MFDA Bulletin Spring 2016

SPRING 2016

BULLETIN

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY FOR THE MINNESOTA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION MEMBERS.

Staying Ahead of The Game

Register online now!

MFDA ANNUAL CONVENTION

www.mnfuneral.org

126TH ANNUAL CONVENTION

MAY 23-25, 2016

Treasure Island Resort & Casino • Red Wing, MN

2016 KEYNOTES: Facial Reconstruction & Restorative Techniques Mystery Shopping Funeral Homes: Inside the Mind of the Consumer 2016 SOCIAL EVENTS: Monday: Bowling with Batesville Happy Hour Tuesday: Throwback 90’s Night with music By Orange Whip

Thank You 2016 Convention Title Sponsors: Brown Wilbert, Doric Dealers of MN, and FDLIC

Change Service Requested Minnesota Funeral Directors Association 7046 East Fish Lake Road Maple Grove, MN 55311

MFDA Bulletin

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PRIOR LAKE, MN PERMIT NO. 23

Please make it home safe today.

We believe you deserve more than just insurance. You deserve valuable risk management tools— like the “What is Important to You” distracted driving prevention program—designed to help you and your employees make it home safe today.

Federated provides clients with access to services offered through wholly independent third parties. Neither Federated nor its employees provide legal advice.

16.08 Ed Date. 11/15 *Not licensed in the states of NH, NJ, and VT. © 2016 Federated Insurance

Minnesota Funeral Directors Association

In This Issue

BOARD OF DIRECTORS, STAFF AND OTHER CONTACTS

Executive Director’s Report........................................... 4

President Shawn Kirby Kolden Funeral Service Le Sueur, MN shawntkirby@gmail.com

Secretary Ashley Hoff-Czaplewski Hoff Funeral and Cremations Service St. Charles, MN hoff.ashleymarie@gmail.com

Treasurer Jeff Hartquist Hartquist Funeral Home Luverne, MN engebretson@iw.net

Past President Michael Cudmore Cease Funeral Home Bagley, MN michaelwcudmore@yahoo.com

From the President......................................................... 5 2016 Annual Convention............................................6-11 MFDA Leadership Graduates.......................................12 FDLIC Announces Project Agreement........................13 A.B. Best Affirms Federated Insurance A+ Rating.....13 We Need to End the Paper Trail.............................. 14-15 The Funeral Experience............................................... 16 In Memoriam..................................................................18 Book Review: Death’s Summer Coat............................... 20 2016 MFDA Allied Members.........................................21

DISTRICT DIRECTORS

Classifieds.................................................................22-23

Kelly J. Kelly (District 1) Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes Kasson, MN kjkell0803@yahoo.com

Dan Dahl (District 10) Dahl Funeral Home East Grand Forks, MN dahlfuneralhome@midconetwork.com

2016 Calendar

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

May 23, 2016, NFDA Certified Crematory Operator Training Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Red Wing, MN

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 Open (District 8) Steve Sheets, CFSP (District 9) Schoeneberger Funeral Home Perham MN sheets.steve@yahoo.com

POLICY BOARD REPRESENTATIVE Leif Larsen

May 23-25, 2016, MFDA 126th Annual Convention Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Red Wing, MN September 12-14, 2016, Certified Celebrant Training Ramada Plaza Minneapolis, Minneapolis, MN

Green-Larsen Mortuary International Falls, MN llarsen@greenlarsen.com

PAST PRESIDENT REP Norman Larsen

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

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Darlyne Erickson, CAE 763-416-0124 612-940-8169 (cell) info@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

7046 East Fish Lake Road Maple Grove, MN 55311 p: (763) 416-0124 f: (763) 416-0124 e: info@mnfuneral.org www.mnfuneral.org

• 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

The MFDA Bulletin is published quarterly for MDFA members. Copyright ©2016 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.

Classified ads are also available at $50 for up to 75 words. 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 I’m ready to talk about spring as I look out at the snow on this grey March day! I started writing this article when the sun was shining and was ready to declare that Spring had sprung! I take it all back.

I’m guessing the majority of us have all lived through a few spring snowstorms in our time, so I am cautiously optimistic that this too will pass!

CONVENTION: We are returning to Red Wing / Treasure Island Casino & Event Center, May 23-25 (Monday/Wednesday). New to the facility… additional meeting space, glass walls to separate the casino and event area and increased their ventilation. In addition, they have just opened up The Lagoon water park for all ages, and there’s The Barefoot Bar swim-up bar and giant hot tub just for those age 21+. And finally, they have included The Wave Spa for those who wish to pamper themselves with facials, massages, haircuts…etc.

EDUCATION: We have made a concerted effort to include a great mix of education that will fall into the MN Department Health defined categories. Realistically, if a person were to attend all three (3) days of education (excluding the Certified Crematory Operator’s course), you could achieve 12 of the 15 required credits for a two year reporting period. We will again be tracking CEU’s with bar code scanners for everyone’s benefit.

happening. If you really want to pull out some of the outfits you wore last time we were there, have at it!

Tuesday Night – 7-11pm Join in the fun with the band Orange Whip, “a bounty of booty-shakin’ bliss!” Don’t that let that frighten you.

This band is multi-talented and plays a wide range of music that will be sure to get everyone on the dance floor. Purpose of this is to just have fun…we know you can do that!

Our theme this year is “Staying Ahead of the Game”, which is true for all of us, not only in business but for life in general. As your association staff one of our goals is to create an experience for you that will both educate and entertain. As you leave Red Wing you 1) will have a smile on your face, 2) learned something new, 3) discovered something about someone that you never knew before and finally 4) are proud to be part of YOUR professional association, MFDA! Look forward to seeing you in May. Please stop by, call or email if you have any questions. Our doors, emails and phones are always open!

FUN STUFF: Join us Monday evening 5-7pm for happy hour in the Island XTreme Bowl. No costumes or theme’s required! Although knowing this group I can see an impromptu “tournament”

Darlyne Erickson MFDA Executive Director

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7046 East Fish Lake Road, Maple Grove, MN 55311 Phone: (763) 416-0124 | Fax: (763) 416-0124 Email: info@mnfuneral.org | www.mnfuneral.org

FROM THE PRESIDENT

There is Much to be Excited About

By Shawn T. Kirby

Greetings members, professionals, and friends of the funeral industry. It is hard to believe I am almost through my year as your president of MFDA. It is incredible, the people I have met along the way and the genuineness and grace of our members. I have learned much, offered what I can, and feel the leadership to come has much to share with all of you. I have watched our board change with five new members. We have had growth of leadership and fulfilment of several goals.

I do have three months ahead of me yet and will approach the coming months with much passion and energy.

Early March will mark the new legislative session which is starting a little late due to construction at the Capital, and of course we are anticipating a short session due to the election year. Our MFDA Legislative Committee has been meeting and reviewing issues and proposed bills that will dictate the tone of our industry, and are working hard for all your best interest.

share our challenges and goals.

On May 23-25, the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association 126th Annual Convention will take place at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Red Wing, MN. As usual, this will be a great opportunity to see the newest and innovative ideas in the industry, attend some continuing education classes and of course, renew some old and new relationships. I am excited about the graduation of our inaugural Leadership Academy participants, which will take place during convention. It has been an enlightening year with these young professionals, and I am looking forward to them sharing their experiences with you at the convention. Lastly, Jeff Hartquist of Luverne, MN will be nominated as your next Minnesota Funeral Directors Association President for the 2016-2017 year. I have no doubt he will do a FANTASTIC JOB next year.

In late April, our Executive Director Darlyne Erickson along with other MFDA Board members and I will attend the NFDA Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. As you all know, education, resources, and professional support are a major ingredient in membership. One of the most important tasks of our state association is to make sure all our members are heard! This is our yearly opportunity to bring our message to the federal level of government. Some of the issues we will take to Washington this year is the sustainability of Social Security Benefits and Veterans’ benefits. We will also have the opportunity to meet with other state and national leaders and

Willmar Precast Company

IN THE HEART OF SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA Serving the burial vault needs of funeral professionals in:

Gregg Bright 612-916-6667 800-443-6343 gbright@dodgeco.com http://shop.dodgeco.com ~ www.dodgeco.com Tel 1-800-443-6343 ~ Fax 1-800-443-4034

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Call Ron Jasperson at Willmar Precast 320-235-8527; Toll Free: 1-800-559-8527

www.mnfuneral.org 5

Staying Ahead of The Game MFDA ANNUAL CONVENTION

Join us!

MAY 23-25, 2016 • Treasure Island Resort Casino

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Mystery Shopping Funeral Homes: Inside the Mind of the Consumer

Join us for education, fun, camaraderie, education, great food, and motivational speakers! We will be learning ways to Stay Ahead of the Game. You don’t want to miss it!

Rich Kizer & Georganne Bender

Facial Reconstruction & Restorative Techniques Wally Hooker Sponsored in part by Gregg Bright of The Dodge Co This two-hour course is broken into two sessions. The first half will review five case studies of actual reconstructive cases with power point photos showing the progression from initial traumatic injuries, through the end result of being an acceptable open casket viewing. It documents each step taken to overcome the injuries. These cases are presented with the permission of the families. The second hour will feature a live demonstration on facial reconstruction using commonly available products on RATH (restorative art teaching heads) which are life size heads with matching traumatic injuries.

In addition, new Simskin heads, which are medical realistic surgical training models are utilized. They very closely resemble the actual skin of the face and head. We can demonstrate, incisions, suturing, reconstruction and the finishing touches of a traumatic injury. A video camera is used to project the images onto a large screen for full view of attendees.

