MFDA Bulletin Summer 2017

SUMMER 2017

BULLETIN

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY FOR THE MINNESOTA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION MEMBERS.

MFDA Launches Online Career Center to Connect Job Seekers and Employers in Funeral Industry

The service is free of charge for job seekers and MFDA members enjoy discounted pricing on job posting products by using the coupon code MFDA50. MFDA’s employment marketplace, like many of the nearly 2,500 JobTarget-powered career centers, distinguishes itself from generalist job boards in a number of ways (see page 4). continued on page 4…

MFDA Bulletin

The service is free for job seekers and MFDA members enjoy discounted pricing on job postings by using coupon code MFDA50.

the help of JobTarget’s technology and expertise this service is populated with a large number of relevant jobs for our members, and offers a variety of powerful tools to expose jobs to the funeral service industry that simply don’t exist anywhere else.”

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

The MFDA Career Center can be found at mnfuneral.careerwebsite.com/ and can be accessed by MFDA members and non-members alike. MFDA members receive 50% off all posting prices by using the coupon code MFDA50 at checkout!

“Providing our members with opportunities for professional development, networking, and career growth are core to our mission to serve the funeral industry,” said MFDA Executive Director Darlyne Erickson.

“The breadth of our member base also makes us the best channel available to employers to expose open jobs to active and passive job seekers in the funeral industry,” she continued. “With

Change Service Requested

The Minnesota Funeral Directors Association has launched their MFDA Career Center, a new online career center designed specifically to connect employers and talent in the funeral industry. The MFDA Career Center is powered by JobTarget, the world’s number one career center service serving more than 2,500 job boards utilized by over one million employers and millions of registered job seekers.

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Minnesota Funeral Directors Association BOARD OF DIRECTORS, STAFF AND OTHER CONTACTS President Ashley Czaplewski Hoff Funeral and Cremations Service St. Charles, MN hoff.ashleymarie@gmail.com

Secretary Chris Jacobson Bell Brothers Funeral Home Duluth, MN chris.jacobson@tlcofduluth.com

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

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

In This Issue Executive Director’s Report........................................................ 4 Message From the President....................................................... 5 2017 MFDA Convention Recap............................................... 6-7 Summer 2017 Legislative Update................................................8 2017 MFDA Fall District Meetings............................................9 Book Review: Good Grief.............................................................12 Certified Funeral Celebrant Training.......................................14 2017 MFDA Mortuary Open.......................................................16 NFDA News.................................................................................18 NFDA Consumer Survey...........................................................19 In Memoriam......................................................................... 20-21 MFDA Career Center................................................................ 22 2017 MFDA Allied Members..................................................... 23

2017 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

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

July 27, 2017 11th Annual MFDA District Mortuary Open East Grand Forks, MN August 9-11, 2017 Certified Funeral Director Celebrant Training Plymouth, MN August 15-October 18, 2017 MFDA District Meetings (see page 9 for details) Statewide October 11-12, 2017 MFDA Preneed Insurance Class Plymouth, MN October 29-November 1, 2017 NFDA International Convention & Expo Boston, MA

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 Whew! 127 years down and how many more to go?? We made it through convention with flying colors and I want to thank all of you who took the time out of your busy schedules to attend. Every year there is always someone that comes up and says, “this is by far the best convention ever”, or “wow, there are more people here than ever before!”. Thank you, our staff appreciates those words.

in South Minneapolis, probably sometime in the 40’s. It was a way of life in our house, but I wasn’t about to dance like my parents!!

However, the time has come and yes, I am dancing like my parents, or at least making a valiant attempt. I’ll let you know when I have my first recital…(NOT). I encourage you to read Mark’s book on Passion!, and find yours. I know you’ve got it in you!

Yes, we put a lot of work into choosing the venue, creating content, creative social events, reaching out to exhibitors, and other new stuff every year. But honestly, YOU are the reason each convention is a success. As a committed member of the association, you know the importance of connecting with your peers, having a good time with those who understand what you do, and supporting the association’s purpose, which is to…EDUCATE, COMMUNICATE, ADVOCATE, COLLABORATE, AND MOST IMORTANTLY CELEBRATE!!! You’ve all got the celebrate piece down pat!

Congratulations to Ashley Czaplewski as our incoming President and Chris Jacobson as Secretary and the newest member of our Executive Committee. I feel very privileged to work with this dedicated group of people who have chosen to serve on the MFDA board. The association has had its ups and downs over the past 127 years, but I feel we are certainly on the higher end of that spectrum.

I look forward to revising our strategic plan at our meeting in August and discover what everyone is thinking. Bruce Matza will lead us in that endeavor and you can be sure it will be productive. More on that later!

I must thank Miki Tufto for researching and developing the new convention app. I know that it did confuse some people when it came to logging in, entering codes and general navigation, but I think overall it was a success. We will continue to tweak and develop the app to make it more user friendly and something that can give meaning to membership throughout the year, not just at convention.

Mark Lindquist Rocked!! Need I say more? That guy was amazing, and this was the second time I’ve heard him speak. I have carried his list with me on my phone for the past couple of years, beginning with “Try a Bunch of Stuff”, and a couple of months ago I decided to try ballroom/social dancing and I love it!! I danced in the 60’s and 70’s, and stopped somewhere in the 80’s after I had my son, too busy being a mom and starting a business. My parents were accomplished ballroom dancers. They met at the Coliseum ballroom

Finally, thank you to Shawn Kirby as out-going Past President.

Both Shawn, and Mike Cudmore, stepped up to the plate when things were tough and the organization benefited from that move.

Thanks guys!

That’s it for now, but remember…” Never gamble with a mortician…you’ll wind up in the hole!”

Darlyne Erickson, CAE Executive Director and Future Dancing with the Stars Contestant P.S. We are creating a contest for the 2018 Convention theme and tagline. The next convention will again be held in Bloomington.

Be creative! Send them to me by October 31, 2017.

