MFDA Bulletin Summer 2021

SUMMER 2021

BULLETIN

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY FOR MINNESOTA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION MEMBERS

130TH ANNUAL MFDA CONVENTION AUGUST 11-12, 2021 BREEZY POINT RESORT | BREEZY POINT, MN

Also Inside: Embalming & Restorative Art Seminar • U of M Mortuary Science Commencement

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

MFDA Bulletin

A Commitment You Can Count On Helping protect your industry yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

We’re in it for the long haul.

Scan to learn more about mySHIELD® features, including training and resources, certificate management, and vehicle and drivers list tools.

Commercial Insurance Property & Casualty | Life & Disability Income | Workers Compensation | Business Succession and Estate Planning | Bonding Federated Mutual Insurance Company and its subsidiaries* | federatedinsurance.com | Ward’s 50® Top Performer | A.M. Best® A+ (Superior) Rating 21.04 Ed. 2/21 *Not licensed in all states. © 2020 Federated Mutual Insurance Company

Minnesota Funeral Directors Association

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

MFDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Kelly J. Kelly Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes Kasson, MN kjkell0803@yahoo.com

Secretary Joe Mahn Mahn Family Funeral and Cremation Services, Red Wing, MN jmahn62@hotmail.com

Treasurer Brian Dingmann Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services, Annandale, MN brian@dingmannfuneral.com

Past President Chris Jacobson Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home Ada, MN chris.jacobson@tlcofduluth.com

President’s Message.............................................. 5 15th Annual MFDA Mortuary Open........................ 5 Welcome New MFDA Board Members................. 6 2021 MFDA Bulletin Advertising Rates................. 6 130th Annual MFDA Convention................... 7-13 Legislative Update................................................14 Children’s Grief Connection Update....................15 U of M Mortuary Science Update....................16-17 Passare Proud to Partner with Precoa..................18 Federated HR Question of the Month.................19

DISTRICT DIRECTORS Peter Macken (District 1) Macken Funeral Home Rochester, MN peter@mackenfuneralhome.com Kevin Satre (District 2) Mankato Mortuary Mankato, MN kevin@mankatomortuary.com Jeff Hartquist (District 3) Hartquist Funeral Home Luverne, MN hartquistluverne@gmail.com Kyle TeBeest (District 4/5) Anderson-TeBeest Funeral Homes Montevideo, MN kyle@andersontebeest.com Jordan McReavy-Seitz (District 6/7) Washburn-McReavy Funeral Homes Minnespolis, MN jordan@wmchapels.com Sara Thompson (District 8) Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services Sauk Centre, MN sthompson@pattonschad.com

POLICY BOARD REPRESENTATIVE Leif Larsen Green-Larsen Mortuary International Falls, MN larsen_625@msn.com

PAST PRESIDENT REP Ken Peterson, CFSP

Johnson-Peterson Funeral Home White Bear Lake, MN petersonkb@gmail.com

STAFF Darlyne Erickson, CAE Executive Director 763-416-0124 612-940-8169 (cell) info@mnfuneral.org

Amy Beckham (Administrative) amy@mnfuneral.org

Maria Olaez (Accounting)

NFDA Embalming & Restorative Art Seminar......21 In Memorium................................................... 22-24 MFDA Brochures & Forms Order Form............... 25 MFDA Career Center............................................26 2021 MFDA Allied Members................................27

Upcoming Events 2021 MFDA Annual Convention August 11-12, Breezy Point Resort, Breezy Point MFDA Preneed Insurance Course Sept 29 & 30, Oct 6 & 7, Via Zoom InSight Certified Celebrant Training November 9-11, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Plymouth Watch MFDA communications and website for information.

admin@sapphyregroup.org

Kathy Sheridan (Membership/Convention) kathy@mnfuneral.org

Miki Tufto (Communications/Convention) mtufto@mnfuneral.org

Open (District 9) Allison Cease (District 10) Cease Funeral Home Bagley, MN ceaseallison@gmail.com David Huso (District 11) Rowe Funeral Home Grand Rapids, MN husodavid@yahoo.com

Book Review: “Let’s Talk About Hard Things”.... 20

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

What Is Our Mission: Our mission is to enhance and support funeral service excellence through our programs, legislative representation and service to Minnesotans.

How We Accomplish This:

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

• Essential and enduring principles that guide our organization’s behaviors and actions • Advancing the value of funeral service consistent with the changing needs of society • Advocacy on behalf of consumers and members • Visionary leadership trust and confidence in staff and volunteer leadership • Promotion of integrity; honest and ethical behavior within the funeral industry • Collaboration with others in the interest of consumers and members • Recognize the importance of education as a vehicle to enhance both public service and public image

The MFDA Bulletin is published quarterly for MDFA members. Copyright ©2021 MFDA Service Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior written permission of the publisher. Advertising opportunities are available by contacting MFDA to request an ad rate sheet. Please e-mail the ad to info@mnfuneral.org, fax or mail to the fax number or address listed above, along with the desired run time of your ad.

www.mnfuneral.org 3

Executive Director’s Report

By Darlyne Erickson. CAE

2021…Moving Forward I cannot tell you how excited, I am that we find ourselves coming close to the end of the COVID yellow brick road.

It’s been a tough year, but I will say that MFDA has weathered the COVID storm, and we are on firm ground! In large part, it is because of YOU the members.

Thank you for continuing to support the association with your membership and participation. You have stepped up, not only for MFDA, but most importantly for the families you serve in ways that I can only imagine. Thank you!

CHANGES IN THE WIND….

This year we are saying goodbye to four board members who have each served six years (2 terms) on the MFDA Board.

Lance Peterson, Tim Anderson, Marquis Madison, and Scott Benson. I cannot begin to express my appreciation for their participation and support. We have had ups and downs over the years, but our trajectory is more up than down at this point in time, and we can thank these individuals for starting that upward swing.

Now the good news. We have four new board members to take the reins. Allison Cease Fleahman (District 10), Kyle TeBeest (District 4/5), Jordan McReavy

4 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2021

Seitz (District 6/7), Kevin Satre (District 2), and we welcome back Jeff Hartquist (Past President) to District 3. Three of these four individuals are graduates of the MFDA Leadership Program.

There have also been some changes in our office personnel. Many of you had conversations with Sue Sack over the last five years. She was our accountant and made the decision to retire last month.

Being the meticulous person she is, it was not before she had a chance to train in Maria Olaez who has picked up the reins and is doing a great job! The rest of the crew… Miki Tufto, Kathy Sheridan, Amy Beckham, and myself, have no intention of going anywhere!

NFDA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY This program is based on what MFDA created in 2015 to 2018. We had 28 participants overall and three of those are now on the board. That was our goal, but I wasn’t sure how long it might take to come to fruition. Growth takes time! NFDA realized the importance of such a program, and we connected them to Bruce Mazda & Chad Weinstein.

End result is NFDA has created a National Emerging Leaders’ program that is being announced at the August NFDA Leadership Summit and we are now working on Midwest Leadership Academy. Details to follow!

GOING FORWARD… MFDA LIVE & IN-PERSON! We are excited to have an in-person Convention at Breezy Point August 1112. Education plus fun and the ability to meet with people we haven’t see in a long time. More this on pages 7-13.

CELEBRANT TRAINING At the writing of this article, I am talking to Glenda Stansbury about coming to Minnesota to offer Celebrant Training (in person) the week of November 8th.

130TH ANNUAL MFDA CONVENTION AUGUST 11-12, 2021 BREEZY POINT RESORT | BREEZY POINT, MN

President’s Message

By Kelly Kelly, MFDA Board President

School’s out for the summer!

School is out and warm weather is I will say I am excited about our education and fun we have all come to finally here! As we all start to get into upcoming convention that will be held know from convention time. the swing of summer plans, I want to at Breezy Point Resort on August 11-12!

Wednesday night will be “Life’s a take the opportunity to thank everyone The convention committee has worked Breeze Beach Bash “ so beach attire is for the professionalism and dedication extremely hard over the past several recommended! Breezy Point has three this past year. Also, a big thank you months to secure a spot that will keep golf courses so bring your clubs or if n here is for E&M accounting records only. It may not be what appears in the publication. for the remarkable turnout during the everyone safe yet still allow us to gather. golf isn’t your style...there is a beautiful ion directly to confirm the accuracy of your company business information. rewrite discussions of 149A, that is a very Convention will have a different look shoreline stroll. • I certainly hope to 55318 1107 Hazeltine Blvd, Suite to #350 Chaska, MN important topic that will be coming our this year with an outdoor evening event MAS Communications see many of you this year at convention. wayReeves this next year. and tabletop displays for the exhibitors, Mary Have a safe /and fun summer!

