MFDA Bulletin Spring 2017

SPRING 2017

BULLETIN

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY FOR THE MINNESOTA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION MEMBERS.

Join us!

127TH ANNUAL CONVENTION

MAY 22-24, 2017 Doubletree Minneapolis South Bloomington, MN Thank You Convention Title Sponsors: Doric Dealers of MN, and Funeral Directors Life 2017 CONVENTION GUIDE INSIDE!

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

If this is what you see…

FOCUS. Speed | ATTENTION | Fatigue | Emotion Poor driving decisions could keep you and your employees from making it home S.A.F.E. today.

To learn more about our new Drive S.A.F.E. risk management resources, please contact your local marketing representative.

Federated Mutual Insurance Company • Federated Service Insurance Company* • Federated Life Insurance Company Owatonna, Minnesota 55060 | Phone 507.455.5200 | www.federatedinsurance.com 17.02 Ed. 9/16 *Not licensed in the states of NH, NJ, and VT. © 2017 Federated Mutual Insurance Company

Minnesota Funeral Directors Association

In This Issue Executive Director’s Report........................................................ 4

BOARD OF DIRECTORS, STAFF AND OTHER CONTACTS President Jeff Hartquist Hartquist Funeral Home Luverne, MN engebretson@iw.net

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

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

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

From the President...................................................................... 5 SPRING 2017 Legislative Update..............................................13 2017 MFDA Convention Guide............................................. 7-13 Fundraiser Run in Frozen Lake for CGC............................ 14-15 NFDA Cremation Certification.................................................16 Good Funeral Director is Hard to Find...............................18-19 Book Review: Death: An Oral History.........................................14 In Memoriam.........................................................................22-23 Classifieds.............................................................................24-26 2017 MFDA Allied Members..................................................... 27

2017 MFDA Calendar

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

Tim Anderson(District 10) Anderson Funeral Home Twin Valley, MN timanderson@arvig.net

Tonya D. Borth (District 2) Schoenbauer Funeral Home Le Center, MN tonya_04@hotmail.com

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

Marquis Madison (District 3) Totzke Funeral Home Fulda, MN totzke@mchsi.com

POLICY BOARD REPRESENTATIVE Leif Larsen

Lance Peterson (District 4/5) Peterson Brothers Funeral Home and Cremation Service Willmar, MN lance@petersonbrothers.com Scott Benson (District 6 & 7) Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel, Inc. Robbinsdale, MN sbenson@delmore.com Brian Dingmann (District 8) Dingmann Funeral Care Annandale, MN brian@dingmannfuneral.com Steve Sheets, CFSP (District 9) Schoeneberger Funeral Home Perham MN sheets.steve@yahoo.com

March 31-April 2, 2017 Children’s Grief Connection Hearts of Hope Family Grief Camp McGregor, MN May 22-24, 2017 MFDA 127th Annual Convention Doubletree Minneapolis South, Bloomington, MN May 24, 2017 Leadership Academy Graduation Doubletree Minneapolis South, Bloomington, MN

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

PAST PRESIDENT REP Norman Larsen

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

STAFF Darlyne Erickson, CAE Executive Director

Who We Are: Minnesota Funeral Director’s Association (MFDA) is the statewide resource dedicated to supporting our member’s growth professionally, ethically, and operationally.

What Is Our Mission: Our mission is to

enhance and support funeral service excellence through our programs, legislative representation and service to Minnesotans.

763-416-0124 612-940-8169 (cell) info@mnfuneral.org

How We Accomplish This:

Amy Beckham (Administrative)

• Advancing the value of funeral service consistent with the changing needs of society

amy@mnfuneral.org

Sue Sack (Accounting)

• Essential and enduring principles that guide our organization’s behaviors and actions

• Advocacy on behalf of consumers and members

sue@mnfuneral.org

• Visionary leadership trust and confidence in staff and volunteer leadership

Kathy Sheridan (Membership/Convention)

• Promotion of integrity; honest and ethical behavior within the funeral industry

Miki Tufto (Communications/Convention)

• Recognize the importance of education as a vehicle to enhance both public service and public image

kathy@mnfuneral.org

• Collaboration with others in the interest of consumers and members

mtufto@mnfuneral.org

7046 East Fish Lake Road, Maple Grove, MN 55311 p: (763) 416-0124 • f: (763) 416-0124 e: info@mnfuneral.org • ww.mnfuneral.org The MFDA Bulletin is published quarterly for MDFA members. Copyright ©2017 MFDA Service Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior written permission of the publisher. Advertising opportunities are available by contacting MFDA to request an ad rate sheet.

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 had the privilege of speaking to the University of MN Mortuary Science students this past week on the invitation of Mike Matthews. Joining me on the “platform” were Pat Patton and Tim Hoff. We were all speaking on the benefits of being involved in organizations related to funeral service. Specifically, MFDA, ICCFA, and Children’s Grief Connection. I stressed the importance of banding together with like-minded professionals who truly understood the value of funeral service. I strongly feel that MFDA’s primary purpose is to facilitate that banding together.

As the “Living our Mission” brochures states, MFDA is in existence to educate, communicate, advocate, collaborate, and celebrate funeral service. I stressed to these young adults the importance of leadership skills, and assured them that as professionals in their chosen business community, they will be looked up to as the expert, a true professional and it is important to know what that means. Standing tall, looking someone in the eye, speaking with assurance and compassion, are all qualities that are crucial to life in general, but especially while speaking to a family looking to you for direction. These are all skills that are easily practiced in daily life, while at school, church, work, or at a social event.

I enjoy speaking in front of groups and find the questions I receive from the public interesting and hopefully my answers are informative. I hear a lot of stories, 99% positive, of their experiences with a funeral home or director. We heard many great stories earlier this month as Miki Tufto, Amy Beckham, and myself had the opportunity to staff the MFDA booth at the LeadingAgeMN convention for the second year in a row. This is an organization of nursing homes and senior centers. The attendees

are nurses, social workers, and health professionals of all manner, 2,000-3,000 in attendance. It was a large trade show and you know the drill…people walk by and see our sign and the eyes go astray… the “don’t pick me” look. Well, we don’t let them get off that hook very easily and I must say we are a very friendly bunch.

With our packet of the six informational funeral industry brochures ready, our line was…”How would you like to know the answers to all the questions you (or your patients) didn’t know you had?”

We also lured them in with chocolate. Once they approached we engaged in some very interesting conversations. Questions about that “water cremation”, medical assistance, you name it. This was also where we heard wonderful stories about how compassionate, professional, and overall helpful the funeral director in their community is. I must say that if you are not engaging with your local senior center or nursing home it’s certainly something to consider. The staff really appreciates information, at a time when they are not in crisis and trying to find you in the middle of the night.

Our next conference is the MN Hospice & Palliative Conference in early April at the Doubletree in Bloomington. Again, our reason for being at these events is to promote the value of funeral service as we reach out to professionals that you encounter on a daily basis.

Look forward to seeing you at our convention, it’s coming up quickly! As always, call if you have any questions or concerns.

We are here for you!

Darlyne Erickson, CAE

MFDA was well-represented at the LeadingAgeMN Convention in March 2017.

4 MFDA Bulletin • SPRING 2017

We need you!

By Jeff Hartquist, MFDA President

It’s quite an honor serving as your association’s president. We really do have an abundance of licensed funeral directors that bring immeasurable value to the communities in which they live and serve. To all of you that are picking up this quarter’s Bulletin, we need you!

We need your voice to be heard on issues that are at hand.

Right now, we seem to being facing a workforce shortage.

We need each of you to visit with quality individuals in your communities and help them begin in this wonderful profession. We need you to bring your voice and ideas, either funeral director owner or funeral director employee, about how we can staff and operate a business that has evolved so much in the past twenty years. Perhaps we should be revisiting how reciprocity is considered for obtaining licensure in Minnesota from another state? Is there development of new certifications needed? Should licensure requirements be revisited?

We need your active involvement to work with the state’s medical assistance programs to develop better guidelines.

Your voice is critical to the families we serve to help them protect assets. We need you to help educate our counties the significance of care to all individuals, while maintaining diligence to operating our business.

We need each of you to continually better yourselves as funeral directors and people. Wherever you may have a weakness, develop yourself to make it your strength. Be excited to learn something new, but be more inspired to share

MFDA 127th Annual Convention May 22-24 Doubletree Minneapolis South, Bloomington

it with others. Give of yourself to families, but be mindful to give of yourself to your own family.

We need your help recruiting membership for our association.

An increase in membership helps our association become more in touch with issues facing funeral service in Minnesota and leads to better discussion and debate we will have on what is the best direction to move forward with different policies and legislation at hand.