MFDA Launches Online Career Center continued from cover…

MFDA’s employment marketplace distinguishes itself from generalist job boards in a number of ways including: • a highly targeted focus on employment opportunities in the specific sector; • the ability for employers to easily post jobs, track activity on those postings, send job opportunities to MFDA members via email, generate brand exposure, exposure jobs via MFDA’s social media channels, advertise in MFDA’s Bulletin and website, and more;

4 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2017

• the ability for job seekers to utilize anonymous resume posting and job application—enabling candidates to stay connected to the employment market while maintaining full control over their confidential information; and • access to industry-specific jobs and top-quality candidates—often not seen on the mass job boards.

“MFDA is relied by its members to provide resources that will advance their careers,” said Tristan Jordan, Senior Vice President, JobTarget Career Center

Business Unit at YourMembership.com.

“This valuable career resource will serve members, help attract new members, and generate non-dues revenue, while at the same time providing access for employers in the industry to a pool of highly qualified, niche talent.”

To visit the Career Center, go to MFDA’s website www.mnfuneral.org and click Careers, then Career Center.

Once there you can immediately post your resume or a job opening.

An exciting road ahead!

By Ashley Czaplewski, MFDA President

Our profession is truly one of service to others and to our communities. I feel forever grateful for the opportunity to be in this profession. Being there for the families we serve when they need us the most, and to have their trust at their most vulnerable time is a truly humbling experience.

too often. They will come and be available to assist your community following a tragedy; they are just a phone call away when you or a family you are serving are at a loss on how to help or what to say to a child or family member when a death occurs.

I feel blessed to be given this opportunity to give back to the profession that I love so much by being your MFDA President for this year. I am excited for the road ahead.

Traveling around the state to attend district meetings and meeting all of our members and hearing about their issues and concerns will be a great experience. And I also look forward to representing MFDA in various ways throughout the year.

Being involved with an organization of this caliber, is also a great PR opportunity to all funeral homes. I heard the story yesterday at our board meeting that a funeral home had referred a family to CGC and following their camp weekend, they were telling everyone in their community how great their weekend at camp was AND how ABC funeral home had referred them…. now that’s great advertising! I hope to focus this year on increasing the awareness and involvement of this simply amazing organization; both to funeral homes and to our communities.

My primary areas of focus for this year will be to increase awareness of the Children’s Grief Connection, begin to address the workforce shortage that has struck our profession, and to increase educational opportunities throughout the year.

With our profession being one of service to our communities and the families we serve, we are, for some reason, underutilizing one of the greatest assets we have in being of service to our communities, Children’s Grief Connection. CGC was started by MFDA’s members in 2002 and has always been supported by MFDA and many of its members. They are an asset to us, as a profession in many different ways. CGC is now a weekend long family retreat, it is not just for kids anymore. They are putting their focus on helping the entire family.

I heard statistics yesterday, saying that when Camp Amanda, CGC now was first started, 80% of camp referrals came from funeral directors….now that number is 30-40%. I bet, if we all took a minute right now to stop and think, we could each think of at least a couple of families that we could have or should have encouraged to attend camp. So why aren’t we? Are we not familiar with it enough to feel comfortable talking about it and what it can do for a family in need? What is holding us back?

CGC is also so much more than the camps, they are a resource for us as funeral directors when we are dealing with the incredibly tough situations that we face far

If we work together, great things can happen with our organization. MFDA has come a long way in the last few years and I am excited to help it continue to move forward.

Funeral homes across the state, both metro and rural, are struggling to find funeral directors. Whether it be a true shortage of funeral directors, or other factors that are influencing our profession, it is a real concern and issue. To start the conversation about this issue, the University of Minnesota held a discussion on the topic in February and it was well attended. Many concerns and ideas were brought forth. Yesterday afternoon, MFDA also hosted a discussion to continue the dialog. Thank you to those that could attend.

We realize that this issue does not have one easy solution but would be better addressed with many smaller changes.

Whether it be making changes to the reciprocal licensing requirements, tiered licensing, special licensing to make removals or allowing an apprenticeship for students prior to entering the program…

these and many others are all ideas that are being talked about. It is obvious that attrition is also a key issue and we feel the next step is developing a survey for employers, employees and those that have left funeral service to figure out what they see as the true attrition issues and issues.

This will give us a place to start. When you see this survey, I urge you to take the time to complete it. We would love to hear your ideas so we can work together to find a solution that benefits our profession in its entirety.

And last but not least, I would like MFDA to be able to offer more continuing educations credits throughout the year. We have discussed this idea for a few years and now I would like us to move forward with making it happen.

If we work together, great things can happen with our organization. And I encourage you to share any ideas you have for improving MFDA with your district representative, any of the board members or myself. I will work hard to continually improve our great organization. MFDA has come a long way in the last few years and I am excited to help it continue to move forward.

I would to thank Darlyne Erickson, MFDA Executive Director for her commitment to our association. Without you, we would not be where we are today. Also, thank you to the rest of the MFDA Staff, Miki, Amy, Sue & Kathy, we appreciate everything you do!

They all worked so hard to make our 2017 MFDA Convention amazing and your hard work did not go unnoticed.

I would also like to thank Jeff Hartquist, our 2016-2017 MFDA President for a job well done this past year. You have been an amazing leader for myself, this board, the membership and our profession as a whole, so thank you!

And I hope everyone enjoyed Convention and I look forward to seeing you all at District Meetings.

Regards,

Ashley www.mnfuneral.org 5

Thank you to all who attended MFDA’s 127th Annual Convention on May 22-24 at the Doubletree Minneapolis South in Bloomington!

MFDA welcomed 264 attendees and 155 exhibitors to convention this year! Convention was kicked off with an additional day of education on Monday, and a night of casino fun. The following two days were filled with professional education, opportunities to network with colleagues, and visit with exhibitors. We greatly appreciate our convention sponsors and exhibitors who were part of our 127th event!