Wallace P. (Wally) Hooker, owner/funeral director/embalmer of Family & Friends Funeral Home of Wingate, IN. He and his wife established, designed and built their funeral home in 2004. Wally attended Purdue University and is a proud graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science, Wheeling, IL. He has been licensed 22 years. He currently serves as President of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association. Wally does a significant amount of trade embalming in his facility along with his own growing funeral home business. He is routinely called on by other funeral directors, to assist with their problem cases, restorative work and for their family members. He has developed a passion and reputation for quality no-nonsense embalming and facial reconstruction. As an in demand lecturer/demonstrator, Wally enjoys sharing his professional knowledge and experience with others.

In addition, he has served Fountain County, Indiana for the past 21 years, as a deputy coroner, the past 16 as chief deputy/investigator. He also serves on the board of the Indiana State Coroners Association.

Sponsored by Brown-Wilbert Have you ever wondered what that potential customer is really looking for? The obvious, of course is that they need what you sell. But what if they don’t have an immediate need? What if they’re just testing the waters to see if you stack up for when the need truly arises?

Testing the waters – looking at businesses through the eyes of the customer – is what consumer anthropologists Rich Kizer and Georganne Bender do every day. And figuring out what funeral industry customers really want is at the top of their mystery shopping list.

In 2005 an assignment from the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association sent KIZER & BENDER off on a new journey: To get inside the mind of the funeral industry consumer. Since then they have posed as consumers, walking into funeral homes and cemetery offices across the U.S. and Canada to see and experience first-hand what a consumer sees, hears, and feels in the process of making funeral arrangements. They visit disguised as the typical customers you see every day: Well-dressed and a complete mess; wealthy and cash-challenged; nice and downright self-absorbed. In addition, Rich and Georganne hold funeral industry specific focus groups and one-on-one interviews with families. The result of their research is literally straight from the customer’s mouth – solid, ground-level, inthe-trenches consumer intelligence that you can use today to better serve your own customers.

If you want to learn what customers expect from your funeral home; if you’d like to know what it takes to see your business through the eyes of the customer, and if you want to learn how your local perception impacts your business, then you won’t want to miss this customer-centric presentation!

Rich Kizer and Georganne Bender are professional speakers, authors and consultants whose client list reads like a “Who’s Who” in business.

Companies internationally depend upon them for timely advice on consumers and the changing retail market place.

KIZER & BENDER are contributors to MSNBC’s television program Your Business. They made Meetings & Conventions Magazine’s list of Meeting Planners Favorite Keynote Speakers, have been named two of Retailing’s Most Influential People, are included in the Top 40 Omnichannel Retail Influencers, and were listed among the Top 50 Retail Influencers two years in a row (2015 & 2016).

Their Retail Adventures blog was recently named the Top Retail Blog by PR Newswire Media, and one of the Top 50 Retail Blogs in 2016. And with good reason: Rich and Georganne are experts on generational diversity, consumer trends, marketing and promotion, and everything retail.

KIZER & BENDER are married – just not to each other! 2016 marks their 26th year as a speaking team. Their presentations blend brilliant content with colorful examples, humor, and insight. You’ll learn while you laugh!

And you’ll come away with inspiration, ideas, strategies, tactics, tips and techniques you can use the second you return to your business!

6 MFDA Bulletin • SPRING 2016

Staying Ahead of The Game MFDA ANNUAL CONVENTION

REGISTRATION

Please fill out the form below OR register online at www.regonline.com/mfda2016

REGISTER EARLY AND RECEIVE A $25 DISCOUNT! Complete the registration form below and return it to MFDA postmarked on or before Friday, May 13 and save! Forms returned May 14 or later should include the full registration fee. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name (Please print or type) Name on badge _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Firm name _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address/City/State/Zip _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone number Email address Registration* Please select the appropriate registration fees below. ❑❑ MFDA Member Funeral Director $195 ($220 after May 13) ❑❑ MFDA Funeral Home Preneed Counselor $195 ($220 after May 13) ❑❑ Guest** $95 ($120 after May 13) Guest name for badge:________________________________________________________ ❑❑ U of M Mortuary Science Student Free ($25 after May 13) ❑❑ Non-Member $420 ($445 after May 13) Events Please select the following events you will attend. ❑❑ Monday, May 23, Bowling with Batesville Happy Hour – Sponsored by Batesville Casket Co. Free of charge # attending______________

Pre-registration requested by 5/6/2016. Non-members welcome. ❑❑ Tuesday, May 24, Throwback 90’s Night with Orange Whip – Sponsored by Doric Dealers of MN Free of charge # attending______________ Pre-registration requested by 5/6/2016. Non-members welcome.

Total Enclosed $ _________________ q MasterCard

q VISA q Check (Make payable to MFDA)

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Credit card number Expiration date CSV code Billing zip _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Print name as it appears on card ❑❑ If you require special assistance or have dietary requirements please check box and attach a statement of your needs. * Registration includes: Daily admission to Convention program sessions, all Exhibit Hall functions including meal functions. ** A Guest is a non funeral director who is a guest of a licensed funeral director. Out of respect for our exhibitors, non-exhibiting suppliers or sponsor members are not allowed to register or attend the Convention.

Send Completed Form:

By Fax (with credit card information) to: (763) 416-0124

By Mail (with payment) to:

Minnesota Funeral Directors Association

7046 E. Fish Lake Rd

Maple Grove, MN 55311

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF MFDA AND THE 126TH ANNUAL CONVENTION AND EXPO! www.mnfuneral.org 7

Staying Ahead of The Game

MAY 23-25, 2016 • Treasure Island Resort Casino

MFDA ANNUAL CONVENTION

SESSION DESCRIPTIONS Monday, May 23 8:00am-4:00pm

NFDA Certified Crematory Operator Program (7 Body Prep CEUs) Mike Nicodemus, NFDA Vice President of Cremation Services This session is offered by NFDA - to register, go to www.nfda.org/cco The recognized standard for funeral service professionals, NFDA’s Certified Crematory Operator Program™ covers cremation ethics, crematory operations and maintenance, safety, compliance and liability issues, cremation customer service, and much more. Whether you currently own or operate a crematory, are thinking of opening one, or want to evaluate a third-party 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 CCO certification requires passing the online NFDA CCO Certification Test within a designated timeframe. A test link is provided to candidates whose complete attendance has been verified in writing by the onsite instructor.

1:00-4:00pm

The Five R’s of Death Documentation: Rules, Requirements, and Resources for Recording and Registering Minnesota Deaths (3 Regulation & Ethics CEUs) Molly Mulcahy Crawford, Minnesota Dept of Health Office of Vital Records The Office of Vital Records is offering an opportunity for professional development with 3 hours of continuing education in Regulation and Ethics. This class provides an overview of death registration and tips to maximize use of the Minnesota Registration & Certification (MR&C) system through lecture, MR&C hands-on, and discussion.

Instructors include subject-matter experts from the Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records. The class will help those new to death records and those with experience improve their processes and expand their knowledge. The instructors will present material created and compiled from Minnesota vital records laws, policies, and procedures. They will have interactive dialogue and discussion prompted by tools to capture immediate audience feedback and responses.

Instructors will walk through case studies and lessons and demonstrate the vital records electronic system, MR&C. Resources and tips about the SSA interface, email notification through MR&C, physician use and more will be shared by instructors and staff who are experienced professionals and who assuring that responsible for the registration, record management, and certification of death events activities required for legal and public health purposes are conducted efficiently and effectively within the State of Minnesota.

8 MFDA Bulletin • SPRING 2016

LEARNING OBJECTIVES At the end of the session, participants will be able to: 1. Describe the process and requirements for successfully completing a death record, including fact and cause of death in the electronic vital records system (MR&C).

2. Recognize the critical role funeral directors and morticians play and their unique responsibilities in correctly recording death events and shepherding death records to completion.

3. Illustrate the importance of accurate demographic/legal information and clear and descriptive health information and the impact on meaningful data for use by public health professionals.

4. Gain knowledge of the Minnesota vital records system and how to maximize the MR&C system for efficient and effective customer service.

5. List at least three resources for information that will help in registering deaths for routine circumstances and when unusual or unexpected situations occur.

Tuesday, May 24 8:00-8:50am

OSHA Training (1 OSHA CEU) Mark Arnold, Funeral Director Mark Arnold is a 1986 graduate from the University of Minnesota Mortuary Science Program. Mark has chaired and served the OSHA Compliance Committee that has provided OSHA compliance awareness for Minnesota funeral directors. He is a qualified OSHA compliance trainer and consultant for the funeral industry throughout Minnesota and surrounding states. Currently Mark works as a licensed funeral director for the David Lee Funeral Home in Wayzata, MN.

8:00-8:50am

Hot Topics in Death Registration (1 Regulation & Ethics CEU) Molly Mulcahy Crawford, Minnesota Dept of Health Office of Vital Records This session will highlight trends and emerging opportunities in Minnesota Death Registration. The Office of Vital Records will provide a brief update on the Minnesota Registration & Certification (MR&C) system, updates on policies and procedures, new improvement initiatives and information about activities others involved in death registration are doing that impacts our work. The session will allow time for questions, discussion, and participant interaction.

Staying Ahead of The Game

MAY 23-25, 2016 • Treasure Island Resort Casino

MFDA ANNUAL CONVENTION

9:00-10:50am KEYNOTE #1

2:45-3:35pm

Facial Reconstruction & Restorative Techniques

What Happens When a Law Enforcement Officer is Killed in Your Community?