Fax: 1-952-448-9928 Phone: 1-800-572-00 but it will still have all the continuing

9 Minnesota Funeral Directors Association Membership Direct

Sign & Return Proof To: E&M Consult

465 Poplar St. Please respond within 5 business days Mankato, MN 56001 By signing below, I (advertising company) am approving my ad as is or with changes and I repre 507-387-6543 this advertisement placed with all content, text, images, pictures and/or logos do not infringe th trademark, rights of literary property, Open and intellectual property, nor do they violate the righ Announcing the 15 Annual copyright, MFDA Mortuary 507-345-3816 other persons. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless E&M Consulting, Inc. against any claims, j marypreeves@mascommunications.net and other expenses arising RSVP from anytoalleged actual breach of this warranty.

District 10 of MFDA would like to Supper: Prime rib,attorney’s potato,fees coleslaw Please Dahl or Funeral Home 1/4 Page invite all funeral directors, staff, family and cash bar to follow, partially if possible by calling 218-773-2971 or *Colors in the ad are for representational purposes only and will be brighter and more exact in members, and vendors to join them at Sponsored by Mathews / Aurora e-mail dan.dahl@midconetwork.com Full Color artwork and photos shown in the ad are not exact, only because our printers are limited and once PAST 1:00 p.m., Thursday, July 22, 2021 at

Valley Golf Course, East Grand Forks, MN for an afternoon of golf and fun!

Many door prizes will be given away!

Light lunch sponsored by North Valley Crematory at Noon.

Golf: 1 p.m., 18 holes shotgun start and scramble format. (Ladies will golf with ladies if requested.)

Casket Company:beScott muchNelson, improved.and Funeral Directors Life: Scott Tufto, John Harrington and Todd Carlson.

Hope to see you there!

Dan Dahl

Golfing fees: $60.00 per person for 18 holes of scramble golf, includes golf cart, and prime rib dinner. Payable to Valley Golf Course on the day.

There will be a refreshment cart on site sponsored by Denis Nordlum and National Guardian Life Insurance, and lots of door prizes.

www.mnfuneral.org 5

Welcome New MFDA Board Members!

Thank you to our outgoing MFDA Board of Directors for their years of service!

New MFDA Board members include: Peter Macken of Macken Funeral Home in Rochester (District 1) Kevin Satre of Mankato Mortuary in Mankato (District 2)

Tonya Borth of Kolden Funeral Home in Le Sueur (District 2)

Jeff Hartquist of Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne (District 3) Kyle TeBeest of Anderson-TeBeest Funeral Homes in Montevideo (District 4/5)

Marquis Madison of Totzke Funeral Home in Fulda (District 3)

Jordan McReavy-Seitz of Washburn-McReavy Funeral Homes in Minneapolis (District 6/7)

Lance Peterson of Peterson Brothers Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Willmar (District 4/5)

Allison Cease of Cease Funeral Home in Bagley (District 10)

Scott Benson of Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel in Robbinsdale (District 6/7)

Macken

Satre

Hartquist

TeBeest

McReavy-Seitz

Tim Anderson of Anderson Family Funeral Home in Twin Valley (District 10)

Cease

Donating to Children’s Grief Connection has never been easier!

1. Shop on Amazon at www.smile.amazon.com.

2. Designate Children’s Grief Connection as your beneficiary.

A portion of online purchase proceeds automatically go to Children’s Grief Connection!

2021 MFDA BULLETIN ADVERTISING RATES Bulletin is published quarterly by Minnesota Funeral Directors Association. It mails directly to all MFDA members and is also available online for viewing. This publication features topics relevant to the funeral industry and is a great way to reach Minnesota funeral directors and staff.

STYLE

SIZE

B&W

COLOR

MFDA Allied

Non-Members

MFDA Allied

Business Card (horizontal)

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

$75

$150

$100

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

$350

$700

$400

$800

SPRING 2018 Legislative Update

By Judy Cook,Full Cook Girard Associates Page

(7-1/2 w x 10 h)

Rates listed are per issue. Printed quarterly - winter, spring, summer, fall

REACH KEY FUNERAL HOME DECISIONMAKERS!

6 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2021

Non-Members

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

Non-Members

$200

130 ANNUAL MFDA CONVENTION TH

AUGUST 11-12, 2021

DON’T DELAY !

HO

TEL RA TES VALID THROU GH JULY 1 0!

BREEZY POINT RESORT | BREEZY POINT, MN

e d i u G n o i t n e v n o C Pre-

www.mnfuneral.org 7

130TH ANNUAL MFDA CONVENTION AUGUST 11-12, 2021 BREEZY POINT RESORT | BREEZY POINT, MN

Join us for education, fun, networking, great speakers, and camaraderie as we focus on getting reacquainted and reconnected.

2021 CONVENTION KEYNOTE SPEAKER Wednesday, August 11 | 9:00 – 10:50 a.m.

Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable!

Reframe and Recharge with the Brave New Workshop Presenter: Margi Simmons, Brave New Workshop 2 Professional Practices CEUs Sponsored by Brown-Wilbert Here’s a great opportunity for all of us to spend time connecting, laughing, and learning together. The team at The Brave New Workshop will facilitate an interactive session to help us practice our resilience and reframing skills. It’s for both professional and personal development - and to just unwind a little. You will laugh, learn and practice stepping a little bit outside of your comfort zone in an environment of support. The experience will be perfectly suited for introverts, extroverts, analytical thinkers, creative types, perfectionists (recovering or not), and anyone in between!

Join us, jump in, and say “Yes, and” to life!

Margi Simmons is a highly-sought-after speaker and trainer who inspires thousands of professionals each year as part of the Brave New Workshop core team. The Brave New Workshop has been using transformational laughter to help professionals activate their best, most resilient mindset for 20+ years and are excited to share some practices with you, which you can immediately apply in your everyday work. The Brave New Workshop stands for more and better ideas, more collaboration, reframing change as fuel, and moving from a mindset of fear to a Mindset of Discovery.

THANK YOU 2021 SPONSORS!*

SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCE*

> Funeral Directors Life

7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Attendee Registration Open

Wednesday Lunch Sponsor

> Wieser Vault and MAS

Communications

Wednesday Life’s a Breeze Beach Bash Sponsor

> Brown-Wilbert Opening Keynote Sponsor

> Maguire Refining Thursday Breakfast Sponsor

> National Funeral Directors

Association

Convention App Sponsor

> Lions Gift of Sight Service of Remembrance Sponsor

> United Heritage Lanyard Sponsor

> LifeSource Wednesday Refreshment Break Sponsor *As of June 30, 2021

TABLETOP EXHIBIT HOURS Visit exhibitors throughout our 2 levels of convention space.

Wednesday, August 11 7:00 – 9:00 a.m.

Attendee Breakfast 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

OSHA Training by Mark Arnold (1 CEU) 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

Past Presidents Breakfast (Past Presidents only) 9:00 – 10:50 a.m.

Keynote Speaker: “Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable! Reframe and Recharge with the Brave New Workshop” by Margi Simmons (2 Professional Practices CEUs) 10:50 a.m. – Noon Visit Exhibitors Noon – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch for Attendees/50 Year Licensee Awards/Legislative Update 1:00 – 1:50 p.m.

“A Survey of Minnesota Mortuary Law and Useful Best Practices for Funeral Homes, Crematories, and Cemeteries” by Michael Sharkey, Esq. of Cousineau, Van Bergen, McNee & Malone, P.A. (1 Regulations & Ethics CEU) 1:50 – 2:30 p.m.

Visit Exhibitors/Afternoon Break 2:30 – 3:20 p.m.

“Bringing Small Moments of Ceremony to the Initial Transfer” by Angela Woosley, M.A. of Inspired Journeys (1 Professional Practices CEU) 3:30 – 4:20 p.m.

“Then & Now: How We’ve Honed Our Prep Room Skills” by Lincoln Plain of The Dodge Company (1 Body Prep CEU) 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Life’s a Breeze Beach Bash Outdoor Party for Attendees and Exhibitors

Thursday, August 12 7:00 – 8:30 a.m.

Breakfast for Attendees and Exhibitors

Wednesday, August 11

8:00 a.m.

Registration Opens

11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Exhibits Open (Exhibitor Lunch Break 1:00 – 1:45 p.m.)

8:30 – 9:20 a.m.

“How to Combat Tissue Gas” by Lincoln Plain of The Dodge Company (1 Body Prep CEU)

Thursday, August 12

9:20 – 11:00 a.m.

Visit Exhibitors

9:20 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Exhibits Open (Exhibitor Lunch Break 11:00 – 11:45 a.m.)

11:00 – 11:50 a.m.