Save the date for MFDA’s 128th Annual Convention May 21-23, 2018, at Doubletree Minneapolis South in Bloomington.

THANK YOU 2017 CONVENTION SPONSORS! TITLE SPONSORS

CASINO NIGHT TABLE RENTAL SPONSOR

KEYNOTE SPONSORS Gregg Bright of The Dodge Co

CASINO NIGHT GRAND PRIZE/TUESDAY EXHIBIT DRINK TICKET SPONSOR

TUESDAY EXHIBIT RECEPTION SPONSOR Minneapolis Star Tribune

EDUCATION SPONSORS MN Lions Eye Bank • National Funeral Directors Association

SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE SPONSORS Bertas Funeral Home • Brown-Wilbert, Inc. • Sympathy Florists Gregg Bright of The Dodge Company • United Heritage Life Insurance Co.

COFFEE BREAK SPONSOR Minnesota Department of Health/Office of Vital Records

CASINO NIGHT PRIZE SPONSORS Keith M. Merrick Co. • Meadow Hill Co. • Northern Design Caskets Vertin Family Funeral Homes

6 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2017

www.mnfuneral.org 7

Summer 2017 Legislative Update

By Joe Sellwood, Cook Girard Associates

The 2017 regular and special legislative sessions have ended and though the Governor and legislative leaders continue to discuss a number of provisions, none appear to be of direct concern to MFDA. Prior to the start of session, MFDA worked on a plan to move forward with a proposal to require training and certification for individuals who perform cremation.

Throughout the fall, MFDA members provided input during district meetings.

Along with additional input of Dr. Michael LuBrant (Program Director, Mortuary Science, University of Minnesota) and individuals from the cremation and cemetery industries, the MFDA Legislative Committee crafted a comprehensive cremator operator certification proposal.

The legislation was introduced early in session by the Chair of the House Subcommittee on Aging and Long-Term Care, Rep. Deb Kiel (R-Crookston) and Senate Agriculture, Rural Development, and Housing Policy Chair, Sen. Bill Weber, (R-Luverne). We met with staff and members of the Health and Human Services committees to explain the need and details of the proposal. All of them were supportive, however the bill fell into a category of legislation that was not being considered this year, called “scope of practice.” All new certifications and changes to licensure requirements fall under this category of bills that were to be reviewed over the interim. With the opportunities to educate lawmakers throughout the interim, MFDA should be well positioned to move forward with the proposal when HHS committees will be addressing some scope of practice issues in 2018.

The Department of Health also had a crematory proposal as part of their department policy bill, however that did not move forward either. That bill also included additional required documentation for cremation and alkaline

8 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2017

hydrolysis, issues discussed during the Mortuary Science Ad Hoc meetings in the previous year.

Another issue of ongoing interest to MFDA was working with the Office of Vital Records on gaining quicker turnaround from physicians providing cause of death within the MR&C program. There has been improvement but some delays remain. One bill that did move which helps with this problem will allow Advanced Practice Registered Nurses and Physician Assistants to provide the cause of death and sign the death certificates. The new law became effective immediately, and the Office of Vital Records is working with the affected professional groups to educate them on timely and proper usage of the MR&C system.

One issue that Cook Girard began hearing from funeral directors this year is concerns with a new document from the Department of Human Services that outlines “reasonable funeral expenses” in situations where individuals are spending down assets before Medical Assistance will pay claims. The new DHS document sought to create uniformity among the counties administering the guidelines, however it appears to have raised more questions than it resolved. Our contacts at DHS acknowledge the complexity, and welcome input from MFDA and we will be working with them on this over the coming months.

A related issue that has been raised at district meetings in the past is the differing county burial policies across the state. This has continued to create problems, due to a reduction in allowed county funds for burial and cremation costs as well as a lack of understanding at the counties regarding what is provided by the funeral establishment and the true cost. While MFDA members appreciate the pressure that counties are under to manage costs, the losses that funeral

establishments assume in order to provide proper and dignified burials may eventually prove unsustainable. In order to begin a dialogue with the counties, late in the legislative session, MFDA introduced a bill authored by House Health and Human Services Reform Chair, Rep. Joe Schomacker (R-Luverne) that would require counties to pay “reasonable expenses” for burials and cremation. This legislation is intended to be a starting point for discussions between MFDA and the counties, which will take place throughout the summer and fall, with the ultimate goal of a solution for 2018.

For members with locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul, the veto of the Uniform State Labor Standards Act means the local sick leave ordinances will go into effect on July 1st and they should be sure to be in compliance. Please call Cook Girard if you need information on these ordinances.

As MFDA’s registered lobbyists, Cook Girard continues to monitor all the Mortuary Science Ad Hoc meetings and we maintain strong relationships with staff at the MN Department of Health, the Office of Vital Records, and Department of Human Services and will continue our work with all of them. We look forward to talking with members who attend the upcoming district meetings and our ongoing work on behalf of MFDA. Joe Sellwood Manager of Government Affairs Cook Girard Associates (o) 651-917-6001 jsellwood@cookgirard.com

2017 MFDA Fall District Meetings 2017 DISTRICT MEETING AGENDA

DISTRICT 9

2:00-3:00 p.m.

(1 CEU) OSHA Training Free to MFDA Members Non Members - $120

Holiday Inn 1155 Hwy 10 East, Detroit Lakes

Wednesday, August 16

RSVP: Steve Sheets. 218-346-5175 or sheets.steve@yahoo.com

3:00-6:00 p.m.

(3 CEUs) Speakers to include, but not limited to the following: • Funeral Directors Life

District dues: $50 per rooftop Dinner following meeting: $18/person Make check payable to MFDA and indicate District 9 in the memo line

• Federated Insurance

September Meetings

• Children’s Grief Connection

DISTRICT 3

• Minnesota Department of Health • MN State Representative for the district • Joe Sellwood, Cook-Girard (lobbyist) • Minnesota Funeral Directors Association 6:15 p.m.