(2 Body Prep CEUs) Wally Hooker, Family & Friends Funeral Home of Wingate, IN Sponsored in part by Gregg Bright of The Dodge Co

(1 Professional Practices CEU) Jerry Thompson, Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home, and Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association Representatives

See session description on page 6.

“We never thought it would happen in our town” is something that is heard after an in-line-of-duty death involving a law enforcement officer.

It should be happening in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, but not Aitkin, Lake City or Mendota Heights…right? Unfortunately, these tragic incidents do occur and no community is immune to the possibility.

11:00-11:50am

Recruitment, Retention, and Attrition in Funeral Service (1 Professional Practices CEU) Michael LuBrant, Ph.D., University of MN Mortuary Science Program Increasingly, funeral directors - especially those in rural areas - are having difficulty recruiting and retaining top talent. Michael LuBrant, Ph.D., Director of the mortuary science program at the University of Minnesota, along with current students and recent graduates, will discuss experiences related to recruitment and employee retention in funeral service. The session will allow time for questions and answers with panel members.

Several funeral directors have faced that reality in the recent past and in the process have learned many valuable lessons. The purpose of this presentation is to share lessons learned so when the next officer related death occurs the process can run as smoothly as possible for everyone involved… family, both personal and professional, community, funeral professional and clergy. The speakers represent funeral service, chaplaincy and law enforcement.

11:00-11:50am

3:45-4:35pm

Cremation Liability Issues for Crematories and Funeral Homes Using 3rd Party Crematories and Knowing Whether Your Insurer Stands Behind You (1 Regulation & Ethics CEU) Mike Nicodemus, NFDA Vice President of Cremation Services and Jeff Stevenson, Federated Insurance Everyone has Insurance coverage, but do you know whether or not you will be covered in case your 3rd Party Cremation Provider makes a terrible mistake, and you end up being sued. The cremation rate has doubled in the past 25 years, and according to the FTC, cremation procedures “are the largest source of risk exposure and liability in the funeral profession”. Did you know that your funeral home or crematory could be one cremation away from being uninsurable? This 2-hour program presented by cremation expert Mike Nicodemus and a Risk Expert from Federated Insurance will raise your liability awareness so you can manage risk, operate safely and avoid costly fines. Learn how to prevent incidents from occurring, the proper use and maintenance of equipment, correct procedures and why employee education – and Due Diligence – are so important. If you think “My Insurance Company will cover this”, Think Again.

2:45-3:35pm

Minnesota DMORT/DMERT Update (1 Professional Practices CEU) Chad Ostlund, Minnesota Department of Health, and Shawn Wilson, HCMC Medical Examiner’s Office Increased planning for mass fatality events continues to be an area of concern across the state. Hennepin county, along with other counties in Minnesota, are working together with the Minnesota Department of Health to address any gaps. The NFDA document titled “Death Care Professionals Mass Fatality Plan” indicates the importance of this planning nationwide as well. Chad and Shawn will discuss this plan, the Federal DMORT team and the Minnesota DMERT team. The roles of Funeral Directors and other specialists will be addressed.

Why Your Families Want You to Webcast & How to Get Started Today (1 General CEU) Shane White and Kyle Fogarty, Midwest Streams The founders of Midwest Streams, a software company out of Fargo, will break down the specifics of how easy funeral webcasting is. Webcasting can benefit any home, and be set-up in as little as ten minutes per service.

Webcasting is traditionally viewed as a daunting process, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ll discuss why your families will appreciate webcasting and how to best approach the conversation. We will go through the different technologies available so you can choose which solution is the best for your funeral home. For homes that are already webcasting we run through the basics of camera placement and production techniques. Get in on the ground floor of webcasting, before your competitors do.

3:45-4:35pm

Research to Quantify Mercury Emissions from Dental Amalgam in Crematoria (1 General CEU) Michael LuBrant, Ph.D., University of MN Mortuary Science Program and Sandra Myers, DMD, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the University of Minnesota Schools of Dentistry and Mortuary Science embarked on a fascinating study to quantify the amount of mercury in adult mouths (age 63 to 79 years of age) and therefore the potential mercury emissions via cremation. The mercury problem has many facets. The aging population harbors many dental fillings containing mercury. Mercury release, on cremation, is projected to rise steadily before falling. Current projections rely on mercury sold for dental use, caries rates, and cremations and not on actual existing dental amalgam fillings in the oral cavity, material longevity, replacement by alternative materials, and increased life expectancy. The study was completed summer 2015, so join us to hear the final results.

www.mnfuneral.org 9

Staying Ahead of The Game

MAY 23-25, 2016 • Treasure Island Resort Casino

MFDA ANNUAL CONVENTION

SESSION DESCRIPTIONS (CONTINUED) Wednesday, May 25

9:00-9:50am

8:00-8:50am

(1 General CEU) Bruce Matza, Innovations in Management, and MFDA Leadership Academy Graduates Panel

Alkaline Hydrolysis Session (1 Body Prep CEU) Joel LaCanne, LaCanne Family Funeral Service Minnesota Funeral Director Joel LaCanne will talk about what his experience has been since introducing the option of Alkaline Hydrolysis to his community in Windom, MN. He will discuss the beginning to end process of having Alkaline Hydrolysis as an option for the families you serve.

8:00-8:50am

Meet the Leadership Academy Graduates

The MFDA Leadership Academy has completed its inaugural year. Meet the graduates and discuss leadership challenges, issues and successes in our industry. Learn more about the Academy and how it could serve your staff members. Join in a lively conversation about leadership.

1:30-3:20pm KEYNOTE #2

Medical Assistance Updates and Continuing Issues Funeral Homes Face

Mystery Shopping Funeral Homes: Inside the Mind of the Consumer

(1 Regulation & Ethics CEU) Pluto Legal Staff

(2 Professional Practices CEUs) Rich Kizer and Georganne Bender Sponsored by Brown-Wilbert

Pluto Legal, PLLC will bring you up to date on Medical Assistance, spenddowns and preserving assets from long-term care costs. We will also learn about Medical Assistance as it relates to Prefunded Funerals, issues with funding, and potential future issues raised by the Department of Human Services. Attendees will learn about who has priority to make decisions regarding disposition of remains and the legal documents that govern those issues post mortem. Also discussed will be Probate and Priority Creditors. What does it mean to you as a Funeral Home?

9:00-9:50am

How to Use Social Media to Grow Your Business (1 General CEU) Bernie Laur CRMC, CDMC and Melissa Budensiek, Hubbard Broadcasting A recent Syncapse study shows that 46% of web users will look toward social media when making a purchase decision. Attend this seminar to learn how to effectively utilize social media to grow your business.

Hubbard Interactive will discuss the importance of social media, show you what a campaign looks like, and perform a live social media audit with ideas that your business can use today!

See session description on page 6.

3:30-4:30pm

OSHA Training (1 OSHA CEU) Mark Arnold, Funeral Director Mark Arnold is a 1986 graduate from the University of Minnesota Mortuary Science Program. Mark has chaired and served the OSHA Compliance Committee that has provided OSHA compliance awareness for Minnesota funeral directors. He is a qualified OSHA compliance trainer and consultant for the funeral industry throughout Minnesota and surrounding states. Currently Mark works as a licensed funeral director for the David Lee Funeral Home in Wayzata, MN.

Thank You Title Sponsors!

10 MFDA Bulletin • SPRING 2016

Staying Ahead of The Game

MAY 23-25, 2016 • Treasure Island Resort Casino

MFDA ANNUAL CONVENTION

CONVENTION SOCIAL EVENTS Bowling with Batesville Happy Hour

CONVENTION HOTEL Sponsored by Batesville Casket Co

Monday, May 23 • 5:30-7:30pm Join us to kick off convention with food, cash bar, and bowling with friends at Batesville Bowling Happy Hour in the Island Xtreme Bowling Alley at Treasure Island!

Throwback 90’s Night with music

by Orange Whip

Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Red Wing has rooms available at a discounted convention rate of $88.88 (including tax). Parking is free.

Please contact the hotel directly for reservations at 1-800-222-7077 and ask for the “MFDA Convention Rate.” You must make your reservations before Monday, May 2 to receive this rate.

Hotel Features: • Connected to Treasure Island Resort & Casino • No resort fee • Complimentary wireless internet in guest rooms and public spaces • Exercise Facility • Complimentary wristbands for hotel guests for the new water park, The Lagoon • $20 slot play coupon for hotel guests

Sponsored by Doric Dealers of MN

Tuesday, May 24 • 7:30-11:00pm Oh snap! Join us for a night of 90’s fun, food, drinks, and dancing to the band Orange Whip. Come dressed in your old school 90’s costume, and you’ll be good to go! Mad props to the home skillet with the best look. It will be da bomb!