We need you to help us find ways to be best connected with each of you – our valued members! Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, follow our feeds, leave comments/ replies, write a column for this publication, become part of a committee.

Our association is much like what I feel is the number one essential element to life – relationships. Each of us has a very significant value to add to life and the relationships it is made up. The relationships within MFDA’s membership are what is making this association strong and healthy once again. I thank you in advance for your relationship with our association!

Don’t just skim this newsletter and put it down; remember, we need you!

I look forward to seeing and visiting with all of you at this year’s convention!

Jeff Hartquist MFDA President

www.dodgeco.com https://shop.dodgeco.com

GREGG BRIGHT 612-916-6667 800-443-6343

GBRIGHT@DODGECO.COM

HELPING YOU MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE

www.mnfuneral.org 5

SPRING 2017 Legislative Update

By Joe Sellwood, Cook Girard Associates

The 2017 session is in full swing and legislators have the task of crafting a budget for the state that the Governor will sign into law. Lawmakers hope to avoid budgetary gridlock with Governor Dayton and they have established early committee deadlines in an attempt try to reach agreement by the required May 22nd adjournment date.

There are some issues of interest to the funeral industry that are under consideration at the legislature, though this session is more quiet than in the previous few years.

One issue that was discuss during district meetings last fall that had broad support among members was to create a level of certification for individuals performing cremations. The MFDA Legislative Committee approved recommendations, approved by the MFDA Board, for a proposal to create a Cremator Operator certification. Representative Deb Kiel (R-Crookston) and Senator Bill Weber (R-Luverne) have authored the legislation and it has been introduced in both the House (HF1025) and Senate (SF1665). This proposal was drafted with the active participation of MFDA Legislative Committee and Board, and has the support of other stakeholders in the funeral, cremation and cemetery industries.

The Department of Health, through the work of the Mortuary Science Ad Hoc group, also developed a similar Cremator Operator certification. We have been in close contact with the Department about the differences in the two proposals and the Department has no opposition to our approach.

At this point in session, neither the legislation from the Department or MFDA is moving forward this year. Even though the MFDA Cremator Operator proposal has received warm reception from legislators, the health and human services committees are not addressing any new licensing or certification requests and like some other bills, are being held over to be worked on over the interim for action in 2018. We will continue to work on the issue and have it ready to move in 2018 and will keep MFDA members updated.

Another issue that received attention this year is a provision in Governor Dayton’s tax proposal that clarifies the sales tax law to include rental caskets and alternative containers in the list of end-of-life expenses exempt from sales tax. We will also keep you updated on the progress of this language as it moves through the process as well as any other issues of interest to the funeral industry in Minnesota.

MFDA BULLETIN 2017 ADVERTISING RATES STYLE

SIZE

B&W MFDA Allied Members

Business Card

6 MFDA Bulletin • SPRING 2017

MFDA Allied Members

Non-Members

(3-1/2 w x 2-1/4 h)

$75

$150

$100

$200

1/4 page

(3-1/2 w x 4-3/4 h)

$125

$250

$150

$300

1/2 Page

(7-1/2 w x 4-3/4 h)

$200

$350

$250

$400

Full Page

(7-1/2 w x 10 h)

$350

$700

$400

$800

(horizontal)

REACH KEY FUNERAL HOME DECIONMAKERS!

Non-Members

COLOR

Rates per issue. Printed quarterly - winter, spring, summer, fall 7046 East Fish Lake Road, Maple Grove, MN 55311 Phone: (763) 416-0124 | Fax: (763) 416-0124 Email: info@mnfuneral.org | www.mnfuneral.org

2017 MFDA CONVENTION GUIDE & REGISTRATION FORM

Join us!

MAY 22-24, 2017 • Doubletree Minneapolis South, Bloomington

2017 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Join us for education, fun, networking, great speakers, and camaraderie as we focus on Bridging the Future of funeral service!

Tuesday, May 23 • 8:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.

Wednesday, May 24 • 12:30 - 3:20 p.m.

“Passion! 8 Steps to Reignite Yours” PRESENTER: MARK J. LINDQUIST

“You Only Have One Chance – But Sometimes More Can Be Done”

Sponsored by Brown-Wilbert

PRESENTER: JACK ADAMS

2 CEUs General

Sponsored by Gregg Bright of The Dodge Company As working professionals, we could all use a little jolt from time to time. This session may be the only time all year when you take a moment to reflect on the things you need to do to reignite the passion that brought you into the workforce in the first place. Worldtouring entertainer and actor Mark J. Lindquist offers a keynote that is as entertaining as it is enlightening as he sends you out the door on fire.

Mark J. Lindquist is a nationally recognized motivational speaker and world-touring entertainer who has performed live for over 1.5 million people in 22 countries and 44 states throughout his career. He is also the author of the books, Passion! 8 Steps to Reignite Yours and Service, My Way of Life.

As an actor, he has appeared in ABC’s LOST, CBS’ Hawaii Five-O and the Universal Studios movie Battleship. He has performed for Grammy winning artists, Academy Award nominated actors, foreign dignitaries around the world as well as staffers at the White House.

Mark is a former Sergeant in the United States Air Force and an Afghanistan War Veteran who currently lives in Fargo, North Dakota. Information on his company can be found at www.MarkJLindquist.com.

8 MFDA Bulletin • SPRING 2017

3 CEUs Body Prep Topics include an update on the effective treatment of edematous and emaciated cases, review of infectious diseases and their treatment, donor case embalming with focus on restoration of long bone and skin donation cases, and restoration of difficult cases.

Jack Adams is a fourth-generation funeral director and embalmer. He has more than 40 years of experience in funeral service and is considered one of the world’s foremost embalming authorities. He has presented embalming seminars throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. It is estimated that Jack has embalmed well in excess of 25,000 human remains.

Jack is a member of the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and has earned his Funeral Service Professional certification. He is also a faculty member of The Dodge Institute Seminars, a member of the Dodge Research and Development Staff, and a regular contributing author to The Dodge Magazine. In addition, he represents The Dodge Company in Northern Illinois.

Jack is a 1963 graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science and along with working for The Dodge Company in Northern Illinois as a sales representative; he is an Embalming Lab Instructor at Worsham College.

REGISTRATION Please fill out the form below OR register online at www.regonline.com/mfda17 REGISTER EARLY AND RECEIVE A $25 DISCOUNT! Complete the registration form below and return it to MFDA postmarked on or before Friday, May 12 and save! Forms returned May 13 or later should include the full registration fee. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name (please print or type) Name on badge _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Firm name _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address (city, state, zip) ( )__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone Email Registration* Please select the appropriate registration fees below. ❑❑ MFDA Member Funeral Director: $195 ($220 after May 12) ❑❑ MFDA Funeral Home Preneed Counselor: $195 ($220 after May 12) ❑❑ Guest**: $95 ($120 after May 12) Guest name for badge:___________________________________________ ❑❑ U of M Mortuary Science Student: Free ($25 after May 12) ❑❑ Non-Member: $615 ($640 after May 12) Please indicate if you will attend the Fabulous Casino Night as well as the number of attendees. ❑❑ Monday, May 22, MFDA Fabulous Casino Night - Sponsored by Doric Dealers of MN and Kelco Supply Co $30 per person # attending____ x $30 =$__________

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 127TH ANNUAL CONVENTION AND EXPO!

www.mnfuneral.org 9

MAY 22-24, 2017 • Doubletree Minneapolis South, Bloomington

EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS MONDAY, MAY 22

TUESDAY, MAY 23

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

7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

NFDA Certified Crematory Operator Program

OSHA Training

(7 Professional Practices CEUs)

(1 OSHA CEU/1 Regulations & Ethics CEU) Mark Arnold, Funeral Director

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.

3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.

An Undertaker at the Courthouse: Avoiding Lawsuits and Dealing with the MDH (1 CEU Regulations & Ethics) Michael Sharkey, Cousineau, Van Bergen, McNee & Malone, P.A. This session will help funeral directors, crematory operators, and cemeterians better understand emerging trends in litigation against their business. It will also discuss enforcement efforts by the Minnesota Department of Health and how to defend your business and license in a MDH investigation. Finally, there will be a discussion of best practices for your business that can help minimize risks.

New Advances in Treatment and Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease (1 CEU Professional Practices)

Workforce Issue Discussion

Dr. William H. Frey II

We invite you to attend an open discussion with MFDA board members regarding concerns about workforce-related issues, along with any other funeral service topics attendees would like to discuss.