Dinner or Hors’ Doerves depending on location If planning to attend, please RSVP to District Representative listed.

August Meetings DISTRICT 10 Tuesday, August 15

9

Tuesday, September 12 Key Largo on Lake Shetek 29 Valhalla Drive, Slayton

RSVP: Contact Nathan Stephens, nathan@stephensfuneralservice.com

10

RSVP: Ernie Gieseke gieseke@wiktel.com District dues: $50 per rooftop Dinner following meeting: $22/person (chicken Kiev, steak, or fish, tax and gratuities included) Make checks payable to District 10

Clyde’s Iron Works

RSVP: Chris Jacobson chris.jacobson@tlcofduluth.com 218-269-2206 District dues: $35 per rooftop Check payable to MFDA District 11

October Meetings Monday, October 16

4/5

The Oaks at Eagle Creek 1000 26th Avenue NE, Willmar

RSVP: Lance Peterson, 320-235-1651 or lance@petersonbrothers.com Golf (must RSVP) - 9:00 a.m.

Buffet lunch: 1:00 p.m. ($10.00)

6/7

District dues: $35 per rooftop Dinner following meeting: $22/person (walleye, chicken or steak)

DISTRICT 6/7

Make checks payable to MFDA and indicate District 3 in the memo line

LifeSource 2225 West River Road N., Minneapolis

DISTRICT 2 Wednesday, September 13

2

Loose Moose Saloon & Conference Center, 119 Front St., Mankato

Fireside Grill Hwy 2 West, Bagley, MN 56621

Tuesday, September 26

DISTRICT 4/5

3

11

DISTRICT 11

RSVP: Tonya Borth via email tonya_04@hotmail.com

Make checks payable to MFDA and indicate District 2 in the memo line

Thursday, September 14 Rochester Event Center

RSVP: Kathy Sheridan Kathy@mnfuneral.org or call 763-416-0124 District dues: $35 per rooftop Refreshments and hors’doerves at 6 p.m: $10/person Check payable to MFDA District 6/7

District dues $50 per rooftop - Dinner following meeting $25/person

DISTRICT 1

Tuesday, October 17

1

RSVP: Kelly Kelly kjkelly0803@yahoo.com District dues: $50 per rooftop Dinner following meeting: $15 minimum

DISTRICT 8 Wednesday, October 18 Best Western Kelly Inn 100 4th Avenue S., St. Cloud

8

RSVP: Mark Benson, 320-252-3132 or email mark@bensonfuneralhome.com District dues will be determined at the time of the meeting.

Dinner following meeting at Kelly Inn, pay on your own.

Make checks payable to MFDA and indicate District 1 in the memo line

www.mnfuneral.org 9

preparing a special homecoming Sun Country Airlines is committed to the safe transport of human remains, a duty performed with sensitivity, respect, and careful attention to detail. Sun Country Airlines will work closely with funeral homes and mortuaries to coordinate all necessary arrangements to ensure human remains are transported safely and securely, and as promised. ®

bookings • Human remains shipment requires advance arrangements and must be pre-booked by calling the Sun Country Cargo Customer Service Center: Monday through Friday 7:30am-4:30pm (Central Time) 1-800-966-4274 • The maximum allowable weight is 500 lbs.

drop-off/pick-up • Drop-Off: Human remains must be tendered two hours (but not more than four hours) prior to the scheduled flight departure.

• Pick-Up: Human remains are available for pick-up 90 minutes after flight arrival.

documentation • Appropriate documentation must accompany human remains. This includes either a signed certificate of death, burial permit and/or burial transit removal permit as required by local, state, and federal regulations.

• If the death certificate is in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by an English language translation.

packaging & marking • Human remains must be shipped in an acceptable casket and air tray, or combination unit.

• Cremated human remains must be shipped in a funeral urn sufficiently cushioned by suitable packaging against breakage.

• No dry ice may be shipped with the human remains.

• The container must have at least six handles/straps if the weight is in excess of 80 pounds.

• Shipping containers must be clearly labeled with the name of the deceased and destination.

• Personal items cannot be shipped on the same air waybill as human remains.

individual shippers Human remains shipment will only be accepted for transport from funeral homes or cremation facilities that are listed in TSA KSMS (Known Shipper Management System) database per TSA regulations.

RATES (All applicable surcharge and tax are included) Intra Continental Lower 48 States RATES WITHIN CONTINENTAL USA 0-100 lbs

101-350 lbs

351-425 lbs

426-500 lbs

cremated

$150

$350

$425

$450

$150

To/From: Anchorage, San Juan RATES WITHIN CONTINENTAL USA 0-100 lbs

101-350 lbs

351-425 lbs

426-500 lbs

cremated

$175

$450

$475

$500

$200

10 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2017

Like you’re there for your families, we’re there for you!

Like you’re there for your families, we’re there for you.

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Support your local supplier - Buy From Kelco®!

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800-328-7720 • KelcoSupply.com • KelcoUrns.com

First Impressions Count Stand apart from the rest!

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INTERIOR DECORATOR

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gina@decoratingden.com gina.decoratingden.com

www.mnfuneral.org 11

“Good Grief: Heal Your Soul, Honor Your Loved Ones, and Learn to Live Again” by Theresa Caputo Book Review

By Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm Sez, LLC

Each day feels a little longer than the last.

They don’t start out that way; you awaken each morning and, for the first few seconds, everything’s fine. But then you remember – you’ll always remember – that you’re suffering from a loss and in the new book “Good Grief”

by Theresa Caputo, you’ll see how your loved one wants you to move on.

Ever since she was a young girl, Theresa Caputo has been able to “sense and feel Spirit that’s around us every day.”

She can, therefore, pass on messages from those who’ve passed – and the dead have a lot to say.

This book is the result of what Spirit has told Caputo.