• Bowling alley on-site

2016 CONVENTION SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCE Monday, May 23 12:00-4:00pm.............................................. Attendee Registration Open 9:00am-4:00pm......................................................MFDA Board Meeting 9:00am-4:00pm.........................Certified Crematory Operator Training 1:00pm-4:00pm.................The Five R’s of Death Documentation Class 5:30-7:30pm.................. Happy Hour Bowling - Sponsored by Batesville

1:30-2:30pm....................................................... Service of Remembrance 2:45-3:35pm..................................................................................Breakouts 3:45-4:35pm.................................................................................Breakouts 4:45-7:00pm.................................................................... Exhibit Hall Open 7:30-11:00pm.......................... Throwback 90’s Night with Orange Whip

Sponsored by Doric Dealers of MN

Tuesday, May 24

Wednesday, May 25

7:00am-4:30pm.......................................... Attendee Registration Open 8:00-9:00am...................................................... Past Presidents Breakfast 8:00-8:50am......................................... Hot Topics in Death Registration 8:00-8:50am........................................................................ OSHA Training 9:00-10:50am............. Facial Reconstruction & Restorative Techniques 11:00-11:50am...............................................................................Breakouts 12:00-1:15pm............... Lunch/Officer Installation/MDH 50 Year Awards sponsored by FDLIC

7:30am-2:30pm........................................... Attendee Registration Open 8:00-8:50am.................................................................................Breakouts 9:00-9:50am..................................................................................Breakouts 10:00am-12:00pm.......................................................... Exhibit Hall Open 12:00-1:15pm............. Lunch/Business Session/Leadership Graduation 1:30-3:20pm........................................Mystery Shopping Funeral Homes 3:20pm............................................Ticket to Win It Grand Prize Drawing 3:30-4:30pm........................................................................ OSHA Training www.mnfuneral.org 11

Inaugural Class Graduates from MFDA Leadership Academy

by Bruce R. Matza and Chad Weinstein, Academy Instructors

The upcoming MFDA Convention will mark the graduation of our first class of leaders from the MFDA Leadership Academy. As instructors, we were privileged to work with these fine professionals and to join with the Board and Staff of the Association in congratulating our graduating class: The 2015-16 graduating class includes, Tim Amireault, Allison Cease, Stephanie “Sal” Lee, Carrie McGhee, Tyler Schwichtenberg, Jesse Starkson, Sam Steffel and Andrew Yaggie Please join us for an opportunity to meet these exceptional individuals at the upcoming MFDA convention at a Leadership Academy Panel Discussion Wednesday morning, May 25.

12 MFDA Bulletin • SPRING 2016

Academy participants came from all over the state for six seminars covering a wide range of leadership and professional development topics. Learning experiences included presentations led by both instructors and participants.

The program included discussions and activities, including presentations from experts drawn from the funeral profession as well as key suppliers and partners.

Our goal was to assist participants to learn more about themselves as leaders and to learn new skills, ranging from communication and decision-making to engagement, motivation, and persuasion.

Each individual worked with colleagues outside of class to frame a vision for their own leadership development and then turned to classmates and instructors to help realize their vision.

Peers became trusted friends and allies through conversations about the many technical, interpersonal, and business aspects of the funeral profession. They also learned from experts and innovators among MFDA members and supporters.

We are indebted to our sponsors, the MFDA Service Corporation and Kelco Supply Company, as well as the Board and Staff of MFDA, for their enthusiastic support of this program.

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY S P O N S O R E D BY:

FDLIC Announces Project Agreement with Dr. Alan Wolfelt

A.M. Best Company Affirms Federated Insurance’s A+ (Superior) Rating

Funeral Directors Life Insurance Company (FDLIC) recently finalized a preneed-focused project agreement with noted author, educator, and grief counselor Dr. Alan D. Wolfelt.

A.M. Best Company, the most widely recognized provider of insurance industry ratings and financial data, reaffirmed its A+ (Superior) rating for Federated Insurance in January 2015.

Dr. Wolfelt is well-known across the nation for his inspirational teaching gifts and compassionate messages about healing in grief, based on his personal experiences with loss and over three decades of supporting children, teens, adults, and families in grief. He is also an advocate for the value of meaningful funeral experiences.

A.M. Best Company analyzes the balance sheet strength, operational performance, and business profile of more than 3,500 companies worldwide every year to determine its ratings. The company’s assessment is a recognized benchmark for an insurer’s financial strength and ability to meet policyholder obligations.

Dr. Wolfelt has agreed to work with FDLIC in the development of materials to help educate FDLIC’s staff, as well as funeral homes and families interested in preplanning, on the importance of the funeral ceremony and its many healing elements.

Senior financial analysts at A.M. Best Company states, “The ratings reflect Federated Mutual Group’s superior riskadjusted capitalization, historically solid operating profitability, and niche market profile, as evidenced by its focus on select industries and use of exclusive endorsements secured from state, regional, and national trade associations.”

“We are thrilled that Dr. Wolfelt is assisting us as we educate our sales professionals, our funeral home clients, and other funeral professionals about the importance of creating a healing funeral experience for families,” said Kris Seale, FDLIC President and CEO. “We have long admired Dr. Wolfelt’s work, and it took me about half a second to agree to explore how we could work together. We are looking forward to seeing this relationship with Dr. Wolfelt produce some really excellent training materials as well as great information for preneed funeral consumers.”

“I am pleased to work on this project with a company that believes in the value of ceremony and desires to help families plan truly transformational funeral experiences,” said Dr. Wolfelt. “As a grief educator, I have long advocated for the need to educate both funeral home staff and families about the critical importance of why we have had funerals since the beginning of time. As more and more people choose to plan their own funerals, we as a society are at risk for confusing efficiency with effectiveness. Yet if we do a good job of educating people during the preplanning process about the essential “why” of the funeral and its elements, we will help them make choices that result in funerals, down the line, that create the sweet spot of healing experiences for their families. Preplanning, when done well, can be a transformative experience both for the individuals who are preplanning and, eventually, for their families and friends. This is an exciting project for me, and I look forward to working with FDLIC in spreading this message of hope and healing.”

For the latest rating for Federated Insurance, access www. ambest.com.

MIDWEST MEDICAL EXAMINER’S OFFICE Our board certified pathologists provide private postmortem examinations to answer questions families may have regarding the death of their loved one. If we can be of assistance to the families you serve, please contact our office:

MIDWEST MEDICAL EXAMINER’S OFFICE 14341 Rhinestone Street NW Ramsey, MN 55303

(763) 323-6400 Normal business hours: 8:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. Weekends and Holidays After business hours, we can be contacted through Anoka County dispatch at (763)427-1212

www.mnfuneral.org 13

POINT OF VIEW

COMMENTARY

We Need to End the Paper Trail

We need to end the paper trail

Why all physicians need to use the state’s electronic system for registering births and deaths.

By Molly Mulcahy Crawford

Why all physicians need to use the state’s electronic system for registering births and deaths.

BY MOLLY MULCAHY CRAWFORD

Every day, more than 300 births, deaths such as demographic and legal demographic and the legaldecedent. information very day, more 300 births, deaths information and fetal deaths occurthan in Minnesota. about Theabout the decedent.

The delineates andplay fetaladeaths indocuMinnesota.

Physicians criticaloccur role in other delineates theother cause of deaththe and includes relevant medical information. cause of death and includes relevant mediPhysicians play a critical role in documenting these vital events quickly and Although a death certificate can be cal information.

Although a death certifimenting these vital events quickly and precisely. Records of these events contain issued with thewith facts, both cate can beonly issued only theparts facts, both precisely. Records of these events contain demographic and legal information, and are required for a death record to be important healthand andlegal medical information parts are required for a death record to be demographic information, and complete, and both parts are often as determined by a physician.

This important health and medical information complete, and both parts are often needed needed to settle an estate. information is used to monitor mortality

whether the decedent was pregnant suicide, homicide, accidental), whether at the time of death, whether tobacco the decedent wasto pregnant at the of use contributed the death andtime more (Minnesota Ruletobacco 4601.1800). death, whether use contributed

E

as determined by a physician. This infor-

to the death and moredeadline (Minnesota There is no statutory for Rule 4601.1800). medical certifiers to register the cause of death. to data fromfor themediThere isAccording no statutory deadline state Office of Records, theof cause cal certifiers to Vital register the cause death. of death was three days According to provided data from within the state Office of for more than half of deaths registered Vital Records, the cause of death was probetween January 1 and October 31, 2015 vided within three days for more than half (Figure). It was provided more than 10 of deaths between January 1 and days afterregistered death in 19 percent of cases, October 31, 2015 It was provided often because the(Figure). record was referred more than 10examiner days afteror death in 19orperto a medical coroner because the physician was the waiting forwas cent of cases, often because record toxicology autopsy or results. referred to afindings medicalorexaminer coroner

to settle an estate.

trends and identify public health Funeral establishments record the facts Funeral establishments record the facts mation is used to monitor mortality trends concerns that need to be addressed. of a death, and Minnesota law requires of a death, and Minnesota law requires and identify public health concerns that that this information be filed with the that within this information filed with the state need to be addressed. state five days ofbethe event.

Registering births and deaths Registering a birth with the state is Registering births and deaths straightforward.

One reason is that Registering a birth with the state isnearly 99 percent of the 69,000 births that occur straightforward. One reason is that nearly in Minnesota each year take place in 99 percent of the 69,000 births that occur hospital birthing centers, where systems each year and take reporting place in hosareininMinnesota place for gathering pital birthing centers, where systems are such information.

in place for gathering and reporting such

Physicians have an indirect role in birth information. registration, as they are responsible Physicians the havemother an indirect for maintaining and role in birth registration, they are child’s medicalas record.

In responsible almost all for cases, a designated representative maintaining the mother and child’s medifrom hospital (usually a health calthe record.

In almost all cases, a designated unitrepresentative coordinator from or a member of the hospital (usually the medical records staff) manually a health unit coordinator or a member of enters information from those records the medical records staff) manually enters into the Minnesota Registration and information from those records Certification (MR&C) system, the into the Minnesota Registration and Certification state’s electronic vital records system.

(MR&C)electronic system, thehealth state’srecord electronic vital (Currently, systems insystem. hospitals and clinics are records (Currently, electronic unable to exchange information with the health record systems in hospitals and state’s vital records system.)