Dr. Frey’s presentation will focus on the latest research in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease including the intranasal insulin treatment, the intranasal deferoxamine treatment and the intranasal adult therapeutic stem cell treatment that he has discovered and developed along with other researchers at the HealthPartners Center for Memory & Aging and collaborators around the world. He will also discuss treatments he has developed for stroke, Parkinson’s and other brain disorders.

Finally, he will discuss how to reduce your risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease with exercise and diet including the Mediterranean and MIND diets.

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

OSHA Training (1 OSHA CEU/1 Regulations & Ethics 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.

10 MFDA Bulletin • SPRING 2017

MAY 22-24, 2017 • Doubletree Minneapolis South, Bloomington

TUESDAY, MAY 23 11:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.

Diverse Religious Perspectives; A Brief Overview of Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu Perspectives (1 CEU Professional Practices) Marc A. Markell Ph.D., CT

recently, when we find ourselves snapping at our staff or our spouse, when we dread going into work or can’t wait for time-off (and our week just started), when we find ourselves buried in social media or a bottle of (insert alcoholic beverage here), maybe you’re just a tad bit stressed out.

Managing the stress of business is crucial to staying in business. Funeral service is stressful work, necessary work, retaining good funeral service is good business. This workshop gives owners and their staff definitive, authentic and sustainable tools to manage the stresses of everyday life and the traumatic stresses of providing professional caregiving to traumatized and grieving people.

As the world changes and becomes more diverse, it is important that funeral directors understand some differences in religious belief and practices around death. This presentation will give basic information on three religious traditions; Jewish, Muslim, Hindu.

3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Seniors, Technology and a Continuum of Care

(1 OSHA CEU/1 Regulations & Ethics CEU) Mark Arnold, Funeral Director

OSHA Training

(1 CEU Professional Practices) Todd Carlson, Funeral Directors Life How has the funeral consumer changed? How have you seen how technology impacts your business and the families you serve? How can we communicate with our customers in the ways they prefer? What impact do these technology trends have on your business? This course focuses on the changing funeral market and the need to remain relevant by establishing a digital care continuum for today’s senior market.

Learn about the latest statistics and trends regarding the influence that technology is having on the families you serve.

SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCE Monday, May 22 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m....................................... Certified Crematory

Operator Training 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m...................................MFDA Board Meeting 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.................................. Workforce Issue Discussion

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24 10:30 - 11:20 a.m.

Open Forum with the Minnesota Department of Health

4:30 – 5:30 p.m........................................................ OSHA Training 6:30 – 10:00 p.m............................ MFDA Fabulous Casino Night Tuesday, May 23 7:00 a.m............................................ Attendee Registration Open

(1 CEU Regulations & Ethics)

7:00 – 7:50 a.m....................................... Past President Breakfast/

OSHA Training

MDH Vital Records/Mort Sci Section Staff

8:00 – 9:50 a.m.....................Keynote Speaker: Mark J. Lindquist

This interactive session includes a panel format with MDH program subject-matter experts. They will provide brief overviews on program hot topics that impact the industry and then we’ll open the floor for to the audience to pose questions to the panel and entertain discussion. Information will likely include MR&C programming and enhancements, legislative changes, projects and pain points, among other important topics.

Pause, Post-it and Prevail: Self Care for Funeral Care Professionals (1 CEU Professional Practices) Coral Popowitz, Children’s Grief Connection When our to-do lists have more than ten items on them (all priority), when the phone is ringing constantly (or barely ringing at all), when we’ve had too many fighting families in arrangements, or buried too many children

10:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m...................................... Breakout Sessions 12:00 – 1:45 p.m........................Lunch/ Business Meeting/NFDA 2:00 – 3:00 p.m...................................... Service of Remembrance 3:00 – 6:00 p.m....................................Exhibit Hall Opening Party

and Ticket To Win It Wednesday, May 24 8:00 a.m.............................................................Registration Open 8:30 – 10:30 a.m........................... Exhibit Hall Open w/Breakfast

Ticket to Win It Grand Prize Awarded 10:30 – 11:30 a.m............................................... Breakout Sessions 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m...................................... Lunch/Leadership

Academy Graduation 12:30 – 3:20 p.m............................Keynote Speaker: Jack Adams 3:30 – 4:20 p.m........................................................ OSHA Training

www.mnfuneral.org 11

MAY 22-24, 2017 • Doubletree Minneapolis South, Bloomington

MFDA FABULOUS CASINO NIGHT Food and Drink tickets sponsored by Doric Dealers of MN Casino Tables sponsored by Kelco Supply Co

Monday, May 22 6:30 - 10:00 p.m., DoubleTree Garden Court Feeling lucky? Come wager your luck on a night of fun! Join us at blackjack and poker tables to win chips to turn in for chances to win prizes! No gambling experience required - friendly dealers teach the games in a non-intimidating environment. Your Casino Night ticket includes food, drink tickets, chances to win prizes, and a fun night of gambling with friends! All Casino Night attendees are entered into a drawing to win a $500 Sun Country Airlines Gift Certificate, sponsored by Batesville!

2017 CONVENTION EXHIBIT HALL Visit the Exhibit Hall to talk with sponsors, allied members and vendors.

Exhibit Hall Hours Tuesday, May 23 Opening Party 3:00 – 6:00 p.m Wednesday, May 24 Breakfast Served 8:30 – 10:30 a.m

12 MFDA Bulletin • SPRING 2017

MAY 22-24, 2017 • Doubletree Minneapolis South, Bloomington

THANK YOU SPONSORS! TITLE SPONSORS

Doric Dealers of MN

• Casino Night Table Sponsor - Kelco Supply Co • Mark Lindquist Keynote Sponsor – Brown Wilbert • Jack Adams Keynote Sponsor – Gregg Bright of The Dodge Co • Exhibit Hall Breakfast Sponsor – Funeral Directors Life • Casino Night Grand Prize Sponsor – Batesville • Exhibit Hall Opening Drink Tickets – Batesville

Convention Hotel The DoubleTree Minneapolis South (7800 Normandale Blvd, Bloomington, MN) will have rooms available at the discounted rate of $115 plus 14.275% tax. Please contact the hotel directly at 1-800-222-TREE and ask for the discounted rate for the MFDA Group. Self-parking is free. You must make your reservation before April 28, 2017 to receive this discounted rate. visit www. mnfuneral.org/Hotel to make reservations online.

Hotel Features: • 24-Hour Fitness Center • Complimentary wireless internet in guest rooms and public spaces • Complimentary transportation to MSP Airports • Complimentary transportation to the Mall of America

• Coffee Break Sponsor – Minnesota Department of Health Vital Records

• Complimentary basic Wifi

• Breakout Session Education Sponsor – National Funeral Directors Association

• Close to Mall of America, Edina and downtown Minneapolis

• Onsite restaurant and lounge

• Celebration of Life Sponsors – Brown Wilbert, Gregg Bright of The Dodge Co, United Heritage • Casino Night Prize Sponsors – Meadow Hill Co, Vertin Family Funeral Homes

TICKET-TO-WIN-IT Ticket-To-Win-It is back again! It’s your chance to win cold, hard cash by attending events and sessions. Be sure to be in the Exhibit Hall on Wednesday, May 24 when we draw the grand prize of $500 cash!

TICKET-2-WIN-IT! www.mnfuneral.org 13

Fundraisers Run in Frozen Lake to Provide Camps for Grieving Families Warm temperatures may have changed the format of jumping into a hole in Lake Waconia to running in from shore, but it didn’t stop more than 100 brave fundraisers/Frungers (a record number) raise more than $100,000 (also a record number) to fund grief camps for families through the Children’s Grief Connection (CGC) Hearts of Hope Family Grief Camp. The CGC’s eighth annual Frunge was hosted by Lola’s Lakehouse in Waconia on Saturday, March 4.

The CGC would like to thank the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association and Kelco Supply Co for their sponsorships for this year’s Frunge.

“I am totally amazed at our numbers and the funds raised from our 8th annual Frunge and yet I am not at all surprised; we have the most incredible and dedicated board, staff, volunteers, and donors,” said CGC Executive Director Coral Popowitz. “Most significant is the number of camper families, young and old, stepping up to that icy cold water after securing thousands of dollars in donations; I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Melanie Carr, Angie Dobbs, Kelly Gilgenbach, John Harrington, Paul Lovelace, Jessica Minor, Mark Owen, Drew Seale, & Scott Tufto, Funeral Directors Life

New at this year’s Frunge, children 10-years-old and younger participated in the Fuzzy Bear Frunge where they raised money, just like the older Frungers, but instead got to slide into an outdoor pool of teddy bears. All proceeds from the Frunge go towards programming for the CGC’s Hearts of Hope Grief Camp, where grieving families leave their anger behind, understand love remains, and find that hope will carry them forward.