Spirit, she writes, want everyone to know that “death has ended their lives but shouldn’t end yours.” They have died but they are still with you, and while they absolutely know you’ll grieve, they want you to heal, too.

All you want is to have your old life back but your goal, says Caputo, is to find a “new normal.” To start the process, understand that grieving is different for everyone, and the time it takes is personal. There are no rules and “there are no expectations…”

“Even so,” says Caputo, “the most complicated grief process must include the intention to embrace life again, which is what Spirit considers healing.”

To reach for healing, reach first for your higher power, whether it’s God or another deity. Pay attention for signs or coincidences; both are good indications that your loved one is with you. Learn to self-soothe and meditate. Although it feels impossible, learn to give up guilt and anger by understanding that we all have a “destiny window.”

Try to get enough sleep, eat well, and forgive yourself for things that happened in the past, “speak your truth,” face your fears, and get unstuck.

Move forward and finally, says Caputo, learn to generate “an incredible amount of positive energy” through gratitude. It “helps you embrace life every day.”

VIVID REMINDERS OF LIFE ... 14 MILLION OF THEM Since 1976, Batesville’s Living Memorial® program has been a source of comfort and hope to families after losing a loved one. Thanks to dedicated funeral professionals like you, more than 14 million trees stand as living legacies to families you’ve served over the past 40 years.

Let’s start here: It’s astonishingly easy to scoff at what’s inside “Good Grief,” but scoffing likely means you don’t need its information. Skeptics, please quietly put this book back on the shelf. It’s not for you.

Instead, author Theresa Caputo, The Long Island Medium, has filled her book with words of companionship and hope, which goes a long way to comfort those who are in the throes of grief and are nearly paralyzed by it. Now, granted, what she says could probably be found in nearly every survivor’s self-help book, but hers mixes religion and new-age with exercises and get-through advice, in a tone that’s extremely gentle for those who need a very light touch. Caputo admits she’s not a therapist, but that quiet literary hand-holding may be all some readers truly need.

While this book somewhat lacks heavily-detailed client stories and may therefore seem like a quick read for fans, it’s good but it isn’t really for them.

Instead, “Good Grief” has a target: for the newlybereaved, it’s worth spending a little more time.

*Not all products qualify. Consult your Batesville representative for details.

12 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2017

www.batesville.com ©2017 Batesville Services, Inc.

When you’ve seen beyond yourself, then you may find, peace of mind is waiting there.

— George Harrison—

Provide the families you serve with the peace of mind that financial security can bring. 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 13

Certified Funeral Celebrant Training Offered in the Twin Cities You’re invited to join a Certified Funeral Celebrant Training August 9-11, 2017, provided by Minnesota Funeral Directors Association (MFDA).

An InSight Certified Celebrant is a person who has been trained and certified by InSight to meet the needs of families during their time of loss. A funeral Celebrant serves by providing a funeral service, memorial service, or tribute that is personalized and individualized to reflect the personality and life-style of the deceased after consultation with the family and loved ones and coordination with the funeral home.

Registration Fees MFDA Member.......................................$900 ($850 ea for 3 or more from one firm) Non-Member.......................................... $950 Student....................................................$600 (limit five) Register online at www.mnfuneral.org or call our office at 763-416-0124

Seminar & Hotel Location Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West 3131 Campus Dr Plymouth MN 55441 $99/night plus tax Rooms blocked under MN Funeral Directors Association Deadline 7/10/17 Make room reservation by calling 800.227.6963 or 763.559.6600

Schedule August 9-11, 2017 Day 1 3:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. / Dinner provided Day 2 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. / Breakfast and lunch provided. Dinner on your own. You will have homework!

Day 3 8:00 a.m.–Noon / Breakfast provided

What to Bring We will provide a notebook and other materials. If you have a laptop computer, it is recommended (but not required) that you bring it for the funeral presentation work. We will have a printer available.

The dress is business casual. This is an active, participant-driven training.

We want you to be comfortable and ready to be a part.

CE Information for Funeral Directors The Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice: 17 hrs of attendance hours State Funeral Service Board approval: Approved hours vary by state, contact Glenda Stansbury for more information, glenda@insightbooks.com

More Information If you have any questions about this training opportunity, contact MFDA: Darlyne Erickson info@ mnfuneral.org If you have questions about Celebrants in general, contact: Glenda Stansbury at InSight Books, Inc., glenda@insightbooks. com, 800.658.9262 or 405.810.9501.

Emergency cell phone number during week of training only: Glenda Stansbury 405.550.7854

14 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2017

Willmar

Michael D. Sharkey, Esq., CFSP, CCO

Precast

Chair, Mortuary Law Practice Group Attorney • Funeral Director

Company

Attorney Sharkey provides advice, counsel and litigation services for funeral homes, cemeteries, and crematories.

IN THE HEART OF SOUTH

952-525-6990 msharkey@cvmmlaw.com

www.cvmmlaw.com

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

2017-2018

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

The MFDA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY experience enables both experienced and emerging leaders to excel – now and into the future. Participants will learn leadership concepts and proven techniques, as well as gain important insights into the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association.

The next LEADERSHIP ACADEMY will meet six times in 2017-2018 with graduation at the MFDA Annual Convention in May 2018.

This program will teach you skills that will enhance both your funeral home and the impact in your community.

You will learn strategies for personal growth and organizational development that will help you and your funeral home.

You will build lasting relationships with classmates, fellow leaders in your profession. Your classmates today will be the people you call on tomorrow for advice, support, or to share a humorous moment.

LE A D E R S H I P AC A D E MY S P O N S O R E D BY:

SERVICE CORPORATION

You will become a part of the MFDA legacy of leadership. Leadership academy alumni will participate in building the strong heritage of Funeral Service and advancing the mission of MFDA. Your MFDA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY application, including a current resumé, must be submitted online at www.mnfuneral.org.