“How to Use Video to Market Your Funeral Home” by Rob Davidson of Funeral Directors Life (1 Professional Practices CEU) 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch for Attendees/Service of Remembrance 1:00 – 1:50 p.m.

Session TBA by Ben Cox of Federated Insurance (1 Professional Practices CEU) 2:00 – 2:50 p.m.

“Sight Restored: Recovery, Restoration & Reflections” by Patty Stockdale and Giselle Wynia of Lions Gift of Sight (1 Professional Practices CEU) 3:00 – 3:50 p.m.

Session TBA by Molly Mulcahy Crawford of Minnesota Department of Health Office of Vital Records (1 Regulations & Ethics CEU) 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

OSHA Training by Mark Arnold (1 CEU)

EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS Wednesday, August 11 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

OSHA Training by Mark Arnold (1 OSHA CEU/1 Regulations & Ethics CEU)

1. Understand the benefits of bedside ceremonies

1:00 – 1:50 p.m.

2. Confidently include family and health care workers in initial transfers

“A Survey of Minnesota Mortuary Law and Useful Best Practices for Funeral Homes, Crematories, and Cemeteries”

by Michael Sharkey, Esq. of Cousineau, Van Bergen, McNee & Malone, P.A. (1 Regulations & Ethics CEU) Michael D. Sharkey is an attorney and licensed funeral director. He is an equity Shareholder at the Minneapolis law firm Cousineau & Van Bergen where he is the Chair of the Mortuary Law Practice Group. When not practicing mortuary law he litigates cases in Minnesota and Wisconsin. He advises and represents funeral homes, crematories, cemeteries, individual licensees, and families in all aspects of mortuary law. In addition to his many continuing education presentations Sharkey serves as General Counsel for the MFDA and WFDA and is a sought-after Expert Witness in mortuary cases around the country.

2:30 – 3:20 p.m.

“Bringing Small Moments of Ceremony to the Initial Transfer” by Angela Woosley, M.A. of Inspired Journeys (1 Professional Practices CEU) Funeral directors understand the value of funerals and ceremony to the grieving process, and the limitations imposed by the pandemic has helped families understand their importance as well.

More people realize that every moment we have with the dead is precious and profound. In this session, Angela Woosley shares techniques and ideas to bring ceremony to the bedside by including family and staff in the initial transfer.

Facilitating these moments of ceremony helps families create healing memories, honors the care that health care staff provide, and creates an unforgettable first impression of your service and guidance.

3. Use inclusive and inviting language at initial transfers 4. Create non-denominational miniceremonies for use during initial transfers Angela Woosley is a mortician, educator, end-of-life doula, and certified celebrant.

After teaching in the Program of Mortuary Science at the University of MN for ten years, Angela founded Inspired Journeys, and works to invite and include everyone into the experience of caring for their own dead in order to demystify funeral care, break down barriers of equity and access to the dead, and build a bridge between the worlds of medical care and funeral care. In addition to her work with Inspired Journeys, she currently serves as president of the board of directors at the National Home Funeral Alliance and completes decedent transfers with Metro First Call.

3:30 – 4:20 p.m.

“Then & Now: How We’ve Honed Our Prep Room Skills” by Lincoln Plain of The Dodge Company (1 Body Prep CEU) Forgotten tips and tricks of the prep room to help make your life a bit easier.

11:00 – 11:50 a.m.

“How to Use Video to Market Your Funeral Home” by Rob Davidson of Funeral Directors Life (1 Professional Practices CEU) • Share current trends in video and storytelling.

• Discuss why video is an important option to consider.

• Discuss why a storytelling model can be effective.

• We will also have a few tips for creating engaging video content.

Rob Davidson started working at Funeral Directors Life in 2015 as the Director of Audio Visual Solutions. His multimedia career began in college where he pursued a degree in Theater and honed his music skills. During that time, he worked in several different aspects of news, radio, and television production. His love for journalism and marketing led him to the Dallas/Fort Worth area shortly after college to work in digital video and film for various media and production companies. In 2000, he moved back to his hometown of Abilene, Texas, and started his own video production company - laying the groundwork for what would become a long-lasting business relationship with Funeral Directors Life.

1:00 – 1:50 p.m.

Session by Federated Insurance – title to be announced soon!

(1 Professional Practices CEU) 2:00 – 2:50 p.m.

Thursday, August 12 8:30 – 9:20 a.m.

“How to Combat Tissue Gas” by Lincoln Plain of The Dodge Company (1 Body Prep CEU) How to determine if you have tissue gas and the best steps to take to stabilize the situation so you can have a viewing.

“Sight Restored: Recovery, Restoration & Reflections” by Patty Stockdale and Giselle Wynia of Lions Gift of Sight (1 Professional Practices CEU) 3:00 – 3:50 p.m.

Session by Molly Mulcahy Crawford of the Minnesota Department of Health Office of Vital Records – title will be announced soon!

(1 Regulations & Ethics CEU) 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

OSHA Training by Mark Arnold (1 OSHA CEU/1 Regulations & Ethics CEU)

Register at www.mnfuneral.org/event/convention2021!

2021 MFDA CONVENTION FEES Early-Bird Rate (Before 7/21)

On-Site Rate (After 7/21)

MFDA Member Funeral Director*

$200

$225

MFDA Member Preneed Counselor*

$200

$225

Guest**

$100

$125

Mortuary Science Student/Intern

FREE

$30

Non-Member

$650

$675

Wednesday Event Guest Only (under 18 free)***

$25

$25

Past Presidents Breakfast****

$25

$25

CEUs We’re proud to offer Minnesota CEUs in all categories required by the State of Minnesota, and we will offer Body Preparation, Care, and Handling CEUs over both days of Convention.

REFUND INFORMATION To receive a full refund of your Convention registration fees, please contact the MFDA at 763-416-0124 by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 6, 2021. MFDA does not have the ability to change/ cancel your Breezy Point Resort hotel reservation – please be sure to read and understand all of the reservation policies before making your hotel reservation.

Registration includes daily admission to Convention program sessions/CEUs, all Exhibitor functions, all meals and Wednesday evening’s event (unless where noted). * All MFDA member funeral home staff.

Non-Minnesota Funeral Directors who are members of their state Funeral Director Association (ND, SD, WI, and IA) can register as an MFDA Member Funeral Director.

Convention. Guest registration includes all scheduled meals, Wednesday evening event (wristband will be provided), CEU sessions (will not receive CEUs), and visiting with exhibitors.

** A Guest is a non-funeral director who is a guest of a registered licensed funeral director attendee. Out of respect for our exhibitors, non-exhibiting suppliers or allied members are not allowed to register or attend the

*** A Wednesday Event Guest Only will only be allowed to attend the Life’s a Breeze Beach Bash with a registered licensed funeral director attendee. Out of respect for our attendees and exhibitors: you must be a

registered Convention attendee/exhibitor to attend Wednesday’s event - wristbands will be provided. **** Past Presidents Breakfast is for MFDA Past Presidents only.

CONFERENCE HOTEL HOTEL RESERVATIONS Make room reservations at www.breezypointresort.com (click Online Reservations on top right corner) or by calling 218-562-7176 - Please use Group ID 337076 to receive your MFDA Convention room rate when making your reservation.

Room rates are $189-$209 per night plus tax.

Advance deposits are refunded only if cancelled 30 days prior to arrival date for hotel rooms or suites, 90 days prior for cabins, condos or homes. A $25 cancellation/handling charge is deducted. On cancellations made less than 60 days prior to arrival for hotel rooms or suites, 90 days prior to arrival for cabins, condos or homes, package payment is transferrable, but not refundable.

Breezy Point is offering the following complimentary amenities for MFDA attendees:

ROOM CHARGES: All guests will be asked to present a major credit card at the time of check-in (one per room). It will be run through for authorization only.

• Internet access in guest rooms • Shuttle service • Fitness center and pool • Many other resort activities - learn more on their website!

NO SHOWS and those arriving late or departing early, will be charged the full rate for the entire length of their reserved stay, regardless of the reason.

ONE NIGHT’S LODGING (WITH TAX) ACCEPTED AS DEPOSIT. NOTE: CHECKS AND CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED.

Room block deadline: 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 10.

LIFE’S A BREEZE

BEACH BASH OUTDOOR EVENT Wednesday, August 11 | 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

On Pelican Lake at Dockside Deck at Breezy Point Resort Sponsored by Wieser Vault and MAS Communications After the past year we all deserve a party! Join us for our Life’s a Breeze Beach Bash, sponsored by Wieser Vault and MAS Communications!

Appetizers, drink tickets, and cash bar will be available. All registered Convention attendees and exhibitors are invited to this free event. Event Guest Only passes are available to purchase in advance or at registration (under 18 are free)!