Ken & Sue Peterson, Johnson-Peterson Funeral Home

14 MFDA Bulletin • SPRING 2017

The following MFDA members and staff participated in this year’s Frunge: Dana Dingmann, Dingmann Funeral Care Matt Wieser, Doric Dealers of MN

Mike Kosloski, Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home Tim & Jenny Hoff, Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service Ashley Czaplewski, Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service Alicia Carr, Kelco Supply Co Katie Waldhalm, U of M Mortuary Science Student Miki Tufto, MFDA

First Impressions Count Stand apart from the rest!

Taking a good look at your facility, do your interior spaces need some updating? Are the window treatments, light fixtures, carpet and furniture in need of replacement? Are the colors and styles drab, giving a not-so-great first impression? You may be feeling overwhelmed, but rest assured, Decorating Den ov Interiors is here to help. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation, and get started with your new interior design. You will love your new FIRST IMPRESSION.

Gina Wolleat

INTERIOR DECORATOR

(651) 387-3861

gina@decoratingden.com gina.decoratingden.com

www.mnfuneral.org 15

Protect Your Families and Your Firm: Earn Your Cremation Certification from NFDA The NFDA Cremation Certification Program™ continues to lead the way as the profession’s cremation certification of choice. The program now offers two designation options – you choose your preferred designation based on your role in offering cremation to families.

Join us at a program in 2017!

Make plans to attend a program in: • March 17, 2017, Atlanta, GA • March 30, 2017, Mount Vernon, IL

Regardless of the designation you select, the day-long training program and certification exam are the same. During registration, you will select the designation they aspire to earn upon successful completion of the program certification test:

• April 4, 2017, South Jordan, UT

• Certified Cremation Services Provider (CCSP) – for funeral directors and staff that offer cremation services through a thirdparty crematory

• May 22, 2017, Bloomington, MN – During MFDA’s 127th Annual Convention

• Certified Crematory Operator (CCO) – for crematory owners and/or operators

• August 2, 2017, Birmingham, AL

To register, go to www.nfda.org/cco.

• April 12, 2017, Detroit, MI • April 26, 2017, Newton, MA

• June 28, 2017, Williamsburg, VA

• September 19, 2017, Greenwood, SC • October 28, 2017, Boston, MA (a preconvention seminar for the 2017 NFDA International Convention & Expo) • More 2017 dates will be announced soon!

While we appreciate registration in advance (it help us ensure we have enough materials for attendees), walk-ins are welcome.

Willmar Precast Company

The NFDA Cremation Certification Program has been approved for CE by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice; the program is state-approved for crematory operator certification in Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia at this time. It also meets specific training requirements in states that require training but not certification.

Attend a Cremation Certification Seminar at No Cost to You!

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

Big Stone Chippewa Lac qui Parle Nicollet Redwood Sibley Swift

• • • • • • •

Brown Kandiyohi Meeker Pope Renville Stearns Yellow Medicine

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

16 MFDA Bulletin • SPRING 2017

The Funeral Service Foundation has launched the Foundation ’45 Awards, which are offered on the premise that access to solid education and resources can help you propel your career to the next level. The awards include the new Career Development Awards!

This year, the Foundation will allocate up to 60 Career Development Awards to licensed funeral directors across the profession. Career Development Awards underwrite registration fees for a single NFDA Cremation Certification, Arranger Training or Certified Preplanning Consultant training seminar of your choosing.

For more information about the Foundation ’45 Awards and to submit your name for a Career Development Award, visit the Funeral Service Foundation website, funeralservicefoundation.org.

The Foundation will accept names throughout the year. Career Development Award recipients will be drawn at-random from among all who enter in April, June and October. Recipients will have one year to redeem their career award.

It’s all well and good to look back after the fact and see what we should have done, but we rarely know what path is best when we take that first step.

— Christine Feehan —

We help the families you serve take that first step to peace of mind and financial security. Contact us about Pathway,® one of our prefunding options from Pekin Life Insurance Company.

For more information, contact:

Michele Voss, flmi, clu, cpc Director of Pre-Need Sales Phone: 800-322-0160 Extension 2821

WWW.PEKININSURANCE.COM www.mnfuneral.org 17

A Good Funeral Director is Hard to Find By: Kelly Gilgenbach of Passare - funeralbusinessadvisor.com

Are you having a hard time finding great funeral directors? If so, you are not alone.

As the average age of a funeral home owner rises and more and more funeral directors enter retirement, our industry is experiencing a labor crunch because the number of mortuary students won’t be able to keep pace with the increased demand from a rising death rate due to the Baby Boom generation.

Therefore, it’s becoming harder and harder to find and keep top quality talent in the funeral profession. According to the American Board of Funeral Service Education’s website, “On a national basis there are generally more jobs available than there are licensed funeral directors to fill them.”

Recently, I was visiting with a funeral director whose father owned the funeral home where he worked. He was telling me how hard it was to find staff, even though they had a mortuary school within 2 hours of the funeral home. I asked him, “So, what are you doing to attract new, young talent?”

need to have the best tools available to our staff so they can work efficiently and serve effectively.

I’ve also been working with a client whose funeral home is about an hour and a half away from my funeral director friend. This client has already upgraded his systems so that he is using today’s technology to connect with both families and his staff…and guess what?

He has no trouble recruiting great funeral directors because his staff is attracted to the way he does business. As funeral directors, they are able to stay connected with what is going on in the funeral home and with their families at any time, using any device. The system saves them time and helps them stay connected 24/7.

So, if you have up-to-date technology to help your staff operate more efficiently and enhance their service to families, you will have an increased opportunity to successfully attract and retain the top talent in your area.

Whether we’d like to admit it or not, funeral service has changed dramatically over the last 20 years, just as technology has. The problem is this: unlike other professions that have kept up with the advances in technology, funeral service has not.

Let’s think about these two scenarios. You have an apprentice fresh out of mortuary school who has two job offers.

Option 1 – Funeral Home A runs the office with a typewriter and hand written forms, prefers using a fax machine over email, and serves families the same way they have for the past 30 years.

The question stumped him because they really were not set up to attract young funeral directors fresh out of mortuary school. Their processes were antiquated (his own words) –they were using the same technology they used 30 to 40 years ago, relying on typewriters to fill out paperwork. As a millennial myself, I can attest to the fact that using a typewriter every day would be way out of my comfort zone and totally off my grid!

To compound the issue of finding new, young talent, the desire of families has shifted and will continue to change in dramatic ways.

Families today are demanding more than ever before. Boomers desire services that are as unique as their loved one. They are craving more control, transparency, and speed. In order to serve families at the highest level, we need to have the best staff possible and in order to recruit the best staff possible, we

malfunctioning software and less-thanintuitive systems, leave employees feeling frustrated. Companies should focus on upgrading and streamlining communication processes to make collaboration fun, not frustrating.”

It should not come as a surprise that more funeral directors are gravitating to the more modern business model than the antiquated model. A recent article from Entrepreneur stated that one of the top 3 strategies for retaining the best talent was to enhance employees’ opportunities for collaboration through technology: “What is the daily experience of your typical employee when it comes to collaboration? Whether in the office or working remotely, communication delays,

Option 2 – Funeral Home B runs the office with the latest technology to manage their day-to-day operations, has a TV screen in the conference room or visitation room, and provides 24-hour cloud-based access to files so that the funeral director doesn’t have to leave his kid’s little league game to answer a family’s question about a service.

This is not just a hypothetical question. This is the question faced by funeral directors every day, and specifically funeral directors who are graduating from the mortuary school that is near my two friends.

Assuming benefits and salary are similar, of the two options, which option do you feel this apprentice would choose?

In order to serve families at the highest level, we need to have the best staff possible and in order to recruit the best staff possible, we need to have the best tools available to our staff so they can work efficiently and serve effectively.

18 MFDA Bulletin • SPRING 2017

A Good Funeral Director is Hard to Find …continued from page 18 Today, it takes a team to serve a family, and effective teamwork requires effective collaboration. In a recent small-group study in Ohio, 46% of funeral homes stated that they do nothing with technology to differentiate themselves from their competitors. Is this you? Here are a few quick ways you can rate your funeral home as attractive to potential candidates: • Do you have computers available to your staff that are less than five years old?

• Are you actively posting on Facebook or other social media platforms at least twice a week?

• Are you actively looking for ways to make your arrangement processes more efficient?

• Do you have the ability to allow your staff to access case information from any device, at any time, from any location?

• Is your funeral home website up-to-date and mobile friendly?

• Are you using an automated reporting tool to track your monthly and annual data as opposed to Microsoft Excel or a spreadsheet to manually track data?