Please do not email, fax, or mail the form.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 Questions? Please contact Darlyne Erickson at Darlyne@mnfuneral.org or call (763) 416-0124.

www.mnfuneral.org 15

MFDA

MORTUARY O PE N

20

17

11th Annual MFDA Mortuary Open

Thursday, July 27, 2017

MFDA District 10 invites all funeral directors, staff, family members and vendors to join them Thursday, July 27 at Valley Golf Course in East Grand Forks for an afternoon of golf and fun.

LIGHT LUNCH: 12:00 P.M. Sponsored by North Valley Crematory GOLF: 1:00 P.M. 18 holes, Shotgun start and Scramble format (ladies will golf with ladies if requested) SUPPER: FOLLOWING GOLF Free prime rib, potato, coleslaw, and cash bar to follow golf Sponsored by Wells Concrete / Northern Wilbert Vault Co., Grand Forks Golfing fees: $45.00 per person for 18 holes of scramble golf (includes golf cart, payable to Valley Golf Course the day of the event) Refreshment cart on site Sponsored by Denis Nordlum and National Guardian Life Insurance

TONS OF DOOR PRIZES! Please R.S.V.P. to Dahl Funeral Home by calling 218-773-2971 or e-mail dan.dahl@midconetwork.com.

Valley Golf Course, 2407 River Road NW, East Grand Forks, MN

2017 MFDA BULLETIN ADVERTISING RATES STYLE

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

www.mnfuneral.org 17

NFDA News from Washington, D.C. By: NFDA

Arlington National Cemetery to Increase Burial Space Arlington National Cemetery will be expanding, adding the former Navy Annex site to increase burial space, Arlington County announced last Thursday. The U.S. Army had originally proposed a land exchange agreement with Arlington County but opted out, choosing instead to use the entire Navy Annex site, which is situated along Columbia Pike, to expand the historic cemetery.

According to officials, Arlington National Cemetery is expected to run out of burial space by the early 2040s. The acquisition of this new land will provide 38 more acres that will accommodate approximately 50,000 additional burial spaces and keep the cemetery from closing until the mid-2050s, based on current demands.

House Passes Major Veterans Affairs Reform Bill

In addition to the Navy Annex site, the Army will also acquire five acres of land currently owned by Arlington County and more than seven acres of land owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia for the cemetery.

The bill, which passed on a bipartisan 36855 vote, would make it easier for the VA Secretary to fire department employees, a move that advocates say would improve accountability at the scandal-plagued agency. It would also boost protections for whistleblowers that report wrongdoing, and create an office within the VA to support whistleblower protections.

Brown Wilbert

Inc.

Last week, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs and is sending it on to the White House for President Donald Trump’s signature.

Congress set its sights on VA reform in 2014, after a whistleblower claimed that roughly 40 veterans died waiting up to 21 months for care at a VA hospital in Phoenix. That scandal led to the resignation of former VA Secretary Eric Shinseki in May of 2014.

“It’s common sense – we need to hold our employees accountable for their actions if they violate the public trust, and at the same time protect whistleblowers from retaliation,” VA Secretary David Shulkin, who supported the bill, said in a statement.

Amish Barnwood Casket & Rocker

Speaking on the House floor, Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), said the bill addresses the VA’s “culture of ambivalence” and “lack of accountability.” “Fixing the culture at the VA requires us to acknowledge the great work of the many without leaving them tainted with the incompetence and scandal of the few,” he said. “It requires removing the bad apples.”

Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN), the top Democrat on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, said in a statement that the bill “will bring real, long-lasting accountability” to the VA “in a way that will stand up to constitutional muster.”

Venetian with Farm Scene Legacy Order Vaults, Caskets, & Urns Online at Brown-Wilbert.com 18 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2017

The bill was criticized by American Federation of Government Employees, which represents 700,000 federal workers. The group claimed the measure is anti-union and would undermine due process for workers.

The Senate previously approved the bill on a unanimous voice vote.

NFDA Consumer Survey: Funeral Planning Not a Priority for Americans By: NFDA

For the fifth consecutive year, the National Funeral Directors Association’s (NFDA) annual Consumer Awareness and Preferences Study indicates that consumers acknowledge the importance of preplanning their own funeral, but fail to do so in practice. This year’s findings reveal that 62.5 percent of consumers felt it was very important to communicate their funeral plans and wishes to family members prior to their own death, yet only 21.4 percent had done so.

Even though nearly two-thirds of Americans acknowledge the importance of prearrangements, respondents cited several factors as preventing them from planning, namely that preplanning is not a priority, that they have not thought about it, or that prepaying is too costly.

Consumers are Not Shopping for their Funeral Homes Key findings from the NFDA 2017 Consumer Awareness and Preferences Study indicate that end-of-life services are becoming increasingly personal, with families wanting new, unique ways to honor and celebrate the lives of loved ones.

Despite this, most are not inquiring at multiple funeral homes to compare costs and services offered. The percentage of respondents who contacted more than one funeral home was only 18.9 percent, and of those who visited/called more than one funeral home, 52.3 percent did so to compare prices.

Every funeral home offers unique services and pricing structure. To help families plan a meaningful tribute to their loved one, NFDA recommends calling – or better yet, visiting – several funeral homes to find one with licensed funeral directors who understand their emotional needs and will be sensitive to their budget.

According to NFDA’s survey, the way families choose to honor and celebrate loved ones continues to evolve.

• End-of-Life Services Outside of the Funeral Home Indicating a shift away from the popularity of the funeral home setting, almost half of respondents have attended a funeral at a non-traditional location, such as a cemetery, an outdoor setting, a home, or a similar meaningful location that represents the life and interests of the deceased.

• Importance of Religious Components at All-Time Low The percent of respondents who feel it is very important to have religion incorporated into a funeral service has decreased from 49.5 percent in 2012 to 39.5 percent in 2017, an all-time low. This mirrors a broader trend of Americans not identifying with a religion. As a result, families are turning to non-clergy celebrants, a specially trained officiant of an end-of-life service, to conduct ceremonies.