Some of clinics are unable to exchange information the information they enter includes the with the state’s vital records system.) Some mother’s hepatitis B status, abnormal of the information they enter includes conditions and congenital anomalies in the mother’s hepatitis B status, abnormal the newborn, breast-feeding status and conditions and congenital anomalies maternal morbidity.

According to law, in the a birth, including the required medical newborn, breast-feeding status and materinformation, must be registered with the nal morbidity. According to law, a birth, state within five days. including the required medical informa-

tion, must be registered with the state Registering a death is more within five days. complicated.

Registering a death is more complicated.

Unlike birth records, death records Unlike birth records, death records have have two parts.

One deals with facts, two parts. One deals with facts, such as 14 MFDA Bulletin • SPRING 2016

within five days of the event.

State law requires medical certifiers, State law requires medical certifiers, including treating physicians, coroners including physicians, coroners and medicaltreating examiners, to document and medical examiners, to document the cause of death and answer questions the cause of deathwhether and answer questions about it, including an autopsy was performed, the whether manner of about it, including an death autopsy was (natural, suicide, homicide, accidental), performed, the manner of death (natural,

or because was people waiting who for More than the halfphysician of the 41,500 die each year in Minnesota areresults. cremated. toxicology findings or autopsy State law requires a body to be

FIGURE

Length of time after death during which medical information was filed by physicians in Minnesota, January 1 – October 31, 2015.

19% Filed in more than 10 days 7 6

51% Filed in 3 or fewer days

5 1 4 days (6%) 2 5 days (5%)

4

3 6 days (5%) 4 7 days (5%) 5 8 days (3%) 6 9 days (3%) 7 10 days (2%)

N = 33,775 deaths.

3 2 1 Source: Minnesota Office of Vital Records

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 |

MINNESOTA MEDICINE | 33

preserved if final disposition will take place more than 72 hours after death. To save costs, families often want cremation to take place within that period. Because Minnesota law requires that the cause of death be known and authorizations be obtained before final disposition, the onus is on the physician to file the necessary information about the cause of death in a timely manner. As more people choose cremation, prompt filing of the medical information about the cause of death will become even more important.

The paper problem All births and deaths are registered electronically through the MR&C system. This system is used by all hospital birth registrars, funeral establishments, medical examiners and coroners, and issuance offices. Yet, only 81 percent of the records filed by physicians are done so electronically. Further, of the records that come to the Office of Vital Records for manual entry of cause of death information, 27 percent come from physicians who are signed up to use the MR&C system, but send paper. This perpetuation of paper is a problem for everyone involved in vital records activities.

If a physician doesn’t use the MR&C system or if they use it but don’t tend to emails notifying them that there is a death record needing their attention or check their MR&C work queue, it’s up to the funeral establishment to make sure they submit the necessary information. More often than not, funeral staff end up faxing the physician a worksheet to use to complete the cause of death. Sometimes the physician will fax that to the state, only to get an email notification from the MR&C system telling them to provide the cause of death electronically. This can result in confusion and extra work for the funeral staff and the physician.

Continuing to provide cause-of-death information on paper also leaves room for error and can result in different reasons being recorded on the disposition documentation and the death record. For example, functionality within the MR&C alerts physicians when data they provide seem unlikely, such as uterine cancer being the cause of death of a male or natural death being categorized as an overdose. These scenarios can go unchecked if the information is entered manually.

One way to maximize the use of the MR&C system is for physicians to designate a representative who can enter data on their behalf. Practices whose physicians want their partners to be able to register cause-of-death information in their absence were among the first to do this. Now, some large health systems including Mayo Clinic and Essentia Health have staff who act as death registrars and shepherd records through completion within their facilities. Internally, physicians provide the cause of death information to their designees who then document the information and assure that complete and accurate health and medical data are filed without delay.

In fact, of the death records that have cause of death filed directly into the MR&C system, only 25 percent are filed by physicians who log in with their user account and password.

The other 75 percent are completed by their designated staff.

Physicians need to work with the Office of Vital Records to appoint a designee to submit cause-of-death information on their behalf.

The importance of electronic data Registering deaths electronically has public health benefits.

Because of the improved timeliness for filing death records when people use the MR&C system, Minnesota now sends daily files to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). The NCHS automatically provides numerical codes from the International Classification of Diseases, 10 Revision (IDC-10) and returns the files to the Office of Vital Records. The quick turnaround allows the Minnesota Department of Health to share nearly real-time death data unlike ever before.

Local public health agencies are now using this information to conduct surveillance and plan prevention activities. Having realtime death data allows them to respond to emerging issues (eg, drug overdose deaths) in a more timely manner. It also helps them address persistent public health concerns such as traffic fatalities, infant mortality and sudden, unexpected infant deaths.

In addition, the City of Minneapolis is incorporating 2014 death data into the Big Cities Health Inventory, a project designed to illustrate the major health issues that affect urban communities.

The Metro Public Health Analysts Network, which consists of nine city and county public health agencies in the Minneapolis/ St. Paul metro area, is exploring opportunities to use this data to conduct surveillance around 18 mortality indicators.

Less paper, greater benefit Information about births, deaths and fetal deaths is important to families, public health agencies, health care organizations that monitor performance and conduct quality assurance activities, life insurance companies, and other entities. Physicians’ commitment to recording health and medical information related to vital events is crucial to the success of the state’s vital record system. With their voluntary compliance, we can work smarter and faster and with fewer resources, informing public health, serving families and improving lives one record at a time.

Molly Mulcahy Crawford is State Registrar in the Minnesota Department of Health’s Office of Vital Records.

This article was originally published in Minnesota Medicine.

2016;90(1)33-34. Reprinted with permission, Minnesota Medical Association.

www.mnfuneral.org 15

The Funeral Experince 1-800-443-2773

By Jerry J. Brown

1-844-219-9643

Family owned & operated for over 20 years!

Within the past six and a half –decades, I have made funeral arrangements for my mother and father and have either participated in and/or attended numerous ceremonies for close friends and colleagues. Virtually, without exception, each Funeral was profoundly conceived and conducted in the spirit of affection, respect, gratitude and awareness of the sorrow and duress of the death of family members and friends.

The Funeral experience should embody a host of phases – some are perfunctory and detailed and necessary to the intended ebb and flow of the ceremony. However, far above and beyond the pre-Funeral planning, organizing, scheduling and implementation, there is one phase, which is absolute. That phase is to offer and provide peace of mind to the survivors with the knowledge that ‘the Funeral’ is the first and most critical step toward the resolution of grief and a healthy understanding and acceptance of the reality of death.

Today’s life expectancy average is approximately 72 to 76 years.

The average visitation and Funeral experience varies from 3 days to one week and sometimes beyond. In response to the anti-Funeral critics, naysayers and cynics, Love, Gratitude, tradition and basic sensitivities are all about the Funeral ceremony.

Informational Materials Available See page 19 for more details.

Are burial vaults necessary?

Your homet Can I make arrangement best person own funeral director my hometown s in advance is the to answer this funeral directo with because it often question r? cemetery selecte depends on wheth A pre-arranged vault. In additi d requires the use er the peace of mind funeral can also provid of a for you and Directors Assoc on, the National Funer worry and uncert help elimin e iation al the family select Code sugges you travel away ainty for your family ate ts that . If funeral directo the burial vault from basis, you can from home on a regula the even for arranging r who will be respon r include a monet allowance in sible the vault fromthe internment. Selecti arrangement your pre-funded funeraary ng for l ing at the placethe funeral directo the additio ciated with a death away nal costs assocost of transp of burial will saver servfrom home. urn? will alleviate orting the receptacle the What about an Your family cremated remains confusion at any unnecessary delayand funeral pre-ar should be aware of y will return the the cemetery. or rd or plastic) The cremator container (cardboa completed, rangements that you any in a temporary and they should have and burial.

What if I want to work throug for transpor t be instructed the to be crema that is suitable h wish to place your ted? families directo homet the own funera r. may depict H owever, many Cremations l in an urn that cremated remains If this is your wish, your service and are simply one kind of Knowing can be accom funeral life of the person. be able to show you a licensed funera modat will when a deathwhat to do and whom . l home in Minne ed by any funeral director to call cremation option they have available help you and occurs away from home s are preced sota. Many selection of urns your loved can casket viewin stress and unnece ed by d remains? ones with the cremate service eitherg and traditional type open ssary expens minimize difficult time.

What do we do d, the most of us want to knows that funera e at a very in ainchurch, Deep down, we, or other facility n has been complete funeral home, l on of the . Viewing the Once the crematio for the finalsome dispositi way,tomade a difference inhaving this world – that remains and ents a funera do wish • Having the talk doesn’t Comm have to only be a one-time l still ceremo legal requirem asked quest These ny are traditiwe but most families we mattered that after abou onsdie, remains. to someone, and reality help loved onesimportant. body are met, occurrence. Rather, think of tit who as theto beginning of a ions with the cremated gives contact of death, accept the we will by those whoespecia knewlly in n be fondly rememberedwhen when a death openly talk something special where crematio about any death area circum asked dialogue during which you canoccur s away tly asked from home This is another frequently to frequen and cared for us. rs to “Closure” isoccurs away from home.stances Answe Answers andnumber of things – from reflecting on the past to ionand be buried cremation several options. remains may describe this the term often used to aboutcremat nsabout planning for the future.