Pl a yi n! to W

SECR ET WOR

D

SECR ET WOR WOR D SECR ET D

SECR ET WOR

D

To play Breezy Bingo, grab the bingo card out of your registration packet, engage with exhibitors to learn more about their companies, and ask for their secret words to fill in your card.

All completed cards will be entered into drawings for prizes! Completed cards must be turned into the registration desk

by Noon on Thursday, August 12 to be eligible to win.

CONVENTION REGISTRATION Please fill out the form below OR ONLINE at https://www.mnfuneral.org/event/convention2021 REGISTER EARLY AND RECEIVE A $25 DISCOUNT! Complete the registration form below and return it to MFDA

postmarked on or before July 21, 2021 and save! Forms returned July 22 or later should include full registration fee. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name (please print/type): Name on badge: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Firm name: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address (city, state, zip): _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone: ( ) Email: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Registration - Please select the appropriate registration fees below. ❑ MFDA Member Funeral Director*: $200 ($225 after July 21)

Subtotals $_______________

❑ MFDA Funeral Home Preneed Counselor:* $200 ($225 after July 21)

$_______________

❑ U of M Mortuary Science Student/Intern: Free ($30 after July 21)

$_______________

❑ Guest**: $100 ($125 after July 21) Guest name for badge:______________________________________ $_______________ ❑ Non-Member: $650 ($675 after July 21)

❑ Wednesday Event Guest Only (under 18 are free):*** $25 ❑ Past Presidents Breakfast (for past Presidents only): $25 Total Enclosed

$_______________ $_______________ $_______________ $_______________

Please indicate if you will attend the Networking Event. ❑ Yes, I will attend the Wednesday, August 11 MFDA Life’s a Breeze Beach Bash Outdoor Event Free for Convention attendees

q MasterCard q VISA q AMEX q Check (Make payable to MFDA) _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Credit card #: Exp: CSV code: Billing zip: / _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name as it appears on card: Signature: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ❑ Check here if you require special assistance or have dietary requirements, and attach a statement of your needs.

Registration includes daily admission to Convention program sessions/CEUs, all Exhibitor functions, all meals and Wednesday evening’s event (unless where noted). * All MFDA member funeral home staff. Non-Minnesota Funeral Directors who are members of their state Funeral Director Association (ND, SD, WI, and IA) can register as an MFDA Member Funeral Director. ** A guest is a non-funeral director who is a guest of a registered licensed funeral director attendee. Out of respect for our exhibitors, non-exhibiting suppliers or allied members are not allowed to register or attend the Convention. Guest registration includes all scheduled meals, Wednesday evening event (wristband will be provided), CEU sessions (will not receive CEUs), and visiting with exhibitors. *** A Wednesday Event Guest Only will only be allowed to attend the Life’s a Breeze Beach Bash with a registered licensed funeral director attendee. Out of respect for our attendees and exhibitors: you must be a registered Convention attendee/exhibitor to attend Wednesday’s event - wristbands will be provided.

SEND COMPLETED FORM:

By Fax (with credit card information) to: (612) 430-6995

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 130TH ANNUAL CONVENTION AND EXPO!

Legislative Update

By Joe Sellwood, Cook Girard Associates

What’s Going on at the Legislature?

The legislature adjourned the 2021 Regular Session on May 17th without passing a budget, meaning lawmakers will return to St. Paul to finish their work during a special session. House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park), Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-Gull Lake), and Governor Tim Walz (DFL) announced a global budget agreement that puts the legislature on a path to finish their work during the anticipated June 14th Special Session. Policymakers will continue to meet to work through the budget details, with the ultimate goal of passing the budget by June 30th in order to avoid a government shutdown on July 1st.

In addition to the state’s anticipated budget of over $50 billion, lawmakers have the added challenge of figuring out how to spend nearly three billion dollars from the American Rescue Plan and respond to calls for further police reform measures.

The intertwining of these issues with the complexity of crafting a budget will make for an interesting second half of June.

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

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

952-525-6990 msharkey@cvmmlaw.com

www.cvmmlaw.com

14 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2021

PEACETIME EMERGENCY STATUS - Updated at press time on June 30, 2021 In the early hours of June 30th, 2021, the legislature terminated the Governor’s Peacetime Emergency, effective immediately.

The Department of Health Mortuary Science Section has a number of waivers and modifications to 149a tied to the Peacetime Emergency – these will now expire in 60 days, on August 28th, 2021.

MFDA will work with the Department of Health Mortuary Science Section to communicate with the industry and ensure a smooth transition back to normal. Information on the following waivers can be found at www.bit.ly/EmergencyStatus: •

Health Occupations and Mortuary Science Section Modifications for Continuing Education (PDF)

•

Mortuary Science COVID-19 Temporary Licensing Application (PDF)

•

Mortuary Science Licensing and Practice Standards Modifications and Waivers (PDF)

•

Mortuary Science COVID-19 Application for Unlicensed Employees (PDF)

•

Mortuary Science Storage Standards Waiver – May 8, 2020 (PDF)

MASK MANDATE On May 15th, following CDC guidance, Governor Walz ended Minnesota’s mask mandate. However, local units of government can still require masking, and private businesses may set their own requirements.

CAPACITY RESTRICTIONS As of May 28, 2021, nearly all state COVID-19 restrictions have come to an end, including all capacity limits and distancing requirements – both indoors and outdoors.

HOW CAN MFDA MEMBERS GET INVOLVED IN POLICY? The MFDA Legislative Committee continues to work on possible changes to 149a. Ideally, legislation would be introduced in 2022. Working with the University of Minnesota’s Dr. LuBrant, the MFDA Legislative Committee is providing input for an industry-wide survey that Dr. LuBrant will conduct in the coming months. Your input in the survey will be valuable as it will inform many of the positions that MFDA takes on mortuary science policy. Additionally, if you have any specific suggestions for changes to 149a, please email them to jsellwood@ cookgirard.com.

As we move away from everchanging pandemic operating restrictions, Cook Girard will continue to keep MDFA updated on all important issues that arise.

Children’s Grief Connection Update

By Jessica Moujouros, Children’s Grief Connection Children’s Grief Connection has much to celebrate in 2021! We are happy to announce that this year, Children’s Grief Connection is celebrating our 20th year of providing hope and healing to grieving families! Our estimates show that, over the years, we’ve been able to serve over 3,000 grieving people and we owe an incredible debt of gratitude to you, the members of the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the inception of CGC and the impact we have been able to make on grieving families with your help.

Although we faced many challenges this last year, we are proud to say that we were able to safely serve grieving families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Providing support to grieving families during what was arguably one of the most isolating experiences of our lifetime was an honor and a privilege.

We were able to adapt our 3-day Hearts of Hope Family Grief Camp into a single day program with COVID-19 safety precautions in place. Camp was shorter, but no less impactful.

At both our fall camp in Hudson,WI and our Spring camp in Annandale, MN, we met our families with acceptance and offered them connections and tools to help them in their grieving. We are planning to return to our 3 day camp this fall as long as we are safely allowed to do so.

As many of you know, we were able to adapt our Frunge fundraiser to a

virtual event. A huge thanks to all of you who were holy bucketed, hosed down, and ‘snowmanned’ in the name of providing support to grieving families.

(If you haven’t had the chance, our 20th anniversary gala is viewable at https:// youtu.be/gSZH_fN2mzs) Special shout out to our youngest ever Golden Frunger, 4-year old Brooks Czaplewski who individually raised the most money (...possibly with the help of his parents, Brandon and Ashley, and his grandparents Tim and Jenny Hoff).

Way to go, Brooks!

We have many exciting updates in the year to come that we want to share with you. Be sure to stop by our booth at the convention and say hello!

www.mnfuneral.org 15

U of M Mortuary Science Update

By Michael LuBrant, Program Director

Coming Together to Celebrate Our Graduates Dear Colleagues, I am very pleased to share with you news that we were able to gather inperson this past May to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates of the Classes of 2020 and 2021. As many of you know, last year all in-person commencement ceremonies had to be cancelled as a result of COVID-19. For our 2020 graduates, last May we held a virtual “gift-giving” ceremony via Zoom.

Our plan, of course, was to have an in-person ceremony as soon as it was once again safe to do so. Thankfully, there were options this year for inperson gatherings, as long as they were conducted in compliance with State and University health-safety guidelines.

As part of the planning process for commencement ceremonies this year, our program applied for permission to have an in-person ceremony for our graduates and their families. To make this happen, it would be necessary for us to hold the ceremony outdoors. In meeting with students and faculty members to discuss ideas for our ceremony, we were all in agreement that if it could happen,

16 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2021

we would very much like to hold our ceremony at Lakewood Cemetery. I reached out to Lakewood President (and Program of Mortuary Science Advisory Board member) Chris Makowske, to discuss our desire to hold our commencement ceremony at Lakewood.