• Is your staff entering data into your system one time and then generating all forms as needed from a database as opposed to handwriting or entering the same data on forms multiple times?

• Are your forms updated and on standard sized paper as opposed to forms that have not been changed in over ten years that are copies of copies using nonstandard paper sizes?

If you answered “no” to one or more of these questions, it may be time to examine how you can make your business more attractive to potential staff members. If you answered no to all of these questions, it’s time for a change!

With new technology come new and better ways to accomplish tasks, remain organized, and stay mobile and agile as a business.

Technology allows your funeral home to create better processes and procedures that are far more efficient.

With new technology come new and better ways to accomplish tasks, remain organized, and stay mobile and agile as a business.

2017 CON VENTION TITLE SPONSOR www.mnfuneral.org 19

“Death: An Oral History” by Casey Jarman Book Review

By Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm Sez, LLC

You haven’t printed out your tickets yet.

No worries, though; the trip you’re taking doesn’t require them.

You’re going somewhere where there are no storm delays, no souvenirs, no fancy restaurants, and accommodations will be a surprise. An unknown like that could be scary, but read the new book “Death: An Oral History” by Casey Jarman, and you may get a preview of the itinerary.

Like many people, Casey Jarman never knew his grandparents.

They’d died long before he could make memories of them – although his parents were both still alive. At age thirty-five, though, Jarman knew “The game is rigged” and that sooner or later, he was going to lose someone he loved - which scared him. Writing a book about death “seemed like a pretty solid way to combat my own fear of it.”

He set out to interview people who dealt with dying. Perhaps they had some insight on the trip nobody looks forward to taking.

No two people grieve the same, as Jarman learned from a grief counselor, and it’s wrong to tell someone how to do it. Also, once was the time when death wasn’t discussed with kids but today, truthtelling has its strong advocates.

Though it may be controversial, Jarman interviewed the “frontwoman” for the Urban Death Project, the “cause” of which is

that human bodies make great gardening. Burial takes up real estate, she pointed out. Compost a body, and it becomes “part of the ecosystem.”

From an identical twin who lost his brother, Jarman learned that it might be shaky, but healing happens. From the former editor of a magazine, he learned that when it comes to death and what we want to hear about it, everybody has a “line” drawn in the sand. He talked with his mother, who lost her mother years ago; and with a motherless friend whose grief is fresher. He spoke with a consumer rights advocate, a philosopher, and a hospice worker. And through it all – rituals, conversations, and even laughs over coffee, there was this: “Death always wins.”

Oh, my, that sounds a little dark, doesn’t it? It can be – but it’s also quite eye-opening, considering the range of interviews that author Casey Jarman collected and the insights each person offers. Yes, there’s a touch of the disturbing in “Death: An Oral History” but it’s not sensational, so much as it is incidental.

It’s also beautifully touching: here, you’ll read about grief-stricken people and those who toil helpfully in the quiet spaces between death and understanding, and Jarman gives them room to explain what they do. That was what struck me as I finished this book: in his introduction, Jarman indicates that you’ll find community within the inevitable if you need it. All you have to do is ask.

This is not really a book for the newly-bereft or the ailing, but openminded readers may benefit from what’s inside. You’ll be taking that one last trip someday and to satisfy your curiosity, “Death: An Oral History” may be just the ticket.

“We take the debt out of debtors.”

William G. Cottrell ADR Qualified Neutral • Over 25 Years Experience Experienced in Business Litigation • Debt Recovery •

• • •

Attorney Malpractice Funeral Home Representation Estate Planning

COTTRELL LAW FIRM PA 2287 Waters Dr., Mendota Heights, MN 55120 phone: 651.905.0496 • email: bill@cottrelllawfirm.com 20 MFDA Bulletin • SPRING 2017

Michael D. Sharkey, Esq., CFSP, CCO Chair, Mortuary Law Practice Group Attorney • Funeral Director

1-800-443-2773 Attorney Sharkey provides advice, counsel and litigation services for funeral homes, cemeteries, and crematories.

1-844-219-9643

Family owned & operated for over 20 years!

952-525-6990 msharkey@cvmmlaw.com

www.cvmmlaw.com

Brown Wilbert

Inc.

Amish Barnwood Casket & Rocker

New • Used • Leasing • Financing

Venetian with Farm Scene Legacy Order Vaults, Caskets, & Urns Online at Brown-Wilbert.com

www.4HEARSE.com www.mnfuneral.org 21

IN MEMORIAM Karen J. Fawcett, wife of MFDA Past President O.J. Fawcett, age 77 of Minneapolis and formerly of Winona, died Saturday, January 7, 2017 at Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN. Karen was born in Park Falls, WI on March 5, 1939 to Norman and Margaret Nelson. As she grew up, she moved around the woods of Northern Wisconsin as her father’s U.S. Forest Service assignments changed. She graduated from high school in Grand Marais, MN, with which she had fond memories and strong connections. She graduated from Grand Marais High School, and then Northwestern Hospital School of Nursing. She married O.J. in 1962, and moved to Winona. Later, she attended Winona State University Nursing School and received a BSN degree.

Throughout her life, she focused on children and caring for others. She worked as a pediatric nurse at the Winona Clinic, and directed early childhood development programs in the Winona Public School System. She took genuine interest in everyone who came into her life, inspiring, mentoring, caring for them. When people moved to Winona, she welcomed them and worked to connect them to established social circles.

One of her greatest joys was having such a close relationship with her five grandchildren, sharing family history and stories, cooking and baking, going to the Winona Humane Society, and Shakespeare Festival events. Karen served in leadership positions with many organizations that she believed in, including The Great River Shakespeare Festival, Winona Community Foundation, Winona State University Development, and the regional promotion of Minnesota Public Radio.

She was a curious, life-long learner, who loved to explore other cultures, theater, music, the arts, and science. She also had compassion, deep empathy, and an unending drive to help children and people who were not dealt an easy life. She used that synergy to make real and positive changes in this world and in people’s lives.

We know that Karen touched so many lives, in ways that we know, and many that we will never know. In the coming months, we would love to hear more of your stories about how she made a difference in your life.

Survived by husband O.J, sons David (Renee) and Mark (fiancée Sara), grandchildren Cole, Drew, Raina, Maren, Owen, sister Sandra Adams (Johnny), niece Amy Martin (Pepe), and a nephew John Adams (Margie).

Preceded in death by her parents and younger brother John Nelson.

22 MFDA Bulletin • SPRING 2017

Memorials preferred to The Great River Shakespeare Festival and the Winona Humane Society.

Funeral services for Karen were held January 12, 2017 at Central Lutheran Church, Winona.

Services entrusted to Fawcett Junker Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Winona, MN and Fountain City, WI. Words of sympathy and remembrance can be given at www.fawcettjunkerfuneralhome.com MN Funeral Director Robert Delmore, father of MN Funeral Director Dan Delmore of GeartyDelmore Funeral Home, age 95 of Robbinsdale, passed away Sunday, February 12 at Meadow Ridge Senior Community in Golden Valley MN. Bob was born December 9, 1921 in Faribault, MN. and was raised in Minneapolis, attending Incarnation Grade School and graduate of De La Salle High School in 1939. He enrolled in mortuary science at the University of Minnesota completing the course in 1941 and began his career at White Funeral Home in Minneapolis.

He served as a Chief Pharmacists Mate in the US Navy in World War II. He returned to White’s following the war where he was employed until 1962. He was with Washburn Mc Reavy from 1962-1973 when he purchased the Gearty Davis Funeral Home in Robbinsdale.

He retired in 1994.

Bob is survived by his children Kathy (Bob) Iverson, Dan (Mary) Delmore and Sheila (John) Thelemann. 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by wife Margaret and son Paul.

Mass of Christian Burial was held February 18 at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Robbinsdale, MN. Visitation was February 17 at Gearty-Delmore Chapel, 3888 W. Broadway, Robbinsdale, and at church one hour before the Mass. Int. St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Maple Grove.

Gerald R. Cook, “Jerry”, longtime MN funeral home sales representative, of Northfield, MN passed away peacefully on February 13, 2017 at the age of 86 after a four-year battle with Alzheimer’s.

Jerry was born February 21, 1930, in Farmington, MN to Dr. Bertram and Mary (Ryan) Cook. He acquired his family-centered values from his storybook upbringing in a large family in the small rural town. He loved his parents, brothers and sisters dearly and shared his fond memories and many funny stories for a lifetime.

He served in the US Army during the Korean War before graduating from the University Of Minnesota School Of Mortuary Science in 1957. He spent 40 years as a successful funeral

home sales representative, driving millions of miles across the upper Midwest on every major highway and minor backroad. He loved to drive, he loved the beauty of the countryside and he loved to watch the changing seasons.