• Green Funerals Gaining Popularity Just over half of respondents (53.8 percent) said they would be interested in exploring

green memorialization options to reduce the environmental impact of end-of-life rituals. Green services can include use of biodegradable caskets, a formaldehydefree embalming process, recycled paper products and more.

• Therapy Dogs Guide Funerals from Start to Finish To bring comfort to families, both while planning a funeral and during the service itself, funeral homes are offering certified therapy dogs; 34.5 percent of respondents said they would be extremely interested or very interested in having a therapy dog present during a memorial or funeral service.

• Families Planning Memorial Services When Choosing Cremation With the rate of cremation surpassing that of burial, more consumers want to have a memorial service when they choose cremation (40.4 percent in 2017 vs. 35.1 percent in 2015). Consumers are increasingly aware that they can view a prepared but not embalmed body as part of a service before cremation (47.8 percent in 2017 vs. 39.7 percent in 2015).

The Consumer Awareness and Preferences Study is conducted annually to measure consumer perceptions of funeral services.

Invitations are emailed to a consumer panel consisting of Americans age 40 and older, with 1,013 individuals completing the study in 2017.

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 19

IN MEMORIAM LeRoy “Chad” Chadwick, Minnesota funeral director, passed away March 22nd at age 91.

He was raised in St. Paul, MN and a 45year resident of rural Peterson, developing many close friendships. Chad spent his youth deeply involved in the Boy Scouts, later becoming a scout master. A WWII Combat Veteran with the U.S. NavalMarine Assault Forces fighting in South Pacific, and rescuing many POW’s out of China. After the war, he earned a degree in Mortuary Science at the U of MN and was a Funeral Director in St. Paul for many years. Chad later worked for Dubuque Casket Co. as a sales representative.

He was an active outdoorsman, hunter, fisherman, downhill and XC skier, making regular canoe trips into the BWCA since the late 1940’s. Chad was also an active birder and beekeeper from which he received a lot of enjoyment. He loved the woods and the home that he and his wife Helen built; and for many years operated and organic strawberry and honey business. Chad was the lay-reader at Emmanuel Church in Rushford as a traditional Episcopalian for many years, a member of the Masonic Lodge of Rushford, and a life member of the Beaver Valley Boy Scout Camp.

He was preceded in death by his father LeRoy, mother Hazel, brother Rex and three sisters. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Helen, a son Philip (fiancé Ingrid), brother-in-law Karl Friedline, several nieces and nephews and many lifelong friends. Chad will be remembered for his tremendous sense of humor, his honor, integrity, deep values and devotion to his faith, family and country.

Please share a memory of Chad at his online guestbook and view his video when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral. com. Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service of Rushford is assisting the family with arrangements.

20 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2017

Dennis Wayne Boom, beloved father, grandfather, friend, and MN funeral director, age 77 of St. Paul, Honolulu, HI and Dallas, TX passed away from complications due to pancreatic cancer on May 20, 2017, in Dallas, TX. Dennis was born in Marion, ND and grew up in Valley City, ND. He came to St. Paul to attend Hamline University, where after two years he transferred to the U of MN where he received his degree in Mortuary Science in 1962. He spent his entire working career at the HolcombHenry-Boom-Purcell Funeral Home. He purchased the funeral home business in 1981 from Earl and Roswitha Holcomb.

Dennis and Elaine expanded the business to a second location in Shoreview in 1993.

Dennis was an extremely thrifty and generous person. He was an active philanthropist who gave of his heart and time to his community. Dennis was Prime Minister of the 1996 St. Paul Winter Carnival, and was a member and served in leadership roles in the St. Paul Rotary Club, Midway Lions Club, Tusler-Summit Masonic Lodge # 263, St. Paul Osman Shrine, Honolulu Aloha Ct #1 ROJ and Waikiki Yacht Club. He sang in church choirs for over 50 years beginning in Valley City, ND, Hamline United Methodist Church and St. Andrews Cathedral in Honolulu, HI. Dennis had a love of music, and enjoyed volunteering to play the piano, his tuba and the Shriner’s Calliope.

His true love was international travel and he and his late wife Elaine, traveled the world together, visiting all seven continents.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Elaine (nee Segale) in 2015 and his parents, Aaron and Marie Boom.

He is survived by his loving daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Sean Furrh and his special grandchildren, Annabelle, Sofia and Ian Furrh; cousins and many friends.

Visitation was held June 2 at the HOLCOMB-HENRY-BOOM-PURCELL FUNERAL HOME, Shoreview. Funeral Service was held June 3 at HAMLINE

METHODIST CHURCH, St. Paul. Interment Calvary Cemetery, St. Paul.

Memorials preferred to Hamline Church, St. Paul Rotary Foundation, Hamline University, Osman Shrine Warehouse Fund or Osman Women’s Auxiliary. http:// www.holcombhenryboom.com/obituary/ dennis-boom Sandra L. Palo (Anderson), mother of MN Funeral Director Kari Eberhardt, age 73, Lifelong Duluth Resident, slipped peacefully into the arms of our Lord and Savior on June 2, 2017.

Sandy graduated from Central High School in 1962. In 2004, she retired from St. Louis County Public Works, after 42 years of service. Sandy’s greatest joy in life came from bringing joy to others. She lived to serve the church, her family, and those she befriended. Fiercely devoted to those she loved; her beautiful life will be cherished by those who knew her.

Preceded in death by her significant other, Reuben Grasmick; father, Wesley Anderson; brother, Dean Anderson; brother-in-law, Russ Mertes. She is survived by her children, George (Roxann), Kari (Carlos) Eberhardt; mother, Noelle Anderson; grandchildren, Hayley, Heather, Isabella, Zacharey, Sofia, Kohley, Laila; siblings, Diane Anderson, Lynn Mertes, Leslie Anderson, Sherri (Brian) Ohnstad; sister-in-law, Pat Anderson; many beloved nieces and nephews; fur babies, Molly and Tiffany; and dear friends.