Chris was most receptive to our request, and he worked with his Board to ensure that we might access to the lawn space in front of the Memorial Mausoleum, and also the Historic Chapel, for our special event.

As a result of all our planning work, we had an commencement ceremony experience unlike any other in our Program’s history! The Memorial Mausoleum served as an ideal background for our ceremony. The weather was picture-perfect, and the numerous trees that surround the Mausoleum just happened to be sprouting maroon and gold blossoms.

Mother Nature could not have been more cooperative! Graduates’ family members and friends brought chairs and set them up in the lawn space that surrounds the reflecting pool. And as fate would have

it, the mandatory masking requirement expired just three hours before the start of the ceremony, meaning that graduates could process without a mask if they felt comfortable doing so. Everyone was together, the weather was perfect, and we were able to celebrate graduation at one of the most beautiful memorial spaces in Minnesota.

Prior to the start of the ceremony, our graduates had their photos taken by MFDA Past President at photographer extraordinaire Ken Peterson, both inside and in front of the Historic Chapel. Local harpist Rachel Brandwein provided half an hour of harp music as our prelude during the time of gathering. At 3:00 PM sharp, our graduates, faculty, and Regent McMillan gathered in front of the chapel, and with Michael Breidenbach playing bagpipes and Hunter Gullickson on drums to lead us, we solemnly processed the length of the greenway, along the reflecting pool, to our seats in front the Memorial Mausoleum.

Our ceremony included a number of personal greetings and messages of congratulations to our graduates,

invited guests, and special honorees.

To start the ceremony, Chris Makowske warmly welcomed us all on behalf of Lakewood Cemetery and its Board of Directors. Judge Doug Meslow spoke on behalf of the faculty, and graduates Grace Hartley (Co-President, Class of 2020) and Cristina Cherubini (President, Class of 2021) spoke on behalf of their graduating classes. Teaching Specialist Carrie McGhee announced the Preceptor of the Year Awards, as selected by our students, to Jordan Seitz (2020) and Anne Christ (2021). Both Jordan and Anne were presented with plaques by Carrie in honor of their service to the University, and their work mentoring our students. Graduates who were recipients of Program Scholarships were announced and invited to come forward to receive framed certificates noting their awards and accomplishments. MFDA

Executive Director Darlyne Erickson presented a special MFDA Award of Merit scholarship to a graduate from each class. The Program honored Bill and Kay McReavy as recipients of 2021 University of Minnesota Regents Award, and also Tom Anderson, for his six-year term of service as member of the Board of Regents. We are grateful that Bill and Kay and their family, and also Tom and his wife Angie, could be present for the ceremony. During the Conferring of the Degrees, faculty member Michael Mathews presented graduates with maroon and gold roses in honor of their achievements. The ceremony concluded with a message of gratitude to all those who helped to make this very special day possible for us all.

resume on campus in early September.

We are so excited to be returning to campus so that we might once again gather in-person and teach in our classroom spaces. Despite the heatwave we are experiencing at the time of the writing, we know that soon gopher games, tailgating parties, and festive gatherings on campus will once again be back in full swing.

We want to thank everyone who has supported our program and students during the pandemic in our work with remote learning. We all came together to support one another during these challenging times in the true spirit of Gopher Pride, and we are the stronger for it! Here’s to being together again in the coming months! Ski-U-Mah!

We are now looking forward to the start of fall semester courses, which will

Sincerely, Michael LuBrant, Program Director

www.mnfuneral.org 17

Passare® Proud to Partner with Precoa Passare® is proud to offer an automated daily export integration with Precoa’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and industry-leading Funeral Planning Center.

“We’re proud to team up with Precoa to streamline the process of following up with a family after the service has concluded,” said Josh McQueen, Vice President of Product at Passare. “We’re glad that this integration with Precoa will help our mutual clients save time on data entry so that staff can spend less time typing information and more time connecting with and serving families.”

The integration process starts with Passare generating a daily export file of family information. Users simply need to mark the record as complete in Passare, and all the data will be automatically sent to Precoa’s CRM. From there, Precoa’s Funeral Planning Center can seamlessly follow up with families to provide aftercare support, grief resources, and preneed options to the surviving family members.

“The reason we promise to completely take care of preneed for our funeral home partners is so they can focus on serving families,” said Daven Septon, Vice President of Information Technology at Precoa. “Our integration with Passare is simply another way we can work together to make things a little easier for our partners.”

By eliminating double entry on the part of funeral home staff, the automated

integration offers an even better experience for clients of both companies.

“Once the funeral service is over, families are left to process their grief and wonder if they should plan ahead for their own funerals,” added McQueen. “We know that this integration will help funeral professionals follow up with families more easily, stay organized, and save time, and that’s our goal.”

Contact your Passare support team at 800-692-5111 or email support@passare. com to learn more about the integration with Precoa.

ABOUT PASSARE: Passare offers the funeral profession’s only cloud-based collaboration software with integrated business management tools.

Through Passare, funeral directors can connect and communicate with families, streamline processes, and access case information anytime, anywhere, using any internet-connected device.

Offering unlimited users, unlimited devices,

John Maguire President

1290 - 81ST AVE. N.E. MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55432 763-786-2858 800-486-2858 FAX 763-786-7793 john.maguire@maguireref.com www.maguireref.com PRECIOUS METAL REFINING

18 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2021

and unlimited updates, Passare is helping funeral staff to save time on data entry and spend more quality time with the families they serve and with their own families at home. For more information about Passare’s cloud-based collaboration software with built-in business management tools, go to www.passare.com to request a demo.

ABOUT PRECOA: Precoa helps funeral homes 2x their preneed and grow market share with an end-to-end marketing and sales program called ProActive Preneed®. Lead generation, appointment setting, sales, management—Precoa will do it all. With Precoa, funeral homes get carefully tested marketing guaranteed to generate the highest quality leads, complete followup support and appointment setting, and a dedicated team to recruit, coach, and manage the most talented people in the profession.

Each piece of the program is designed to deliver the highest quality experience for funeral homes and families. To learn more, please visit www.precoa.com.

Want to renew your MFDA membership online?

Visit www.mnfuneral.org and sign-in to your MFDA members-only account. Need your log-in info? Call Miki at 763-416-0124 or email her at mtufto@mnfuneral.org

Q: New Position - Former Employee - Potential Claims?

In January we let go our Administrative Assistant. We gave her 2 week’s severance and a month of healthcare in exchange for a release of future claims.

We told her the truth that the position was not needed. She is a minority female over age 52 and we parted on good terms. No one has been in that position since.

The Administrative Assistant job mostly did clerical work and answered the phones. We had hoped it would progress to more but it did not. While we were happy to have a person on the phones, without feeling we could expand that person’s role we eliminated the position and switched to a call tree (instead of live answer), then divided the clerical work among existing staff.

We would now like to hire a newly created position of “Services Coordinator” that will not answer phones and will do tasks that are clerical in nature but of a higher level and more closely related to property management tasks than were being done by the AA. The position will also pay more than the AA was paid. Some tasks will overlap from the AA job.

Is the company opening itself up to any issues by: 1. Hiring for a job that while different has some of the same tasks as the AA position 2. Hiring someone who is younger and not minority (this is not the intention on purpose -- just asking whether this is an issue if it occurs) 3. Denying her an interview as a past employee I would hope being an at-will state and the fact that she signed a release the company would be okay, but just want to check.

A:

The employer is entitled to hire the best qualified individual for the new role that it creates. This may or may not be the former employee in question

(certainly it is possible for her to have obtained new skills in the interim that may qualify her for the role, and if she did so, the employer would do well to take this into consideration). If the former employee applies for the new position but is not selected for it, and then challenges the decision not to hire her (or perhaps even not to interview her), in order to marshal a viable defense the employer must ensure it has a legitimate justification for its decision to deny her an reemployment opportunity and instead to extend a job offer to someone else.

Certainly the optics and timing would not favor the employer if the individual selected is, for example, “younger and not minority,” but this alone does not give rise to an actionable claim for discrimination. Ordinarily a plaintiff would have to demonstrate, in order to prove a claim of unlawful discrimination, that it was protected class status (i.e., age, race/national origin, etc.) and not qualification/skill set or other neutral, legitimate criteria, that was underlying the employer’s hiring decision.