He and Lorraine were married in 1955 and enjoyed 62 years of marriage. They shared so many simple pleasures - Sunday drives to view the fall colors, Lorraine’s fabulous family dinners, refreshments on the back patio and countless others. In retirement, they enjoyed wintering in Fountain Hills, AZ. Mostly, they treasured all times with their children and grandchildren where they successfully nurtured family first values in the next generations.

Jerry enjoyed playing and watching many sports, but he loved playing golf into his 80s.

He was a member of the Northfield Golf Club for decades. He enjoyed thousands of golf rounds with family and friends, and he loved the card games, conversations and comradery with many good friends on his favorite golf hole – the 19th. His sense of humor, gift for gab and storytelling made our world a better place, and he will be sorely missed by everyone.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Lorraine; children, Brad (Joan), Barbara (Mal) Mingo, Gerald R. Jr. “Chip” (Shelly), and Mary (Hany) Nada; grandchildren, Jessica and Jason Cook, Ben and Maddie Mingo, Evan and Owen Cook, Isabelle, Alex and Lily Nada; brothers, Howard (Midge) and Roger (Janet); sisters, Jane Alexander and Eleanor Gerster; many brothers and sisters in law, and nieces and nephews.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Earl and Richard; sister, Helen Harvey.

Mass of Christian Burial was held February 21 at the Church of St. Dominic, 104 Linden St. N., Northfield, with visitation 2 hours prior to Mass at church. All of Jerry’s grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Post 84 and VFW Post 4393 both of Northfield. A private family interment will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Dominic Catholic School, Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or donor’s preference.

Arrangements with McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation, Shakopee, 952-4452755. Condolences may be shared at www. mcnearneyfuneralhome.com Lyle “Boots” Liskow, funeral assistant at Schleicher Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, age 83, a longtime Plainview resident and educator, passed away at this home in Plainview on Tuesday, February 28, 2017.

Lyle Harold Liskow was born June 4, 1933, in Dover, to Harold and Delia (Younger) Liskow.

He grew up and attended school in St. Charles, and graduated from St. Charles High School in 1951. He served his country in the US Army during the Korean War from August 12, 1953 to June 13, 1955 as a military policeman serving in Texas. After serving in the Army he went on to obtain his Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Masters in Counseling from Winona State University in Education. On December 26, 1960 he married Diane Fisk at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Plainview.

In 1959 Boots took his first job teaching Industrial Arts in Elgin, where he also started the 9 man football program, coached basketball and baseball, organized summer recreation, was a Driver Trainer instructor and drove school bus for athletic events. Boots was a Teacher, Coach, Counselor, and Athletic Director at Plainview High School for 32 years.

He was a 25 year member of the Minnesota Coaches Association; was the Region Athletic Director of the year in 1988-1989; and received the Hall of Fame Award – Athletics Region 1A in 1999; member of the Minnesota State High School League; received the Southeast Minnesota Counselors Association certificate 1979 in recognition of service to students.

Boots was a life member of the Minnesota Education Association and the National Education Association.

He was a member and elder of the Community Presbyterian Church. Boots was a 60-year member of the Plainview American Legion Post #179 and served as a Past Commander from 1972-1973 and was also a member of the Color Guard. He was a 30-year member of the Plainview Lions Club, and recently received the Helen Keller Award.

After retiring from his teaching career Boots assisted with funerals and visitations for Schleicher Funeral Homes for 25 years. He especially enjoyed hunting and cookouts on ‘the Farm’. In his free time, Boots loved to fish, play golf, travel, and especially loved spending time with his grandson. More than anything he loved and cared for people.

Those left to cherish the memory include Boots’ daughter, Lori, son-in-law Chris and grandson Colin Lock of Plainview. He is also survived by two sisters, Marlys “Pudgy” (Dave) Gathje and Carol Mays, all of Rochester, and one brother, Russell “Bud” Liskow of Stewartville, along with many nieces and nephews. Boots was preceded in death by his wife, Diane; parents; sisters, Burnette Strain, Mavorette Leferink, and Phyllis Walz.

Visitation was held March 5 at the Schleicher Funeral Homes, Plainview Chapel in Plainview.

A Celebration of Life Service for Lyle “Boots”

Liskow was held March 6 at the Community Presbyterian Church in Plainview with Pastor John Curtiss officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Plainview with Military Rites by the Plainview American Legion Post #179. Memorials are preferred to Plainview Community Presbyterian Church and Plainview Elgin Millville Schools.

Thomas C. Maxwell, longtime funeral industry supplier, age 74 of Mound passed away Sunday, March 5, 2017 at his home.

Tom was born April 13, 1942 in Minneapolis.

He was united in marriage with Sandra Piatt on December 7, 1963. In the early years, he worked with his family in their trucking company until they started Dial Casket in the early 90’s. He also sold stationery to the funeral industry.

Companies that Tom was a representative for included, Messenger, Rob-Win, and Regal Line.

Tom moved his family to Mound, MN on Lake Minnetonka in 1972 where he enjoyed the lake life and golfing. He was a member of Burl Oaks Golf Club. Golfing became a family hobby which was passed down to his granddaughters, but the lake was his passion. Tom loved boating and fishing.

He is survived by his loving wife Sandy of 53 years; his children, Dan Maxwell (Gwen) and Dodi Pysick (Jason); granddaughters, Miranda and Mackenzie Maxwell; grandniece, Megan Kleve and partner Karl Wawrzynick; brothers, Jerry Maxwell (Bonnie) and Bruce Maxwell (Stella); nieces and nephews; son-in-law, Mark Meuffels; longtime friend, Pete Petty, Glen’s wife Leslie Engle and everyone that called him Pa Max. Tom is preceded in death by his daughter, Dina Maxwell-Meuffels; mother, Marion Hegge, stepfather, Dan Hegge; father, Tom Maxwell, stepmother, Lorraine Maxwell and best friend, Glen Engle.

Funeral service was held March 10 at Lakewood Cemetery Chapel, Minneapolis. Visitation was March 9 at David Lee Funeral Home, Wayzata.

Interment Lakewood Cemetery.

Lisa Kay Pluto, MFDA Allied Member and speaker at many past MFDA conventions and preneed insurance classes, age 48, of Dodge Center, Minnesota, died Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester.

from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul. On August 18, 2001, she was united in marriage to Christopher Pluto and they lived in St. Paul, until 2006 when they moved to Dodge Center. In the early stages of her career she practiced all areas of law. In January of 2007, she started her own practice, Pluto Legal, concentrating on Medical Assistance and Estate Planning. Lisa greatly enjoyed helping others, and this was evident in her work as she assisted others, especially the elderly, helping to put their affairs in order. She was well respected and trusted in her expertise and had frequently presented on Medical Assistance, Estate and Disability Planning. She was a member of several organizations including the Wealth Council, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, The Hennepin County Medical Assistance Committee, The Elder Resource Association, Southern Minnesota Estate Planning Council, LLC, the Minnesota State Bar Association Agricultural and Rural Law and Elder Law. Growing up, Lisa had traveled the world with her family, and had also studied abroad in Japan as an undergrad. Her love of travel stayed with her throughout her life, but most of her free moments were spent and cherished with her family. She was also quite creative and crafty, often making or designing something for or with her children. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, Triton Foundation and the Girl Scouts.

She will be dearly missed by her loving husband, Christopher Pluto of Dodge Center; daughters, Morgan and Sydney; son, Graham; her parents Lyndon and Joyce Sukola of St. Cloud; sister, Lynda (Kevin) Larson of Coon Rapids; niece and nephew, Madeleine and Corey and brother in law, Jon Pluto. She was preceded in death by her mother and father in law, John and Barbara Pluto.

Memorial service was held March 14 at Faith Lutheran Church in Dodge Center, with Rev. Barb Streed officiating. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Mankato at a later date. Memorials are preferred to the family for the children’s college education fund. Arrangements handled by Mahn Family Funeral Home Rochester Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www. mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com

She was born February 6, 1969, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to Lyndon and Joyce (Rogers) Sukola. She graduated from Apollo High School and received her undergraduate degree in international business from St. Cloud State University, and her Juris Doctor

www.mnfuneral.org 23

CLASSIFIEDS Licensed Funeral Director/Funeral Director Intern Opportunities We have an outstanding career opportunity for a licensed funeral director or apprentice at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Ortonville, MN (www.mundwilerfuneralhome.net).

We are looking for an individual who has a passion for delivering first class service to families and who excels at customer service.

