary Doors” by Carla Valentine By Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm Sez, LLC
Everybody has a story to tell. It might start with a rough childhood, or an event that left a lifelong impression; an influential mentor, or a span of adult years and a change of heart. However that tale opens, there’s always more to it. In “The Chick and the Dead” by Carla Valentine, you’ll also see that every body has a story to tell, too. At a time when most little girls are thinking of becoming princesses someday, Carla Valentine knew she wanted to work in a mortuary. It wasn’t because she was fascinated
with the macabre -- although as a child, she did hold funerals for roadkill. No, she had witnessed the death of her beloved grandfather when she was small, and it led to questions that adults didn’t answer. A few years later, as the teenage babysitter for a U.K. mortician, she learned that the dead could offer the answers themselves. Valentine tried to choose another career path, but not even college deterred her from working with the dead which, she decided, was a satisfying way to make a living. Mid-university, she found Author Carla Valentine a part-time position in a mortuary and began Photo: Teri Pengilley studying to become an APT (assistant pathology technician) which, she explains, differs in responsibilities and legalities from that of many others who work in the death industry. APTs in the United Kingdom are tasked with removing organs for donation, for instance. They assume some of the duties that North American funeral directors do, especially for the littlest bodies. They tend to work closer with families of the deceased, than with officers of the law. The work of an APT is also nothing like it’s portrayed on TV. There are no wriggly larvae on the floor of TV autopsy rooms. Pathologists on crime dramas wear minimal protective clothing, which can lead to unhappy circumstances in real life. Television crimes are solved in a neat hour, minus commercial time. And unlike all the King’s Men, an APT can put suicidal Humpty together again…
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The very first thing you need to know about “The Chick and the Dead” is that it’s filled with Britticisms. That’s likely not going to cause problems with enjoying it, but it does bear mentioning. The second thing you need to know is that this probably isn’t anything you want to read with lunch. Author Carla Valentine can tell a gruesome tale, complete with body fluids, unsavory bits, and unpleasant accidents, and she’s specific in her details. Properly warned, you’re in for a good read: Valentine lets many of the questions you’ve had about various processes R.I.P., and she does it good-naturedly and with a touch of humor. Illustrative stories will help you to understand further, and she lends a personal touch to her book with both painful and poignant memories shared. If you’re easy-queasy, beware. Without strong curiosity and a stronger stomach, you may not be able to handle what’s in here. Still, though it’s gutsy in the most literal sense, “The Chick and the Dead” is a great story told.
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14 MFDA Bulletin • FALL 2017
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SPECIAL THANKS TO MFDA’S 2017 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 Answering Service for Directors Jason Bathurst www.myASD.com Artco Casket Company, Inc. Al Whitmer, Steve Doscher, Wally Gelecinskyj www.artcocasket.com Assured Decontamination Services Perry Ebner www.deconservices.com Avalon Daniel Seman www.medicalexaminerstransport.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 Cottrell Law Firm William Cottrell www.cottrelllawfirm.com Cousineau, VanBergen, McNeese and Malone Michael Sharkey www.cvmmlaw.com Decorating Den Interiors Gina Wolleat www.gina.decoratingden.com Dodge Company Gregg Bright www.dodgeco.com Doric Dealers of MN Matt Wieser, Todd Weiser www.wieser-doric.com Federated Insurance Connor Odykirk www.federatedinsurance.com Foothills Planning Services Caryl DeBlieck www.foothillsplanningservices.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 GENiSYSS Mark Stepaniak www.genisyyss.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 MAS Communications Mary Reeves www.mascommunications.net Matthews Aurora Casket Roger Ruth, Alexis Smith www.matw.com Meadow Hill Corporation Maria Ross www.meadowhillco.com Medical Disposal Systems, Inc. Warren Winkelman www.mds-mn.com Messenger Bob Hoaglund www.messengerstationery.com Midwest Medical Examiners Office Angie Chalmers www.midwestmedicalexaminer.com Minneapolis Star Tribune Patrick Davis www.startribune.com