The employer is within its rights to make business decisions along the lines described. To the extent the employer deemed its Administrative Assistant position was no longer needed in the organization back in January, it had discretion to eliminate that role and you indicate it did so, terminating along with it the employment of the thenincumbent. You advise that the employer “switched to a call tree instead of live answer and divided the clerical work among existing staff.” Now, several months later, the employer has made another business decision to create a new position of “Services Coordinator.” While you indicate that this position will absorb some of the clerical tasks previously done by the Administrative Assistant, overall this role will be “higher level” and more closely related to a property management role than an administrative/ clerical one. Owing to its higher skill and enhanced responsibilities, it will also pay more than the prior Administrative Assistant role paid. As noted, the

employer is well within its rights to create this new position and recruit a qualified candidate to fill it.

Relative to recruitment and hiring for the new position, the employer would do well to ensure its efforts in this regard are lawful, legitimate and non-discriminatory, and that it does not exclude from consideration any applicants who appear qualified for and are interested in the role (including, perhaps, the former Administrative Assistant). Without knowing what the terms of the severance agreement are, we cannot opine as to whether the former Administrative Assistant has any rights or entitlement in connection with the employer’s effort to recruit and hire for the new role. Certainly if the contract affords her the right of first refusal or similar entitlement, the employer would do well to adhere to its obligations (please note that within the format of our HELPLINE service we are not able to review documents). If the contract does not address eligibility for rehire, or right of first refusal for new positions, etc., then presumably the former employee has the right to apply for the new position just as any other applicant would. If she does so, the employer should consider her candidacy for the position just as it would any other individual who applied for it.

We advise against summarily denying her an interview “as a past employee,” but of course if there are other, better qualified candidates for the position and the employer chooses to interview them instead, the employer is not required to offer the former employee an interview (or the job) solely because she previously worked for the company.

The Question of the Month is provided by Enquiron, a company wholly independent from Federated Insurance. Federated provides its clients access to this information through the Federated Employment Practices Network with the understanding that neither Federated nor its employees provide legal or employment advice. As such, Federated does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy, or completeness of the information herein. This information may be subject to restrictions and regulation in your state. Consult with your own qualified legal counsel regarding your specific facts and circumstances.

www.mnfuneral.org 19

Book Review: “Let’s Talk About Hard Things”

by Anna Sale Review by Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm Sez, LLC

To her bosses, she proposed the idea of a radio program dedicated to talking “about the things that mattered most in life but that we talked about least.”

Death, Sex & Money was born, and this book came from that.

Though we are at the tail-end of a pandemic, for example, we still feel awkward about death, in part because we’ve had to change the way we grieve.

We’ve lost so much and so many that it’s hard to imagine how our forebears perceived death as “sad, and it was natural” and then, though they grieved, they seemed to move on surprisingly quickly.

So how do we get past that don’t-knowwhat-to-say phase to appropriately say what helps?

Don’t even go there.

That’s a sore subject, and you’re not gonna talk about it. You really don’t want to even think about it, much less articulate your thoughts. Forget it, it’s done, over, finished. Give it some time – or read “Let’s Talk About Hard Things” by Anna Sale, and how about now?

Like many couples who marry and then divorce, it was obvious that Anna Sale and her first husband simply grew apart.

They just “didn’t want the same thing anymore.” Notifying friends and family was hard, as was the healing, but once Sale started to pull her life together again, she realized that there was an opportunity here.

Think before you speak. Don’t tell a bereaved person to “let me know if you need anything” because, let’s face it, they won’t. Understand that there’s a right way to acknowledge the truth of an impending death. Avoid pretending that death “didn’t happen.”

Learn to “step through the awkwardness” when talking about sex, and ask for what you need. Before having a money talk with someone, understand and be able to state your own thoughts about money.

Listen more than you speak when talking with family. And when someone tells you who they are, where they’re from, and how they identify, remember that a few sentences are not the end of the conversation.

be parsimonious, but when are you going to actually say something that means something? So how about now, with “Let’s Talk About Hard Things.”

Start by being prepared to put sentiments together by yourself. Author Anna Sale doesn’t offer advice here, or even a list of Things to Utter. There’s not even a clearcut plan of action; instead, you’ll mostly find anecdotes and been-there-donethats in this book, which makes it seem more like a biography than advice so why read it?

Answer: if you’ve ever been in a situation where you’re tongue-tied and feeling useless, you don’t want it to happen again. Those stories will teach you for the next time.

Chatty, genuine, and open, this book is for gluing together relationships and hearts and avoiding those socially squirmy moments. If that’s your aim, then reading “Let’s Talk About Hard Things” should be almost unavoidable.

Author Anna Sale

You can make a hundred well-meaning casseroles. You can lay there and think of England. You can raise your eyebrows and

If you’ve ever been in a situation where you’re tonguetied and feeling useless, you don’t want it to happen again. Those stories will teach you for the next time.

20 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2021

Hone Your Skills: NFDA Hosts Embalming & Restorative Art Seminar Embalmers of all skill levels are invited to learn from some of the funeral profession’s foremost experts during the National Funeral Directors Association 2021 Embalming & Restorative Art Seminar, taking place September 16-17 at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This year’s seminar will feature live demonstrations and highlight best practices for ensuring organ and tissue donors are viewable by loved ones and friends.

The dynamic and engaging NFDA Embalming and Restorative Art Seminar offers both experienced and novice embalmers an opportunity to cultivate their knowledge and techniques; everything they learn can be immediately applied when they return to their funeral home.

The seminar will be led by some of the country’s most respected authorities on embalming and restorative art and organ and tissue donation: • Sarah

Czajowski, licensed funeral director and certified tissue bank specialist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• T.

Scott Gilligan, NFDA general counsel, Cincinnati, Ohio

• Amanda

Marie Ellis King, licensed funeral director and embalmer from Springfield, Missouri

• Cara

Krepp, certified tissue bank specialist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• Jason

Mishler, CFSP, MBIE, licensed funeral director and embalmer and reconstructive specialist from Columbia City, Indiana

These noted experts will lead sessions on a variety of topics, including: the recovery process for long bones, tendons, skin, eyes, heart valves and tissue; embalming donor cases; preparing unembalmed cases; color theory and the biology behind the application of cosmetics; and embalming risk management.

Participants in past Embalming & Restorative Art Seminars have praised the

program. One attendee said, “I would highly recommend this conference for any funeral director – from apprentice to 50year licensee – everyone will benefit from it, whether you learn a new embalming/ restoration tip or renew your passion for what we do for families.”

Attendees will pay up to 25 more if they register after August 17; registrations must be received by September 8.

NFDA member licensed funeral director On or before August 17...................... $325 After August 17................................... $349 Nonmember licensed funeral director On or before August 17.......................$375 After August 17................................... $400 Student/Apprentice On or before August 17.......................$100 After August 17....................................$100 Complete details about the 2021 NFDA Embalming & Restorative Art Seminar, including information on how to register, can be found on the NFDA website, www.nfda.org/embalmingseminar. Funeral service professionals may also call NFDA at 800-228-6333 for information and to register.

There are a number of hotels located near the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science; attendees may visit www.nfda.org/embalmingseminar for recommendations.

Health and Safety Measures NFDA prioritizes the safety of its event attendees and will continue to monitor the status of the pandemic right up to and during the Embalming & Restorative Art Seminar. NFDA is prepared to take whatever steps necessary, in accordance with current local, state and national requirements and best practices, to keep attendees safe. As the seminar nears, NFDA will share information with attendees about the specific measures it will take to protect their health and safety.

Keep Your Embalming Skills Sharp Embalmers will also have a chance to refine their skills during the 2021 NFDA International Convention & Expo, taking place October 17-20 in Nashville, Tennessee. Technical skills will be covered during a preconvention seminar and several education sessions. Look for full details online, www.nfda.org/convention, when registration for the NFDA Convention opens on July 1.

For some embalmers who are not yet comfortable traveling – or for whom travel does not fit with the demands of their business – NFDA offers several online learning and home study courses focused on technical skills. Courses cover a variety of topics and enable funeral professionals to boost their skills wherever and whenever they have Internet access.

A full list of online learning and home study courses can be found on the NFDA website, www.nfda.org/education (select the “Home Study & Online Learning Courses” button).

NFDA developed a consumer brochure, Embalming: Answers to Your Questions.

This brochure helps families understand the embalming process, the value of viewings and visitations as part of endof-life rituals, and answers common questions they may have. The brochure can be ordered through the NFDA Resource Store, www.nfda.org/store, or by calling 800-228-6332.

Funeral directors may also want to encourage families they serve to visit NFDA’s consumer-facing website, www.