Objectives are to provide the highest quality services and products to satisfy the needs of all families, and to maintain a positive employee atmosphere. We offer a highly competitive salary with incentive compensation based upon service levels, family satisfaction and revenues generated along with 100% paid medical, two weeks paid time off, and a matching 401K Plan. We are looking for a long-term fit with someone who has a proven track record of working as a team player, providing the highest levels of family satisfaction and achieving positive results. Attitude and commitment are more important to us than the number of years worked in the industry. To learn more about this opportunity, please email your cover letter and resume to melissa@vertin.com, or call Melissa Volk at 701-640-5500. (3/21/17) We are currently seeking applicants who are interested in a long-term career with our funeral home Mankato Mortuary in Mankato, MN. We offer a highly competitive salary with incentive compensation based upon service levels, family satisfaction and revenues generated along with 100% paid medical, two weeks paid time off, and a matching 401K Plan. We are looking for a long-term fit with someone who has a proven track record of working as a team player, providing the highest levels of family satisfaction and achieving positive results. Attitude and commitment are more important to us than the number of years worked in the industry. If you are interested, please send your resume, or call to visit confidentially about this opportunity. For more information, you may visit our website atwww.mankatomortuary.com Please contact: Kevin Satre, Mankato Mortuary Phone: 507-388-2202 Email: kevinsatre@ yahoo.com (3/21/17)

Evans-Nordby Funeral Homes, an independently owned funeral home, is seeking to hire a Licensed Mortician or intern to join the full-time staff. We have been a family owned and run funeral home for over 100 years and serve our communities with care and integrity. We are looking to add another compassionate director to our team. Qualifications & Requirements: currently licensed in Minnesota OR intern working towards Minnesota licensure, which requires graduation from an accredited school of mortuary science, must be able to communicate well with not only families but staff, must be detail oriented and organized. Benefits include Health/Dental, Profit Sharing, Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, Cell Phone, Clothing Allowance.

Expectations of the job would include meeting families to make arrangements, carrying out funeral and memorial services, embalming, be in a rotation to be on call during nights and weekends, day to day duties involved with running a funeral home.

Please contact Tom or Tina at 763-424-4000 or email resume to tina@evansnordby.com (2/9/17) Funeral Director position available - Daniel Funeral Homes – St. Cloud, MN. Who we are: The Daniel Funeral Home is now in its fifth generation of funeral service to Central Minnesota. Our success is based upon our genuine concern for the people we serve, as well as our thoughtfulness, understanding, compassion and respect. These qualities have been handed down from generation to generation, remaining with us and the families we serve. Job Overview: This position will share on-call duties with other funeral directors. It will involve all aspects of funeral service including funeral arrangements, conducting funerals, greeting families, facilitating visitations, embalming, etc. We offer a friendly working environment with the opportunity for personal growth.

We are looking for someone who can both promote a positive team atmosphere and maintain a professional disposition.

Requirements & Qualifications: Must be currently licensed in Minnesota OR working toward a Minnesota license (internship), Requires graduation from an accredited school of mortuary science.

Wages: Salary guarantee with hourly overtime. Benefits: Health/Dental/Life

24 MFDA Bulletin • SPRING 2017

Insurances, Profit Sharing, Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, Cafeteria Plan. How to Apply: Please email your resume to: paul@ danielfuneralhome.com or mail a hardcopy to: Paul Daniel, Daniel Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1222, St. Cloud, MN 56302 (12/29/16) Mortuary Science Instructor, Cypress College. Requires Master’s degree or equivalent foreign degree AND Bachelor’s degree in the discipline or closely related discipline AND six years professional experience directly related to the assignment which must include a minimum two years clinical decedent care as California licensed embalmer. Apply: http://apptrkr. com/927799 (12/13/16) Are you seeking an opportunity to have a balance between work and family? Do you have a family and value a smaller size town with good schools, a safe community and a simple life? Would you like to be a part of a funeral home with younger ownership and staff, looking to be leaders in quality funeral service with innovative ideas? Do you wish to be in a community that values funeral service and its professionals? Hartquist Funeral Home, a family-owned funeral home, has the opportunity for a full-time licensed funeral director/embalmer to join our family. We believe in serving families as though they were our own. We value our staff and what they can bring to our team. Our funeral home has three funeral chapels located throughout three counties in southwest Minnesota, serving over 200 families each year. We offer a competitive salary with complete benefits including medical insurance, pension plan, three-day weekends, paid vacation, profitsharing, life insurance, and much more. We are looking for applicants that simply want to make a positive difference in life through funeral service. The newly hired director would be based at our location in Pipestone.

To get a feel of our work environment, staff, and level of professionalism, please visit our website at www.hartquistfuneral. com. Contact Jeff Hartquist, 209 Elm St., Luverne, MN 56156 or at 507.283.2777 to set up an interview. Inquiries will be kept strictly confidential. (12/13/16)

Are you looking to work for a company whose focus is on serving our families with the utmost care and respect? A company who focuses on Excellence – Trust – Care and Growth? Come grow with O’Halloran & Murphy. O’Halloran & Murphy Funeral Homes is a privately-owned funeral home.

We are currently recruiting an experienced Licensed Mortician to join our growing team in St. Paul, MN. Michael O’Halloran, a 4th generation funeral director. O’Halloran & Murphy Company has grown consistently through the years. It now consists of 4 funeral homes, St. Paul, Roseville, Woodbury, and Elk River. Our funeral directors and staff are able to focus completely on providing the highest quality service to every family we serve— one family at a time. Mortician candidates must have excellent communication and organizational skills and a desire to provide the highest quality service to families.

Candidates must be a Minnesota Licensed Mortician, have a valid MN drivers license, and willing to take evening and weekend call status. O’Halloran & Murphy offers a competitive salary, and benefits including medical, participation in dental, paid license fees, 401(k) and profit sharing, paid time off, and development opportunities for career growth. If you are looking for a great funeral service career, come grow with O’Halloran & Murphy. Please send Resume to: Tom Jandro, O’Halloran & Murphy Funeral Homes, 2245 Hamline Ave. No., Roseville, MN 55113 or Tjandro@ohalloranmurphy.com (12/12/16) Schuller Family Funeral Homes, a familyowned funeral home with 3 locations in Central MN, has the opportunity for a fulltime MN licensed funeral director or eligible intern to join our team. Responsibilities in all aspects of business, including: transfers; embalming; and pre-need, at-need, and post-need arrangement counseling. Looking for a director or intern that will work in our team environment, but also is able to think independently and work without direct supervision. Position comes with competitive salary based on experience, paid vacation, retirement plan, health insurance, housing availability, and other benefits such as Student Loan assistance and health club membership. Find out more about our community and surrounding area at www. wadenachamber.com and www.wadena.org.

Please send resume to schullerjoe@arvig.net

or call Joe at (218) 631-3632. www.schullerfamilyfh.com. Inquiries will be kept strictly confidential. (10/17/16) Lange Funeral Home is a family owned firm looking for a licensed funeral director to join our staff. We are looking for an experienced funeral director who has people skills, is computer literate. Funeral directors are involved in all aspects of funeral service including: at-need arrangements, prearrangements, direction of funerals and visitations and must be able to meet the physical demands of the job which include, but not limited to removals and embalming.

Competitive salary, based on experience, health benefits, Simple IRA retirement Plan and paid vacation. Paid vacation and every other weekend off. Contact Ben or Tom Lange, langefh@iowatelecom.net, 1900 South 18th St, Centerville, IA 52544 (10/17/16) Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service, a family owned and operated funeral home in Little Falls, MN, with additional locations in Pierz, MN and Royalton, MN, has an immediate opening for a licensed funeral director or intern. Responsibilities would include removals, embalming, funeral arrangements and service coordination. Would you like to be a part of a funeral home with quality funeral service and innovative ideas? Do you wish to be in a community that values funeral service and its professionals? Salary and benefits based on experience. For more information please contact Trent Iverson at 320-632-4393 or send your resume to trent@ emblombrennyfuneral.com. All inquiries will be kept confidential. (10/3/16) Sandberg Funeral Home in North St. Paul, family owned since 1942, has the opportunity for a full-time MN licensed funeral director to join our team. Responsibilities would include all aspects of funeral service from making removals, embalming, funeral arrangements, conducting services and prearrangements.

Candidates must be mature, organized, self-motivated, possess capable prep room, arrangement and communication skills.

Competitive salary negotiable based on experience. Please call or email Mary Kaye Sandberg, 651-777-2600 or mksandberg@ comcast.net. (9/27/16)

Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home in Albert Lea, Minnesota has two immediate full time openings for an intern or licensed mortician.