The cremated questio questions body is. important emotio • Burial— es just as a casketed may be nal event. options options its in most cemeteri remains • When you talk with your loved one, you might want I cremated frequently ent—The or • Entombm What can I travel or am away from m, family tomb, to document what is said. You may wish to take notes A Public Service do to prepar home. placed in a mausoleu room for cremated Pamphlet publishe from e for a death (special home? d by: during or after your conversation, or make an audio MINNESOTA or other columbarium away FUNERAL DIRECT home, church 7046 East Fish ORS ASSOCIrecording. You should choose whatever method seems remains in a funeral Lake Road ATION Often a medica Maple Grove, designated most appropriate and comfortable given the setting of MN 55311 building). l emergency death away (v) 763-416cemeteri es have accompanies 0124 from home. your conversation.

• Scattering—Some g, or the cremated remains a (f) strongly consid You should er having a areas for scatterin a place which was special info@mnfuneral.o Declaration in Healthcare • The things you discuss may be helpful in the future www.mnfuneral.o rg may be scattered state and local family with in place. This provides rg depending on State when your family must make important decisions to the person, might help important information your example, M innesota alleviate some that An informed public regulations. For about how you wish to remember and honor your sion over how scattering of cremated stress allow helps not and confuthe Funeral Directo law does funeral or you want by: loved one when they die. These shared reflections may medica to be cared waterway.

Why should I pre-fund my lly. r serve you better Pamphlet published for remains in any ION Public Service

Why should I pre-fund my funeral or cremation service?

Here are a few issues to consider if you are considering making pre-arrangements. A properly What structured pre-funded funeral program: to do

when deat – be exempt from h asset Medical Assistance Cremati•onMay occurs aw limitations. ay A choic•e Offers peace mind, knowing that your Weyou had theoffro m without ny meburdenma funeral expenses are handledho with ing your loved ones.

What happens next? options

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talk.

mattered.

• •

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cremation RS ASSOCIAT to service? if you are con- DIRECTO choice, it is necessary MINNESOTA FUNERAL Here are a few issues to consider Whatever your properly legalities of AK /DNH 5G ( )LV making pre-arrangements. officials on the sidering funeral YH, 01 check with local program: remains. Yourstructured pre-funded funeral0DSOH *UR scattering cremated to help you with this.

Y

able asset I

director will be Assistance • May be exempt from Medical info@mnfuneral.org donation? limitations. www.mnfuneral.org What about organ others your to that gift knowing a • Offers you peace of mind, wish to make burden- helps the organs are Some people are handled without funeral donation. Once the An informed public serve you better onexpenses through organ or no effect ing your loved ones. will have little the Funeral Director removed, this your wishes known to your loved has chosen. • Makes Association should services the family Funeral Directors t decision that 20 Minnesota ones. © Copyright to When grieving a death, memorialization – taking time to honor the life This is an importan prior as a family Helps ensure that your funeral will reflect discussed of a loved•one in a meaningful way – and remembering the difference be shared and your individual preferences and lifestyle. a loved one made in our lives can be an important step in the journey death.

A

© Copyright

Funeral Directors

Today, there are so many ways we can remember and honor the unique people in our lives. Memorialization can be a personal experience that reflects the personal values, interests and experiences of our loved ones and helps those who are left behind legal advice.

This brochure is not intended as prior to remember those who matter most.

Please consult an appropriate professional any decisions that might affect your

to making Sharing stories and reflecting on a person’s life offer opportunities Medical Assistance eligibility. to remember how our loved ones shaped and influenced our lives.

Acknowledging the importance of loved ones in our lives is an FOR MORE INFORMATION, essential step in the healing process.

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL

MFDA MEMBER FUNERAL DIRECTOR

by: A Public Service Pamphlet published ASSOCIATION

www.4HEARSE.com 16 MFDA Bulletin • SPRING 2016

MINNESOTA FUNERAL DIRECTORS 7046 East Fish Lake Road Maple Grove, Minnesota 55311 (v) 763-416-0124 (f) 763- info@mnfuneral.org www.mnfuneral.org

An informed public helps the Funeral Director serve you better © Copyright 201 Minnesota Funeral

honors their life while l giving you, your family and other Medica friends a chance to reminisce and say goodbye.

• Memorialization has changed to better meet the needs nce Assista of today’s families and enables them to tell the story of their loved one. Funeral professionals, like those who are part of the Funeral and Memorial Information Council, on Limits support families as they plan services that are personal and meaningful – services that help families heal by reflecting l on the way their loved Funera one indelibly changed their lives.

• Funeral professionals are available to support and encourage - you and your family and provide resources Pre to guide important conversations about all of your memorialization options. Whether your family desires ements something traditional or something different, there is always Arrang room for personalization. A celebration of life should be as help your family memorialize your loved one in a way that

201 Minnesota

toward healing.

Having the talk of a lifetime is the first step.

Makes your wishes known to your loved ones.

Helps ensure that your funeral will reflect your individual preferences and lifestyle.

Association

How does a life funerals work?

for insurance policy

life insurance e companies offer for funeral Many insuranc designed to pay have an policies that are , these policies that is designed expenses. Typically benefit feature increases. A increasing death ary funeral price to offset inflation face value policies for these small common term e.” is “preneed insuranc who carry an insurance Funeral directors e policies. Life preneed insuranc closely with a license often sell who do not work insurexpense” insurance agents “final e often sell funeral director preneed insuranc Often, using the is preferable ance policies. your funeral director covers all policy approach with ensure that the services. See so that you can other and funeral aspects of the director for details. your local funeral

ce?

Medical Assistan What if I go on periodically, but

e laws change not least some, if Public assistanc account that at . always take into may be pre-paid all, funeral expenses prearrangements, Minneso permits up For back-funded e (MA) currently as ta Medical Assistancaside in a revocable trust be set in an irrevocato $1,500 to and up to $2,000 “excluded” funds,” “burial amounts are then MA in ble trust. These one applies for cash when as assets counted from is, they are not on MA. Minnesota—that individual going trust resources to the le “burial fund” The $2,000 irrevocab l is not applying if the individua may only be used not asking the MA”—that is, or nursing home for “retroactive for prior medical le “burial fund” county to pay $2,000 irrevocab to bills. Also, the one month prior made at least must also be MA. both MA and application for “burial funds,” e In addition to (SSI) assistanc Security Income Supplemental to pre-purchase an individual space items.” programs permit for certain “burial casket, burial are and trust money be pre-purchased grave openItems that can lot, grave urn, vault, crypt, burial marker or monument. and ing/closing fees,

hased “burial these pre-purc the The value of as an asset to the do NOT count provided that space items” for MA or SSI, of applicaperson applying prior to the month purchase is made e. used to pretion for assistanc e policies are to When life insuranc there is no limit expenses, often aside for pay funeral that can be set Is of there funds for , a law that requires However the amount caskets placedand vaults merchandise. prior policy, it mustto be funeral services in to e exempt theto burial?

Assistanc there is no to Medical No, funeral home, anylaw. such and However, certain ly assigned cemeteri es require that nt beneficiary, be irrevocab some type ofand as the continge estate tainer hard conhouse the casket t of goods name the to preventment. niedatwith a statemen sinking the grave from be accompa the cemetery a funeralinestablish subseque s” selected ease offrom nt exclusion years, and servicesfor grounds “asset maintenance. information on these freecemetery A vault- meets For SSI in Minneso requirem MA or for ents. for persons applying funeral director or your Whatyour local about crematio ta, contact n? office. eligibility Crematio socialnservices is not the same county’s as is a form of final a funeral; rather, it earth burial intactdisposition, an alternative to to its basic mineralremains. The body is reduced elements and (not ash) called bone fragment s and then interredcremated remains by intense heat in a cemetery, columbarium, entombed in a or dispersed through kept at home. scattering, or Any MFDA accommodate member funeral home can you if you choose funeral home will make necessarycremation. The with the cremator INFORMATION, arrangements FOR MORE y, just agent withYOUR LOCAL as it acts as the family’s CONTACT the cemetery for R earth burials.

Crematio L DIRECTO n may be FUNERA preceded by a MFDA with regular funeral theMEMBER body present, or followed by service. In the a memoria case specially designed of a funeral, a regular casket, l by: rental casket used for visitation casket, orpublished can be and Service Pamphlet which A Public services, the cremation funeral after ION RS ASSOCIAT DIRECTO occurs, just FUNERAL cemetery TA as intermen takes place Road MINNESO Lake after funeral services. t in a 7046 East Fish

that you take time to honor

Whom do I contact

if I have

a complaint?

Nationally, and particularly in Minnesota, families served by funeral directors have few complain ts. Misunderstanding remarkably from time to time, s do arise of course. First, concern with the funeral director. discuss your were not treated If you feel you fairly, he or she the opportunity should be given at least to know and to answer your any questions up a concerns setting you might have. this is not about htsfeasible, If provide the nce Thoug facts in the MFDA Professio a life insura writing to or nal trust l Practices funera (address below). funeral Committee for the policy Here are the state agencies that handle funeralrelated complain ts:

Funeral establish ments, cremator funeral directors ies, and : Mortuary Science Section, Minneso Department of ta Health, 121 East 400, P.O. Box 7th Place, Suite 64975, St. Paul, MN 551640975; 651/282 -3829 Cemeteries: Minnesota State Auditor’s Office, Street, Suite 400, 525 Park St. Paul, MN 651/296-2551 55103;

Is a casket Grove, MN 55311

Maple required by law when 24 will (v) This brochure is not intended legal beas 763-416-01 cremate d? advice. remains

No, it(f)is not. Some type neral.org of alternati info@mnfu is required Please consult an appropriate professional prior ve containe by the cremator y to enable dignified r www.mnfuneral.org handling of remains. to making any decisions that might affect public helpsyour What does An informed a person do when you better serve death away occurs Medical Assistance eligibility. from the Funeral home?Director Association Contact your Funeral Directors 201 Minnesota hometow © Copyright n funeral director. she will make He or all necessary

arrangements the funeral director with FOR MORE INFORMATION,occurred in the area where death . The funeral director handles details whether all the a funeral is held CONTACT YOUR LOCAL death, at place of back home, or both places.