RememberingALife.com, which serves as a guide to honoring a life well-lived, from planning a tribute to mourning a loved one. The site offers guidance on how to start the planning process, the kinds of decisions families will make, and the many options available to make a tribute personal and meaningful. The site highlights information on service options (including embalming and the value of viewing); details about cremation and burial; and prefunding options.

www.mnfuneral.org 21

IN MEMORIAM Douglas Earl Hutchins, Minnesota funeral director, 91, of LeRoy, MN died Wednesday, February 17, 2021, at their home at Wildwood Grove. Doug was born August 7, 1929, in Litchfield, MN to Earl and Bertha Hutchins. He graduated from Litchfield High School where he met his wife of 70 years, Eileen Plocher, in orchestra. His Mortuary Science degree was earned through St. Cloud State University and the University of Minnesota.

He began his career in Morris, MN and then moved to LeRoy in 1953 to work with Martz Furniture and Funeral Home.

He then purchased the Hutchins Funeral Home and later added Grand Meadow and Spring Valley to his business. Doug served over 50 years and eventually found the right person to carry on in Jim Hindt. The LeRoy Ambulance Service was started by Doug, and he was also a member of the LeRoy Fire Department. Doug participated in serving the community in various ways.

He belonged to LeRoy Lutheran Church and served on its council and was a faithful choir member. Doug participated in bowling league, the Rod and Gun Club, and barbershop choirs. His many woodworking projects for family and community continue to be enjoyed.

Fishing “Up North” with buddies and times at the family cabin were highlights in his life. He loved the outdoors.

He is survived by his wife, Eileen, and his children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren Nanette - Jesse (Heather), Shannon (Chad), and Casey (Amy); Charleen (Mel) - Matthew (Katie), Sara (Jeremy), Nathan (Charlsie), and Jenna (Neal); Craig (Denise) - Corey (Alycia), Vanessa (Larry), Alison (Encantado), and John; and Grant (Amy) - Colin (Dan).

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, one brothers, three sisters, a son-in-law and great-granddaughter.

22 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2021

The family thanks Wildwood Grove staff and St. Croix Hospice for their help and care.

A funeral was held at LeRoy Lutheran Church on February 27.

Online condolences may be left at Hindtufuneralhomes.com Terry J. Penning, father of Minnesota Funeral Director Douglas Penning, 84, of Sioux Falls, SD passed away Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at Good Samaritan Center Prairie Creek Memory Care in Sioux Falls.

His Mass of Christian Burial was held April 6 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Sioux Falls, with interment at Union Cemetery, Flandreau, SD. Visitation was April 5 at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory, Sioux Falls.

Terrace Joseph “Terry” Penning was born September 9, 1936, in Dell Rapids, SD, the ninth of 14 children, to Nicholas and Elizabeth (Kirpes) Penning. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School Dell Rapids in 1954.

Terry was united in marriage with Sharen H. Luschen on October 27, 1959, in Dell Rapids. Together they had four sons, Allen, James, Douglas and Dale.

Terry started his career in the retail lumber business and completed his employment in the wholesale lumber business with Daniels-Olson Building Products in Sioux Falls, SD. He retired in 2006 with almost 50 years in the industry.

Terry served his country with the South Dakota National Guard. He was stationed in Fort Sill, OK and was honorably discharged.

Family was very important to Terry and he cherished spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Sharen; three sons, Allen Penning

and his wife, Leslie, Sioux Falls, SD, Douglas Penning and his wife, Sharon, Winona, MN, Dale Penning and his wife, Patty, Harrisburg, SD; six grandchildren, Brittney Penning and Dan, Matthew Penning and Sally, Jackson Penning and his wife, Jordan, Claire Penning, Ryan Penning and his wife, Amy, Ross Penning; seven great-grandchildren, Emma, Renley, Holden, Eleanor, James, Adley, Maryn; two sisters, Vera Burggraff and her husband, Bernie, Karon Penning; numerous nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Elizabeth Penning; an infant son, James; and eleven siblings.

Please direct memorials to the family for a future charitable distribution. https:// www.georgeboom.com/obituary/terrypenning Maxine Shirley (Lindquist) Tatting, Minnesota funeral director, was born December 17, 1921, to Harry and Ruby (Eastman) Lindquist on the farm at Willmar, Minn. She was baptized on November 10, 1954, at First Lutheran Church, Lake Lillian, Minn. She graduated from Willmar High School in 1940. She passed away peacefully at Elderwood Assisted Living in Hinckley on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at the age of 99 1/2 years of age.

During WW II Maxine became a part of a work force that produced munitions and war supplies while the men were away at war. Maxine trained in Willmar for blueprint reading (drilling holes & riveting). She went to work at Northwest Airlines, at Holman Field in St. Paul in 1943 until the war ended. These women workers were known as “Rosie the Riveter”.

Maxine married Donald Tatting October 2, 1945, at Hayden Heights Baptist

Church, St. Paul, Minn. While Don was going to mortuary school at the University of Minn. Maxine worked for the St. Paul Water Department. Don was offered an apprentice position at Deer River, Minn. Maxine joined him there and she worked spring and fall duty at the fire tower. Their first mortuary position was at Lake Lillian, Minn. During this time Maxine took classes at the University of Minn. to become a licensed funeral director.

In 1956 an opportunity to purchase the mortuary at Hinckley, Minn. came up and they moved to Hinckley. Maxine had previously taken her Civil Service exam in St. Paul and she ended up working 19 1/2 years with the Postal Service in Hinckley while she assisted Don at Tatting Funeral Home. Don passed away in 1999.

Maxine was an active member of First Lutheran Church in Hinckley and faithfully attended the women’s Bible study group, held offices with the Women’s Group and sang in the church choir for over 50 years. Maxine was very committed to the VFW Auxiliary organizing the color guard for Hinckley’s parade and for veterans’ funerals. In 2015 Maxine decided to sell her home and she, along with her beloved dog, Joy moved to Elderwood Assisted Living in Hinckley.

She was very happy there. Maxine loved being outdoors, especially working on her flower beds. Her homemade Swedish rye bread was a very popular item at fundraising bake sales and church potluck dinners.

Besides her husband, Don, Maxine was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers, Arland and Charles.

May God Bless the memory of Maxine Shirley Tatting. Funeral services were held June 14, 2021, at First Lutheran Church in Hinckley with Rev. Brenda Wicklund officiating. Burial at Rosehill Cemetery in Hinckley. Arrangements by Tatting-Methven Funeral Home, Hinckley, MN.

John Fredrick Allmon Zdrazil, Minnesota funeral director, (59) died at his home in Elbow Lake, MN, on Friday, May 28, 2021, surrounded by people who loved him. John— also known as Mr. Z., Jack, Zdraz, Z, and Charlie Brown-—was born on May 23, 1962, at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN, to Jim and Linda Zdrazil, joining older brother, Tom. John Zdrazil was extraordinary. He was creative and clever, funnier than one person has the right to be, and kind beyond measure. He was tuned in to the specific beauty of wheat fields and the healing powers of Lake Superior. He loved crabby old dogs and moody teenagers and small towns and abandoned buildings. John’s life was far too short, but man, did he make the most of the time he was given.

John grew up in the backyards and libraries of Minnetonka, making friends and an indelible impression wherever he went. As a child, he captained a milk carton boat built by his engineer father during the inaugural Aquatennial Milk Carton Boat Race. He snuck into the Boy Scouts before he was old enough to join by wearing his brother’s uniform and showing up for troop meetings. He impressed his high school classmates with his stellar Blues Brothers impression, his larger-than-life personality, and his willingness to be ridiculous in the name of school spirit.

John graduated from Hopkins Eisenhower High School in 1980. He would undoubtedly send his apologies for not quite finishing the project he promised to take on for the class’s Coviddelayed 40th reunion. After high school, he attended Bethel College in Arden Hills, MN where he was a legendary figure on campus, known for his leadership, creativity, and for voluntarily being spray painted gold to serve as a living Academy Award statue. He spent his college summers working at Trout Lake Camp in Pine River, MN, where he

made friendships and memories with people who adored him. He graduated from Bethel in 1984.

In the fall of 1985, John moved to Elbow Lake where he taught English for nearly 40 years until retiring in the spring of 2021. John introduced his students to great books and taught them the utility of the semicolon. If Mr. Zdrazil was your teacher, you learned the history of rock music in Minnesota and the value of sarcasm doled out via brightly colored Flair pen corrections. You learned that your awkward teenage quirks were exactly what made you someone worth celebrating.

John embedded himself in the Elbow Lake community, creating the annual Harvest Moon live radio show, showing off his modest guitar skills at the Flekkefest talent show, helping out at the Thorson Memorial Library and overpaying his library fines. Along with his former student and dear friend, Eric Sanford, he co-founded the Extemporaneous Marching Band, battling other marching bands in various small-town parades. John served as a pulpit supply pastor for Aastad Lutheran, Rock Prairie Lutheran, and Peace Lutheran churches, among others. He worked with the Grant County Humane Society to foster dogs at the end of their lives, organized celebrations honoring the area’s veterans and spent every Memorial Day weekend planting flags on veterans’ graves across Grant County.