Higher positions are also available. These positions will include all aspects of funeral service. Please mail resume to: Bayview/ Freeborn Funeral Home, 1415 Hwy 13 N, Albert Lea, MN 56007 (8/24/16) Dahl Funeral Home, East Grand Forks, MN is currently looking for a full time funeral director or intern to assist at a 140-call firm.

This is a family owned and operated funeral home in East Grand Forks, MN. East Grand Forks and its sister city Grand Forks, ND are great communities that have excellent school systems, colleges, active and growing churches and strong traditions. On-call duties would be shared with the owner and one other funeral director along with embalming, cosmetics, arranging funerals with families, working visitations, daily office work, and approximately 80 trade calls per year for extra compensation. Includes 3 day weekends off and sharing of call time.

Competitive salary based on experience, 401K, vacation package, clothing allowance, health insurance stipend and sick pay.

Please call 218-773-2971 and ask for Dan Dahl, Owner/Director or email dan.dahl@ midconetwork.com to inquire (8/22/16) BIERMAN Funeral Home/BENSON & LANGEHOUGH Funeral Home located in historic Northfield, Minnesota, is currently seeking a full or part-time licensed funeral director. The position includes competitive salary, good schedule, benefits and ownership opportunity. To learn more about the community visit http://visitingnorthfield. com/If you are interested, please contact ANDY at langehough100@gmail.com or (507) 645-5123. All inquires are confidential.

(8/4/16)

Classifieds continue on page 26…

www.mnfuneral.org 25

CLASSIFIEDS Licensed Funeral Director/Funeral Director Intern Opportunities Michaelson Funeral Home is a family owned funeral home in southern Minnesota operating locations in Owatonna, Kenyon and West Concord. The firm is deeply rooted in and well known for giving back to it communities. The funeral home operation is guided by a set of core values and a vision that ensures everyone is operating in unison as a team. If you want to be a part of a team that operates with a value system built around the concepts of customer first, strong work ethic, continuous improvement, and doing the right thing, apply online at https:\\michaelsonfuneral. prevueapps.com or submit your resume via email to cory@michaelsonfuneral.com ; via mail to Michaelson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 482, Owatonna, MN 55060. Visit www. michaelsonfuneral.com for more information about our firm. Michaelson Funeral Home offers full compensation packages including healthcare, retirement, community memberships and several other benefits.

We are currently looking for an intern or mortician licensed or able to attain licensure in Minnesota. (6/24/16) Family-owned funeral home has the opportunity for a full-time MN licensed funeral director to join our team at the Mayer Funeral Home in Austin, MN. Responsibilities would include transfers, embalming, funeral arrangements and service coordination. Individual must be a self-motivated person that is able to think independently and work without direct supervision. Position comes with competitive salary based on experience, paid vacation, retirement plan, health insurance, and other benefits. Please send resume to Joe at jmahn62@hotmail.com or call 507-433-1817.

Inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.

(6/22/16) Williams Dingmann Funeral Homes, in St. Cloud Minnesota is looking for an Intern or licensed funeral director/embalmer.

Candidate must have strong communication skills, be a team player, consistently deliver high client satisfaction, and possess a strong desire to exceed expectations with families he/she serves. Funeral home provides a competitive salary, health insurance, 401K, ongoing training, and opportunity plan (bonuses). If you meet the above criteria and are interested in being part of a dynamic

26 MFDA Bulletin • SPRING 2017

and successful team, please send resume and salary history to: Doug Dingmann at dougdingmann@williamsdingmann.com or call 320-252-2522. (5/25/16) Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels is a family-owned and operated funeral business in the Twin Cities with 16 locations that serve the Twin-Cities Metro Area. We have an immediate opening for an experienced licensed funeral director. We provide a competitive compensation package with excellent benefits including medical, dental, profit sharing, paid-time-off, and a fair work & on-call schedule. We value compassionate customer service and communication skills, and are looking for a qualified director to join the Washburn-McReavy team. Please email resume and references to: billmcreavy@ washburn-mcreavy.com, or mail to Washburn McReavy Attn: Bill McReavy, Jr, 2301 Dupont Ave S, Minneapolis MN 55405 (5/10/16) 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 (1/19/16) 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.

(8/10/15)

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 507794-5221 or e-mail vansickle4@mediacombb. net. (8/1/15) 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. (6/1/15) For Sale: Family owned funeral home serving the Stanley, ND area for 100 years. Confidential inquiries. Reasonable valuations. Owner is willing to finance.

Contact: Steve Springan at www. springanfuneralhome.com or call 701-628-3323.

SPECIAL THANKS TO MFDA’S 2017 ALLIED MEMBERS

MFDA thanks those individuals who have shown their commitment to MFDA and its members by becoming Allied members.

To contact a member, call the MFDA office at 763-416-0124, refer to your MFDA Directory, or visit the online MFDA Buyer’s Guide at www.mnfuneral.org.

Anatomy Bequest Program Jake Anderson, Andrew Ashton, Paul Hill, Angela McArthur, Sarah Paulsen, John Straub, Tamara Voss www.bequest.umn.edu Answering Service for Directors Jason Bathurst www.myASD.com AP Lazer David Strickler www.aplazer.com Artco Casket Company, Inc. Al Whitmer, Steve Doscher, Wally Gelecinskyj www.artcocasket.com Assured Decontamination Services Perry Ebner www.deconservices.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 Cottrell Law Firm William Cottrell www.cottrelllawfirm.com Cousineau McGuire Michael Sharkey www.cousineaulaw.com Decorating Den Interiors Gina Wolleat www.gina.decoratingden.com Dodge Company Gregg Bright www.dodgeco.com Doric Dealers of MN Matt Wieser, Todd Weiser www.wieser-doric.com Federated Insurance Jeff Stevenson www.federatedinsurance.com

Foothills Planning Services Caryl DeBlieck www.foothillsplanningservices.com Forest Lawn Memorial Park Association Kari A. Hubbard www.forestlawnmn.com Funeral Directors Life John Harrington Scott Tufto www.funeraldirectorslife.com Funeral One Harry Joachim www.funeralone.com Gorder Mortuary Supply James Messer www.gordersupply.com Homesteaders Life Company Steve Byhre www.homesteaderslife.com Johnson Williams Funeral Car Todd Anderson www.jwfuneralcars.com Keith M. Merrick Co., Inc. Kyle Grimes www.keithmerrick.com Kelco Supply Alicia Carr www.kelcosupply.com Keystone Funeral Home Design Build Russ Karasch www.keystone.db.com Laker Insurance Patrick Zalusky LifeSource Organ and Tissue Donation Melinda DeVries www.life-source.org MAS Communications Mary Reeves www.mascommunications.net Matthews Aurora Casket Roger Ruth, Alexis Smith www.matw.com Meadow Hill Corporation Maria Ross www.meadowhillco.com Medical Disposal Systems, Inc. Warren Winkelman www.mds-mn.com Messenger Bob Hoaglund www.messengerstationery.com

Midwest Medical Examiners Office Angie Chalmers www.midwestmedicalexaminer.com Minneapolis Star Tribune Terry Alvarez www.startribune.com Minnesota Lions Eye Bank Sara McFee www.mnlionseyebank.org Monumental Sales Dave Dobe www.sunburstmemorials.com Northwestern Casket Co. David Koll www.nwcasket.com Pekin Life Insurance Company Michelle Vos www.pekininsurance.com Peterson Law Office Bill Peterson www.petersonlawoffice.com Pluto Legal Cheryl Vos www.plutolegal.com Robert L. Archbold, LLC Robert L. Archbold www.robertlarchbold.com Scene Clean, Inc. Nate Berg www.scenecleanmn.com Senior Advantage Consultants Julie and Jim Palm www.sradvantageconsultants.com Shepart Dawson Grover www.shepart.com Steinhaus Supply Services Steven Steinhaus The Purple Cross Plan Denis Nordlum www.purplecross.com TransNational Payments Matt Gandolfo www.gotnp.com/funeral-homes United Heritage Insurance Bob Hanson www.unitedheritage.com University of Minnesota Mortuary Science Michael LuBrant www.mortuaryscience.umn.edu Willmar Precast Company Ron Jasperson

www.mnfuneral.org 27

Funeral Directors Life is the

What does it take

only full-service preneed company that helps funeral

to succeed in today’s rapidly changing

directors grow their business and serve more families

funeral market?

every year with custom solutions for every market.

It takes you, me & FD working together to create the future you want to see.

john harrington

john.harrington@funeraldirectorslife.com 763-607-0659

scott tufto

scott.tufto@funeraldirectorslife.com 952-807-6503

Talk to our regional team to learn more about how you can grow and succeed in today’s rapidly changing market.

Endorsed Preneed Provider for the

2017 CON VENTION TITLE SPONSOR