MFDA MEMBER FUNERAL DIRECTOR

A Public Service Pamphlet published by: MINNESOTA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIAT 7046 East Fish Lake ION Maple Grove, MN Road 55311 (v) 763-416-01 24 (f) info@mnfuneral.org www.mnfuneral.org

A Public Service Pamphlet published by: MINNESOTA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION 7046 East Fish Lake Road Maple Grove, Minnesota 55311 (v) 763-416-0124 (f) 763- info@mnfuneral.org www.mnfuneral.org

An informed public helps the Funeral Director serve you better

Directors Association

© Copyright 201 Minnesota Funeral Directors Association

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IN MEMORIAM David G. “Butch” Peterson, licensed Minnesota funeral director, age 74, Coleraine, MN, died unexpectedly at Essentia St. Mary’s Health in Duluth, MN.

John C. Almendinger, licensed Minnesota funeral director, age 65, of Faribault, died on January 18, 2016, at Reflections Care Suites, Northfield.

He was born on Dec. 6, 1941, in Grand Rapids, MN. He was the son of George and Marge (Tok) Peterson. He was a 1959 Greenway High School graduate and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1962 with a degree in Mortuary Science.

On Jan. 13, 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Andrea Risse. He owned and operated both Peterson Funeral Chapel and Range Bottle Gas for over 40 years until he sold Range Bottle Gas in 1995 and retired from fu-neral directing in 2004.

John C., the son of Calvin and Marion (Wulf) Almendinger, was born on July 18, 1950, in Fari-bault. He attended country school and graduated from Faribault High School in 1968. John was active in FFA and 4H. He farmed in the Walcott Township area with his family and was named Minnesota State Farmer in 1968. John later graduated from the University of Minnesota Mortuary Science program in 1985 and was employed by various local funeral homes and he also assisted funeral homes in Wisconsin and South Dakota.

He was a member of Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, a member of the Eagle Ridge Golf Course, where he played Men’s League and Senior League. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, crafting, Sudoku, spending his winters in Arizona, but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife Andrea Peterson of Coleraine, his children; Scott (Jeri) Peterson and Lisa (Gary) Orhn both of Coleraine, Susan (Paul) Charbonneau of Rochester, MN and Tom Pe-terson of Chaska, MN, his grandchildren D.J. Peterson, Sarah (Jack) Keeney, Anna Hansen, Gar-rett Orhn, Taylor Orhn, Katie Charbonneau and Mitchell Peterson, his great grandson Cooper Keeney, sibling Kay (Mark) Popovich and Alan “Skip” Peterson and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his aunt Lois Peterson. He was a kind and gentle man with a heart of gold, and would help with anything. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation was on December 27,2015, in the Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Coleraine. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, December 28. To leave an online condolence, visit our website at www. petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com

18 MFDA Bulletin • SPRING 2016

He is survived by three children, Tim (and Erin) Almendinger of Northfield, Joy Almendinger (and Scott Annexstad) of Northfield, and Jeffrey (and Stephanie) Almendinger of Faribault; seven grandchildren, Jordan Annexstad, Burke, Tegan, Brianna, Morgan, Calli and Adyson Al-mendinger; four sisters, Lois Almendinger of Mankato, Jane (and Steve) Aspelund, Judy (and Paul) Cross, and Mary Jo Almendinger, all of Faribault; one aunt, Lola (and Larry) Brown of Io-wa; nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, Louis and Edna Almendinger and William and Joy Wulf; and one grandson, Jeffrey Almendinger, Jr. Funeral services were at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Northfield on January 21, 2016, with the Reverend David Weeks officiating. Visitation was at the Boldt Funeral Home, Faribault on Jan-uary 20. Visit boldtfuneralhome.com for guest book.

Gary R. Wagner, licensed Minnesota funeral director, of Lakeville, formerly of Burnsville, born October 27, 1939, in Aitkin, MN to Walter & Ruth Wagner, passed away suddenly February 20, 2016, at age 76.

Gary was a funeral director in Minnesota for over 50 years serving most of those years with Henry W. Anderson Mortuary. He was also a member of Minnehaha Masonic Lodge #165 AF & AM. However, his true passion in life was spending time with his family, especially at the lake.

Gary will be dearly missed by his wife of 55 years, Fran; daughter, Heidi (Ron) Knutsen; grand-daughter, Piper; brother, Roger (Winnie); sister, Barb (Bob) Hauff and other family and friends.

Visitation was held February 25 at Henry W. Anderson Mortuary in Apple Valley. Funeral service was held on February 26 at St. James Lutheran Church in Burnsville.

MFDA ORDER FORM BROCHURES

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Irrevocable Trust Statement of Agreements Funeral Goods and Services Statement of Funeral Goods and Services Written Authorization to Embalm

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www.mnfuneral.org 19

Death’s Summer Coat Book Review

By Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm Sez, LLC

Everything’s planned. You already know where you’ll go someday.

You’ve done all the work so your survivors won’t have to. You’ve picked out songs, services, and a place for your gravestone or a scatter-point for your ashes. It’s all done. You know where you’ll go. But you might want to read “Death’s Summer Coat” by Brandy Schillace first, so you also know where we’ve already been.

experience of life.” Still, we often treat the subject as taboo and avoid it, but our ancestors didn’t have that chance. They had to deal with death, and accept it.

In the nineteenth century, for instance, grieving in the U.S. was a process, complete with a sort of uniform. It was common to have photos taken with a body, as though the person was merely sleeping, and memorial jewelry was an appropriate Christmas gift. The timeline for grieving could take two years – contrasted with our modern approach, which the DSM indicates should be two months.

At just seventeen years of age, Brandy Schillace lost her beloved grandfather. On the way to the funeral, she learned that the service wasn’t going to be like anything she’d ever known before: mourners, first of all, sat up with the body all night long. Schillace says she was “Shocked… but the idea was strangely enticing, even fascinating,” and it led her to think about other traditions of death.

In Cambodia, following the Pol Pot regime, a new ritual was created to specifically deal with death by genocide. Tibetan Buddhists consider the body as nothing but a vessel that, upon death, is “made to serve a new purpose” of feeding vultures. Brazilian Wari practice necrophagy, Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead and the Merina of Madagascar wrap their dead in new duds and dance with them in the streets.

Dying is something we do a little every day; it’s “the most challenging and daunting

Getting back to us, a lot changed when funeral parlors came to be, and when science and

Brown Wilbert

Inc.

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Venetian with Farm Scene Legacy Order Vaults, Caskets, & Urns Online at Brown-Wilbert.com 20 MFDA Bulletin • SPRING 2016

medicine took over the disposal of bodies. Our acceptance of dying waned then, as did our comfortableness with the inevitable (as of now) process. Today, says Schillace, “Modern dying is managed dying…”

We all have to die someday – or do we?

Twenty-first century medicine says maybe not, and the advances it’s reaching for - and the reasons why, perhaps, scientists shouldn’t reach too hard - are in “Death’s Summer Coat.”

But before we get that far, author Brandy Schillace examines the long road we’ve taken with death perceptions, and it’s a graciously wondrous look done tastefully despite the sometimes-squirmy subject matter. Her fascination with this topic, which she’s held since her teens, is enhanced by the many small historical details she offers; readers who are likewise curious about funeral traditions will appreciate what they’ll learn.

If you’ve ever thought about the nature of grief, the possibility of immortality, and the history of dying, “Death’s Summer Coat” will give you plenty to ponder. We all have to go sometimes, so go… and get this book.

SPECIAL THANKS TO MFDA’S 2016 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 Asphalt Associates Brad Larson www.asphalt-associates.com Assured Decontamination Services Perry Ebner www.deconservices.com Aurora Casket Company Roger Ruth, Andi Waterhouse, Brent Wermes www.auroraadvantage.com Avalon, Inc. Daniel Seman www.avalonsecurity.com Baines Professional Vehicles John Baines www.4hearse.com Batesville Nicki Mikolai 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 Contemporary Concepts Ryan Bergan www.contemporaryconcepts.net Cousineau McGuire Michael Sharkey www.cousineaulaw.com Dodge Company Gregg Bright www.dodgeco.com

Doric Dealers of MN Matt Wieser, Todd Weiser www.wieser-doric.com

Messenger Bob Hoaglund www.messengerstationery.com

Federated Insurance Jeff Stephenson www.federatedinsurance.com

Midwest Medical Examiners Office Angie Chalmers www.midwestmedicalexaminer.com

Forest Lawn Memorial Park Association Kari A. Hubbard www.forestlawnmn.com Funeral Directors Life Insurance Company John Harrington Scott Tufto www.funeraldirectorslife.com Funeral One Harry Joachim www.funeralone.com Gorder Mortuary Supply James Messer www.gordersupply.com Homesteaders Life Company Steve Byhre www.homesteaderslife.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 Mike Burakowski www.life-source.org MAS Communications Mary Reeves www.mascommunications.net Medical Disposal Systems, Inc. Warren Winkelman www.mds-mn.com