Minnesota Lions Eye Bank Sara McFee www.mnlionseyebank.org Monumental Sales Dave Dobe www.sunburstmemorials.com Northern Design Caskets Scott Haiby ndesign@paulbunyan.net Northwestern Casket Co. David Koll www.nwcasket.com Pekin Life Insurance Company Michelle Vos www.pekininsurance.com Peterson Law Office Bill Peterson www.petersonlawoffice.com Pluto Legal Cheryl Vos www.plutolegal.com Scene Clean, Inc. Nate Berg www.scenecleanmn.com Reflections & Tributes Brent Hartwig www.reflectionsandtributes.com Senior Advantage Consultants Julie and Jim Palm www.sradvantageconsultants.com Shepart Dawson Grover www.shepart.com Smith Schafer & Associates, Ltd. Michelle Gates www.smithschafer.com Steinhaus Supply Services Steven Steinhaus The Purple Cross Plan Denis Nordlum www.purplecross.com TransNational Payments Matt Gandolfo www.gotnp.com/funeral-homes United Heritage Insurance Bob Hanson www.unitedheritage.com University of Minnesota Mortuary Science Michael LuBrant www.mortuaryscience.umn.edu Vandalia Glassworks Erick Schmidt www.vandaliaglassworks.com Willmar Precast Company Ron Jasperson
www.mnfuneral.org 15
New Dr. Wolfelt Book Offers Daily Doses of Mindfulness Companion Press announces the publication of a new book entitled One Mindful Day at a Time: 365 Meditations for Living in the Now by renowned grief educator Dr. Alan Wolfelt. For most of us, life is way too hectic. We feel scattered and distracted. We’re busy rushing from one required activity to the next, and when we have a few moments of downtime, we’re often glued to our electronics. Is this
what life is really all about? Learn to slow down and live more mindfully with this daily companion. In one brief entry for each day of the calendar year, counselor Dr. Alan Wolfelt offers small, day-at-a-time doses of wisdom and practical guidance. In just a few minutes a day, this little gem of a book will teach you to live every moment from a place of peace, purpose, and gratitude. Living in the now is a habit you can cultivate. Published right before the holiday season, this book is an ideal gift book for yourself or someone you love. Author, educator, and grief counselor Dr. Alan Wolfelt serves as Director of the Center
Brown Wilbert
One Mindful Day at a Time is available in both softcover and e-book formats. To order and to learn more about Dr. Wolfelt’s books on grief and loss, visit www.centerforloss.com or call (970) 226-6050.
Inc.
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Venetian with Farm Scene Legacy Order Vaults, Caskets, & Urns Online at Brown-Wilbert.com 16 MFDA Bulletin • FALL 2017
for Loss and Life Transition in Fort Collins, Colorado. The author of Grief One Day at a Time, Understanding Your Grief, and many other books for grief caregivers and mourners, Dr. Wolfelt is committed to helping people mourn well so they can live well and love well. He is available for interviews on the normal, necessary journey through grief and on healing through active mourning.
Watch your mail for the 2017-2018 MFDA Membership Directory
Tips When Notarizing for Elderly Signers From the National Notary Association
Older signers often have medical, physical or personal challenges that can make it more difficult to complete a notarization for them. But the following tips can help make notarizing for a senior proceed more smoothly. 1. Choose a time when the signer is most relaxed and coherent. Try to arrange the appointment with family members or caregivers ahead of time, to ensure that you don’t show up when the signer is agitated, tired, or otherwise in distress. The signer’s attention should be focused on you and on the task at hand. 2. Make small talk. Having a short conversation with the signer can help not only put him or her at ease; it can also help you gauge the patient’s awareness. Ask questions about the patient’s interests, current events, or any other topics that require some measure of understanding in order to respond. 3. Explain yourself. While it is never your job to offer advice, you should take the time to explain your role as a third-party witness to the document transaction, and that it is your job to properly identify the signers and make sure they know what it is they are signing. Having a clear understanding about the process can help ease the signer’s anxiety.
4. Seek clarification. A good way of gauging a signer’s awareness is to simply have them repeat back to you what it is they are signing. If they are unable to do so, this may be a sign that they are not aware, and simply going through the motions. 5. Observe the signer’s surrounding. If the patient’s family or caregivers are present, be on the look-out for any signs that might indicate that they are coercing the patient to sign the paperwork, especially if they have any vested interest in the documents being signed, such as a financial power of attorney.