He created the Sunshine committee at West Central Area Schools that took care of financial and other issues for fellow school staff in their times of need. Mr. Zdrazil was frequently chosen as Most Influential Educator by WCA graduates, including by the Class of 2021.

In addition to his degree from Bethel, John earned advanced degrees from Hamline University (Liberal Studies), Moorhead State (Creative Writing), and the University of Minnesota (Mortuary Science). John took a leave from teaching to serve as a funeral director and mortician, bringing kindness and comfort to families all over Minnesota. He won

www.mnfuneral.org 23

IN MEMORIAM the inaugural Lake Region Arts Council Six-Word Novel Contest (“Kenny Rogers ruined my life--again.”) and his short story, “Winter Burial,” was selected for inclusion in American Fiction Volume 13 (2014).

In short, John was a man of boundless imagination and compassion, gifts he shared generously with the communities he cared about.

John loved Scotland, the Twins, Bob Dylan, plaid shirts, small-town tennis courts, All-Star Wrestling, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (which he saw 21 times, always in a theater, always with his dad), Prince, sharp pencils, clipboards, floor hockey, road trips with his brother, the clearance rack at Target, surfing, Lake Superior, graph paper, Trout Lake Camp,

Flair pens, MN Hockey Day, bagpipes, the State Fair, egg coffee, Stan Smith tennis shoes, geriatric dogs, and flannel sheets. He is survived by his father, actual rocket scientist James Zdrazil (Vernice); his brother, Tom; sister-in-law, Janice Zdrazil; princess niece, Hannah Zdrazil; and Daisy the barking dog. He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Zdrazil, and his beloved dogs, Betsy and Grandpa. He leaves behind a vast community of dear friends, co-workers, cousins, former students, parishioners, and veterans who will never stop missing him.

Public visitation was held at Aastad Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls, MN on June 5, 2021. Funeral services followed at 4:00 p.m. at Lawrence Presbyterian

Church, Wendell, MN. A private family burial will take place at Lake Lillian Cemetery at a later date. Funeral arrangements were made by Benson Funeral Home, St. Cloud, MN. John served both of these communities as a pulpit supply pastor. They welcomed him with their love, their support, and their stories. He was grateful to be part of their lives.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to organizations to the Grant County Humane Society, Friends of the Thorson Memorial Library, the Basilica St. Vincent de Paul Shoe Ministry at St. Mary’s Basilica in Minneapolis, and First Baptist Church in Minneapolis.

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

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

We’re Proud To Support Minnesota Funeral Homes!

TM

Plus many other local initiatives including those supported by, the MFDA Leadership Academy, the Children’s Grief Connection, and the University of MN Mortuary Science Program.

As a Minnesota based company, Kelco® is there to support you and offer a wide range of products you need to operate your funeral home.

Many of these products are produced right here in our great state!

Support your local supplier - Buy From Kelco®!

ALICIA CARR, OWNER

800-328-7720 • KelcoSupply.com • KelcoUrns.com 24 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2021

MFDA Order Form

P: 763.249.0393 Ι E: kaasen@cii4print.com Ι F: 763.249.0394

Brochures

Package Quantity Price Per Tax Per Size Ordered Package Package

Description of Item Straight Answers About the Funeral Why Pre Arrange and Pre Fund Funeral When Death Occurs Away From Home Medical Assistance Limits on Funeral Pre-Arrangements Cremation - A Choice With Many Options Value of a Funeral One Time Logo Set-Up Fee

Forms

50 50 50 50 50 50 1

$25.00 $25.00 $25.00 $25.00 $25.00 $25.00 $50.00

$1.85 $1.85 $1.85 $1.85 $1.85 $1.85 N/A

Package Quantity Price Per Tax Per Size Ordered Package Package

Description of Item Irrevocable Trust Agreements Statement of Funeral Goods and Services Written Authorization to Embalm Certification of Removal

50 50 50 50

Method of Payment qInvoice me directly qPay by credit card

$30.00 $30.00 $30.00 $25.00

Total

Total

$2.18 $2.18 $1.82 $1.82 Subtotal

Handling and Shipping (see below) Total

For your convenience, we accept Mastercard, Visa and American Express. Please indicate method of payment below.

Your credit card statement will indicate Contemporary Images as the payee. qVisa qMastercard Credit Card Number

qAmerican Express

Expiration Date Year Month

Signature______________________________________________________ Shipping and Billing Information Name: ___________________________________________________ Funeral Home: _____________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________

No PO boxes please

City: _____________________ State: ________

Zip: _____________

Phone: ___________________ Fax: ___________________________

Handling / Shipping Calculator Order Amount $0 - $50 $51 - $100 $101 - 150 $151 - 200

Shipping $20 $22 $24 $28

www.mnfuneral.org 25

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

The perfect funeral director candidate could be closer than you think.

Employer Benefits

Looking f classifieor the MFDA d ad All class ifieds ca s page? nn on

• Access highly-qualified, professional candidates.

• Generate high return on recruitment advertisement spending.

o line in th e MFDA w be found at mnfun Career C eral.care enter er websit e.com

• Easy-to-use job posting and resume search capabilities.

• Access to job board networks for broader job distribution to qualified candidates.

• Only pay for resumés of interested candidates.

• Applicant tracking and management capabilities.

• Internal messaging system automatically stores messages sent from the job seeker in the candidate’s file.

.

• User-friendly template system to resuse job postings, pre-screen filters and automatic letters and notifications.

• MFDA Members receive 50% off their listing by using coupon code MFDA50 at checkout.

http://mnfuneral.careerwebsite.com

26 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2021

POWERED BY

SPECIAL THANKS TO MFDA’S 2021 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 or refer to your MFDA Directory.

Artco Casket Company, Inc. Al Whitmer, Steve Doscher, Wally Gelecinskyj www.artcocasket.com

Funeral Directors Life John Harrington Scott Tufto www.funeraldirectorslife.com

Baines Professional Vehicles John Baines www.4hearse.com

Great Western Insurance Company Doug Stolt www.gwic.com

Brown-Wilbert, Inc. Dave Gavin, Christopher Brown, Andrew Brown, Maleia Kavitz, Jeff Bauer, Jerry Brown www.brown-wilbert.com

Johnson Williams Funeral Car Todd Anderson www.jwfuneralcars.com

Children’s Grief Connection Jessica Moujouros www.childrensgriefconnection.com Cousineau, VanBergen, McNeese and Malone Michael Sharkey www.cvmmlaw.com Dodge Company Lincoln Plain www.dodgeco.com ELCO Mutual Life & Annuity Julie and Jim Palm www.elcomutual.com Federated Insurance Ben Cox www.federatedinsurance.com

Kat’s Socks Katherine Pendergast www.katssocks.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, Eye and Tissue Donation Kelley Romanowski Melinda Van Waus www.life-source.org

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

Lions Gift of Sight (Formerly Minnesota Lions Eye Bank) Patty Stockdale www.mnlionseyebank.org

FRSR Crematory Repair Eric Braden www.frsr.us

Maguire Refining, Inc. John Maguire www.maguireref.com

MAS Communications Mary Reeves www.mascommunications.net Messenger Bob Hoaglund www.messengerstationery.com Midwest Medical Examiners Office Shane Sheets www.midwestmedicalexaminer.com The Purple Cross Plan Denis Nordlum www.purplecross.com Safe Air Today/DPS Leia Ryan www.safeairtoday.com Scene Clean Nate Berg, Jenny Berg www.scenecleanmn.com United Heritage Insurance Bob Hanson www.unitedheritage.com University of Minnesota Mortuary Science Michael LuBrant www.mortuaryscience.umn.edu Wieser Vault Matt Wieser, Todd Wieser www.wieser-doric.com

Allied membership provides ways to reach Minnesota Funeral Directors.

Annual Allied membership is just $360. For more information and to join, visit www.mnfuneral.org and click “Join MFDA” in the top menu. www.mnfuneral.org 27

NEED TO PUT MORE TIME BACK IN YOUR DAY? Contact us about Social Media Management!

Free up some time in your day with Funeral Directors Life’s Social Media Management team working for you!

Get your social media on track with consistent posts, custom content, Facebook boosts, Google Ads, and even professional videography that shares your unique story!

Get the complete package with Funeral Directors Life.

To learn more and request a free consultation, go to www.funeraldirectorslife.com/social.

FUNERAL DIRECTORS LIFE

E N D O R S E D

B Y

www.funeraldirectorslife.com | 800-692-9515

SCAN HERE! Use your phone’s camera to scan.