Minnesota Lions Eye Bank Sara McFee www.mnlionseyebank.org Northern Design Caskets Scott Haiby Northwestern Casket Co. David Koll www.nwcasket.com Peterson Law Office Bill Peterson www.petersonlawoffice.com Pinnacle Group Bob Michaelson, Cory Michaelson www.pinnaclegroup4u.com Pluto Legal Cheryl Vos www.plutolegal.com Robert L. Archbold, LLC Robert L. Archbold www.robertlarchbold.com Scene Clean, Inc. Randy Burg www.scenecleanmn.com Shepart Dawson Grover www.shepart.com The Purple Cross Plan Denis Nordlum www.purplecross.com United Heritage Insurance Bob Hanson www.unitedheritage.com University of Minnesota Mortuary Science Michael LuBrant www.mortuaryscience.umn.edu Willmar Precast Company Ron Jasperson

Memorial Productions Heidi Edwards www.memorialproductions.com

www.mnfuneral.org 21

CLASSIFIEDS Licensed Funeral Director/Funeral Director Intern Opportunities Holcomb-Henry-Boom-Purcell Funeral Home and Cremation Services, St. Paul and Shoreview, MN. Seeking a professional, licensed funeral director or intern to join our team serving 300+ families annually. The successful candidate will have experience or be willing to participate in all facets of funeral service, including making removals, embalming, arrangements, assisting with visitations and services, and other day-to-day general duties as needed. The successful candidate will possess a strong work ethic and the ability to work independently and with other directors and staff. They will have strong oral and written communication skills, a desire to become an active part of our community and a passion for client family satisfaction. Candidates of all experience levels are encouraged to apply. Competitive wage, benefits and scheduling will be discussed. Please forward resume to: Richard Purcell, 536 N. Snelling Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104. 651-646-2844 Funeral Business For Sale – 125+ calls per year, northern Ohio, excellent reputation, attractive facilities, large apartment with private entrance, solid pre-need portfolio and strong financials. For more information about this unusual opportunity, please e-mail David Ring at dring@putnamring. com or call 317-465-0068 for a confidentiality agreement and buyer profile form.

Full-time Funeral Director – Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kozlak-Radulovich Funeral Chapels is looking for a full time funeral director to join their growing team. We are looking for someone with a passion for the funeral industry and the desire to perform extraordinary services. Our three chapels are located in NE Minneapolis, Blaine & Maple Grove. We are looking for the right person, whether that comes with 5-10+ years of experience or someone entering their internship. Competitive salary & benefits are offered. Please send resume and cover letter to Danielle at Danielle@kozlakradulovich. com or mail to 1918 University Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418

22 MFDA Bulletin • SPRING 2016

Funeral Director available to do relief work.

No time period to long or short. Also will do human remains transfers to your location from other states. References available upon request. Please contact Mark Randall at (605) 270-3017.

Family owned and operated funeral home has an opening for licensed funeral director or intern at our Jackson and Lakefield, MN locations. If you are interested or have any questions please call Nick Osterberg at 507.847.3300 or email your resume to nick@osterbergfuneralhome.com North Orange County Community College District is looking for a Mortuary Science Instructor. Salary Range: $60,221 - $91,174 Annually. Close Date: 3/11/2016. To view the full job description and to apply, visit: http://apptrkr.com/729001 Reputable family owned funeral home located in the Black Hills of South Dakota is seeking a licensed funeral director. This is a full-time position with a set schedule, time off, retirement account, health insurance and paid vacation. The successful candidate will be kind, personable, neat and attentive to details. Please send your resume to FidlerIsburg Funeral Chapels, P.O. Box 487, SD 57783 or call (605) 642-2633. All inquiries will be held strictly confidential.

Do you want personal and professional growth in the death care profession? Does innovative and progressive thinking appeal to you? Do you want new and creative ways to serve families that will reward you as well as them? How about a clear vision of your future in funeral service? If these ideas appeal to you, you need to apply to Michaelson Funeral Home for a position as a licensed mortician or intern.

Currently, Michaelson Funeral Home is accepting resumes for a mortician licensed in Minnesota or an intern working toward a Minnesota license. The applicant should be eager to perform duties in all aspects of funeral service, be willing to engage in progressive thinking and planning for new and innovative ways to serve and connect with families, and be committed to personal and professional growth in the death care profession. Former intern, Rob G. commented in regard to his internship

with Michaelson Funeral Home, “You set people up for success and show them a clear path. Then it is up to them to make it happen. Thank you for the knowledge and opportunity.” Please submit your resume to cory@michaelsonfuneral.com or to Michaelson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 482, Owatonna, MN 55060. Visit www. michaelsonfuneral.com for more information about our firm.

Does the technical side of funeral service appeal to you? Do you prefer spending your time in the prep room and crematory? If yes is the answer to these questions, please contact Michaelson Funeral Home for a unique employment opportunity focused on the technical skills of funeral service paired with a unique and attractive work schedule. Compensation package includes vacation, health insurance, 401(k) and more. Please submit your resume to cory@ michaelsonfuneral.com or to Michaelson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 482, Owatonna, MN 55060. Visit www.michaelsonfuneral.com for more information about our firm.

Huber Funeral Home is seeking a licensed funeral director/intern, possibly both. Huber Funeral Homes and Cremation Services are located in Excelsior, Mound, and Eden Prairie, MN. We are approximately 18 miles west of the Twin Cities in the Lake Minnetonka area. Live and work in the most sought after area of the Twin Cities, and possibly the entire state for that matter.

We are seeking a licensed funeral director who is passionate about funeral service with any level of experience, as well as the possibility of an intern who we will help to become a fully licensed funeral director.

These positions offer competitive salary, paid vacation, health insurance, paid license fees, paid continuing education, and several paid community benefits.

We are a family owned and operated, full service funeral home business with three locations. One of the locations offers a spacious residence across the street from Lake Minnetonka. The schedule is rotated between the licensed staff and is a very fair work and on-call schedule. Applicants must have organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, as well as a passion for helping friends and neighbors within the communities we serve. Our West/ South-Western suburban area offers all the

excitement, conveniences and accessibility of the Twin Cities, but with the peace of mind and quality of life of a smaller town atmosphere. Please send resume and references via email to: paul@huberfunerals. com or mail to: 520 Second Street, Excelsior, MN. 55331. For additional information you may call, 612-916-9025 For Sale - Funeral Home in NE Minnesota in Cook. Same original owners since inception in 1983. The firm doea an average of 70 calls per year. Solid pre-need and limited competition. Owner is looking to retire. Our area has much to offer. Call 218-666-5298 or email mlaker@accessmn.com.

Miller-Carlin Funeral Homes are looking for an intern or licensed individual to join our family owned funeral homes in central Minnesota and become a full-time member of our staff. We would look forward to helping an intern learn all areas of the funeral business and would welcome a fully licensed individual with any level experience. Our funeral homes are located near several lakes, colleges, retail and medical facilities. We also have many trails for biking in the summer and snowmobiles in the winter. We are less than one hour from the twin cities metro area.

This position will include a portion of on-call time that is split with other licensed staff.

Benefits include a company vehicle, company cell phone, paid continuing education, paid license fees, paid vacation, and more.

Competitive pay and benefit information is provided upon request. Please e-mail your resume to Bill@millercarlin.com.

Sturm Funeral Home is seeking a licensed funeral director or intern to serve in one of our locations in Southern Minnesota.

Director will be a location manager involved with all aspects of funeral service and will share an on-call schedule with five other directors. Applicant should have experience with excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills and have a passion for helping friends and neighbors within the community. Must have or be able to obtain a MN Morticians License. We offer a generous full benefit package. Learn more at www.sturmfh.com or contact Jay Van Sickle at 507-794-5221 or e-mail vansickle4@mediacombb.net.

Family owned and operated funeral home has openings for licensed funeral director, intern, and management positions in Montana and North Dakota. For more information, visit our website at www. stevensonandsons.com. If you are interested or have any questions, please call Joe or Todd Stevenson at 406-853-4460 or office number 406-232-4457 or email your resume to stevenson@midrivers.com.

Mahn Family Funeral Home in Red Wing, Minnesota, a family-owned funeral home, has a position for a full-time Minnesota licensed funeral director or intern. Responsibilities would include all aspects of funeral service.

Individual must be a self-motivated person that is able to think independently and work without direct supervision. This position comes with competitive salary based on experience, flexible schedule, paid vacation, retirement plan, health insurance and other benefits. The historic and scenic community of Red Wing, located in Southeastern Minnesota on the Mississippi River, has plenty of year around social, community and recreational activities. Please send resume to todd.otteson@mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com or call 651-388-3343. Inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.

Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes & Cremation Services is seeking a full-time licensed funeral director or intern to add to our current staff. This person will be involved with the complete duties of a funeral director from the removal to the final disposition.

We offer a competitive salary and yearend bonus along with benefits such as full company paid family health and dental insurance, retirement plan, license fees, continuing education costs, vacation, several community paid benefits, and bi-annual clothing allowance. We have five locations in south central Minnesota with our main office being in New Ulm, a beautiful clean city of around 15,000 residents. You would be joining a staff of 4 other licensed morticians.

The on call schedule and the holiday schedule would be evenly rotated between all the licensed staff. For more information on the funeral home and how it operates as a “Community owned co-operative� go to www.mvfh.org. For information on the New Ulm community, go to www.newulm.com and request a relocation guide. Please e-mail your cover letter and resume to General Manager, Bruce Savoy, at sbmv@comcast.net or mail to Bruce Savoy, C/o Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes, P. O. Box 393, New Ulm, MN 56073.

www.mnfuneral.org 23

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