In some cases, just taking the time introducing yourself and explaining your role as a Notary first may help put an older signer at ease. However, if you have reasonable doubt concerning the signer’s awareness and willingness, you should halt notarization at once and record in your journal the reason for stopping the notarization. Originally published in the the Elder Law Review, brought to you by Pluto Legal, PLLC. www.PlutoLegal.com
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GREGG BRIGHT 612-916-6667 800-443-6343
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HELPING YOU MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE www.mnfuneral.org 17
IN MEMORIAM MN Funeral Director Rodney Owen Thompson, 70, of Hancock, formerly of Milan and Baxter, passed away unexpectedly surrounded by his loving family on Monday, July 24, 2017 at Swift County Hospital in Benson. A gathering of family and friends was held July 28, 2017 at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter. A funeral service was July 29, 2017 at Our Redeemers Lutheran Church in Hancock. Rod was born July 7, 1947, in Montevideo, the son of Alfred and Inez (Lovehaug) Thompson. He was baptized and confirmed at Kviteseid Lutheran Church in Milan and graduated from Milan High School where he participated in football, choir, drama and softball. He continued his education at the University of Minnesota, Morris and was an accountant for Merrill Lynch before joining his family in the family construction business. The Thompson family has had four generations involved in the carpentry trade. Rod married Mary Ellen Larson in 1969. They were blessed with three children and seven grandchildren. Rod loved them and cherished the time he could spend with his family, even when that meant Christmas at the funeral home. Rod was active in the communities where he lived. He was a member of Kviteseid and later Our Redeemers Lutheran Church. He loved to sing and did so at church and also as a member of Chord-Ayres. He was a member of the Lions Club and volunteered as an EMT and fire fighter. He enjoyed woodworking and was always happy to add another item to the “honeydo list”. Rod was a die-hard Vikings fan and was eternally optimistic that this would be their year. For the last 27 years, Rod truly found his calling. He returned to school, attending the University of Minnesota where he graduated from the Mortuary Science School in 1991. He started his career as funeral director in Morris and helped funeral chapels across the state, but he made his home at the Brenny Funeral Chapels and they were lucky to have him. He will be missed by so many and 18 MFDA Bulletin • FALL 2017
is survived by his wife, of 48 years, Mary Ellen; children, Jason (Annette) Thompson, of Fargo, Bethany (Mike) Nordquist, of Morris, and Robin (Luke) Kieffer, of Hancock; grandchildren, Cassie and Tori Thompson, Elijah, Anja and Noah Nordquist, and Owen and Anton Kieffer; sisters, Judy Kleven and Joyce (Jon) Jordahl; brothers and sisters-in-law, Judy Thompson, James (Jack Povlock) Larson and Thomas (Bernice) Larson, Patty (Gary) Novotny and Patricia Larson; cousin, David Lovehaug; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Inez; brother, Robert; mother and father-in-law, Franklin and Alice Larson; brother-in-law, James Kleven; and cousin, Ronald Lovehaug. MN Funeral Director Ralph H. Albinson, father of MN Funeral Directors Jim and Dan Albinson, age 88 years, 11 months and 15 days, of Golden Valley Minnesota went home to be with the Lord early Saturday morning, September 30, 2017. He was a longtime resident of Minneapolis, Golden Valley and then Plymouth, Minnesota. He later returned to Golden Valley and resided at the Covenant Village Retirement Community. Ralph was a United States Air Force veteran who served his country as a navigator and racked up 75 combat missions in a DC3 transport flying over the front lines in Korea dropping flares at night. Ralph was a man of faith and adventure. He loved God’s creation and the outdoors and he loved serving all people. The record of his life is filled with adventure, service and love. You may know Ralph by his work and association with his family funeral business, Albin Chapel, or his volunteer and leadership efforts in Boy Scouts, Adventurous Christians, Wheaton College Alumni Association, Minnehaha Academy Alumni Association, Hospitality House, Christian Business Men’s Committee, The Minneapolis Athletic Club, Mission Inc.
board of directors, Trail West Village in Buena Vista Colorado, Covenant Village of Golden Valley Management Advisory Committee, and First Covenant Church in Minneapolis where he was truly a life-long member. Preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Marguerite, daughter-in-law Ann Thomsen Albinson and brother-in-law Rev. William Carleton. Ralph is survived by his wife of 65 years and the love of his life Margaret “Margy”, Children, James Albinson (Marita), Thomas Albinson (Donna), Daniel Albinson (Carla), Grandchildren, Lisa Albinson (Heather), Carrie Bosmans (Steve), Sarah Nelson (John Mark), Drew Albinson, Ava Albinson, Aaron Albinson, Brother Jack Albinson, Sisters-in-law, Marie Albinson and Pat Carleton, many nieces, nephews other family and friends. Visitation was held October 3 at Washburn-McReavy Albin Chapel, 7625 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55344. Memorial Service was held October 4 First Covenant Church Minneapolis, 810 South 7th St., Mpls, MN Private interment, Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Tuesday, November 14 4-8 p.m. MFDA Members are invited to the grand opening week for Crescent Cove’s Hospice and Respite Home in Brooklyn Center. The Open House for Caregivers and Medical Community will be held Tuesday, November 14 from 4-8pm. For more info and to RSVP, visit www.crescentcove.org/grandopening/
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