Funeral Services were held June 12 at Emmanuel Baptist-Duluth Heights, 1505 Eklund Avenue, Duluth. Visitation was held June 11. Interment at Oneota Cemetery, Duluth, MN In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Animal Allies or Solvay Hospice House.

Please wear blue in her honor.

Services entrusted to Mattson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 343 N. Shore Drive, Forest Lake, MN 55025. www.mattsonfuneralhome.com

Richard “Dick” Sandberg, Minnesota Funeral Director, age 83, of Janesville, passed away Monday June 19, 2017 at his home with his family and precious memories.

1-800-443-2773

1-844-219-9643

Family owned & operated for over 20 years!

Mass of Christian Burial was held June 24 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Janesville with Fr. Michael Cronin, Celebrating the Mass. Interment will be in St. Ann Catholic Cemetery with military honors performed by the Janesville Honor Guard.

Visitation was held June 23 at Starkson & Steffel Funeral & Cremation Service ~ Arnoldt Chapel in Janesville.

Richard “Dick” Lloyd Sandberg was born on May 9, 1934, to Lloyd and Grace (Arnoldt) Sandberg in Waseca. Dick grew up in Janesville, graduating with the Janesville High School class of 1952 where he was very active in athletics. He continued his education at the University of St. Thomas. In 1954, he enlisted with the United States Army. While stationed in Germany he traveled throughout various countries playing baseball.

In 1956, he returned to the United States and attended the University of Minnesota, receiving a degree in Mortuary Science.

On September 14, 1957, Dick was united in marriage to Ann Boyer at St. Ann Catholic Church in Wadena, Minnesota. After returning to the area, they owned and operated the Sandberg and Arnoldt Funeral Homes in Waseca and Janesville for many years as a third-generation funeral director.

Dick was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Janesville for many years where at a young age was active in altar serving for the late Fr. English. Throughout his years of service to the communities of Janesville and Waseca, Dick was a member of: Waseca County Historical Society, Waseca County Park Board, Rotary, Janesville – Smiths Mill Sportsman Club, American Legion Post 281, Catholic Order of Foresters and volunteered as a fireman. He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and former Grand Knight.

Dick had a love for baseball, playing from a young age and following high school for the Waseca Braves and for the United States Army. He was an avid twins fan. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and bird watching. Dick’s family fondly remembers him for his sharp sense of humor and many dear memories.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Ann; son, John (Tracy) Sandberg of Bloomington and their children: Jack and Ruthie Sandberg; daughters: Lisa Sandberg and her children: Grace, Mathew and Tillie Tan; Sara (Tim Togstad) Sandberg of Madison, WI and their children: Colin and Devan Donahue; sisters: Mary Joe (Pat) Smith Jr. of Le Center and Suzanne (Duane) Koehler of Rochester; sister-in-law, Michele Sandberg of Janesville.

Preceded in death by his parents and brother, James Sandberg.

New • Used • Leasing • Financing

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

Announcing MFDA’s CAREER CENTER at www.mnfuneral.org ,

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22 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2017

POWERED BY

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 Avalon Daniel Seman www.medicalexaminerstransport.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, VanBergen, McNeese and Malone Michael Sharkey www.cvmmlaw.com Decorating Den Interiors Gina Wolleat www.gina.decoratingden.com Dodge Company Gregg Bright www.dodgeco.com Doric Dealers of MN Matt Wieser, Todd Weiser www.wieser-doric.com Federated Funeral Directors Kim Alexander www.federated-funeral.com Federated Insurance Connor Odykirk www.federatedinsurance.com

Foothills Planning Services Caryl DeBlieck www.foothillsplanningservices.com

Midwest Medical Examiners Office Angie Chalmers www.midwestmedicalexaminer.com

Forest Lawn Memorial Park Association Kari A. Hubbard www.forestlawnmn.com

Minneapolis Star Tribune Terry Alvarez www.startribune.com

Funeral Directors Life John Harrington Scott Tufto www.funeraldirectorslife.com Funeral Home Gifts Karl Weisenbeck www.funeralhomegifts.com Funeral One Harry Joachim www.funeralone.com GENiSYSS Mark Stepaniak www.genisyyss.com Gorder Mortuary Supply James Messer www.gordersupply.com Heritage Bank Dean Steinwand www.heritagebankna.com Homesteaders Life Company Steve Byhre www.homesteaderslife.com Johnson Williams Funeral Car Todd Anderson www.jwfuneralcars.com Keith M. Merrick Co., Inc. Kyle Grimes www.keithmerrick.com Kelco Supply Alicia Carr www.kelcosupply.com Keystone Funeral Home Design Build Russ Karasch www.keystone.db.com Laker Insurance Patrick Zalusky LifeSource Organ and Tissue Donation Melinda DeVries www.life-source.org MAS Communications Mary Reeves www.mascommunications.net Matthews Aurora Casket Roger Ruth, Alexis Smith www.matw.com Meadow Hill Corporation Maria Ross www.meadowhillco.com Medical Disposal Systems, Inc. Warren Winkelman www.mds-mn.com Messenger Bob Hoaglund www.messengerstationery.com

Minnesota Lions Eye Bank Sara McFee www.mnlionseyebank.org Monumental Sales Dave Dobe www.sunburstmemorials.com Northern Design Caskets Scott Haiby ndesign@paulbunyan.net Northwestern Casket Co. David Koll www.nwcasket.com Pekin Life Insurance Company Michelle Vos www.pekininsurance.com Peterson Law Office Bill Peterson www.petersonlawoffice.com Pluto Legal Cheryl Vos www.plutolegal.com 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 Vandalia Glassworks Erick Schmidt erick@vandaliaglassworks.com Willmar Precast Company Ron Jasperson

www.mnfuneral.org 23

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