WINTER 2021
BULLETIN
PUBLISHED QUARTERLY FOR MINNESOTA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION MEMBERS
We Need Your Feedback
Provide Input for MFDA’s 149A Rewrite Discussions These discussions will be hosted by your District’s board representative and will be for MFDA funeral director members only. Topics of discussion during these meeting include, but are not limited to: Professional licensing and regulation Facility licensing and regulation • Regulation of the body • Other issues • •
We value our member feedback, so please join this opportunity and be part of the solution! All District discussions will take place via Zoom during the months of March and April. Further meeting information will be available on www.mnfuneral.org, on our Online Community, and and sent via email in March.
The Minnesota Department of Health, along with stakeholders including MFDA, are working to craft an update to Minnesota Statute Chapter 149A: Mortuary Science; Disposition of Dead Bodies. The last update/rewrite was in 1996/1997. MFDA believes it is important our members have their voices heard! Each MFDA District will host 149A rewrite discussions for their District members to have an open conversation and gather input for MFDA’s Legislative Committee.
Inside: How We Stayed Connected in 2020 • U of M Mortuary Science Updates
Change Service Requested Minnesota Funeral Directors Association 7046 East Fish Lake Road Maple Grove, MN 55311
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Minnesota Funeral Directors Association
In This Issue Executive Director’s Report.............................................4
MFDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President’s Message.........................................................5
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
Legislative Update............................................................6 Children’s Grief Connection Update...............................7 Staying Connected in 2020.......................................... 8-9 U of M Mortuary Science Update............................. 10-11 NFDA Update: FEMA Reimbursement.......................... 12 2021 MFDA Bulletin Advertising.................................... 12 Federated HR Question of the Month........................... 13 Funeral Directors Life and Passacre Guide.................... 14 Hennepin County Medical Examiner Update................15 MFDA Flashback.............................................................15
DISTRICT DIRECTORS Open (District 9) Tonya D. Borth (District 2) Kolden Funeral Home Le Sueur, MN tonya_04@hotmail.com Marquis Madison (District 3) Totzke Funeral Home Fulda, MN totzke@mchsi.com Lance Peterson (District 4/5) Peterson Brothers Funeral Home and Cremation Service Willmar, MN lance@petersonbrothers.com Scott Benson (District 6/7) Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel, Inc. Robbinsdale, MN sbenson@delmore.com Sara Thompson (District 8) Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services Sauk Centre, MN sthompson@pattonschad.com Open (District 9)
POLICY BOARD REPRESENTATIVE Leif Larsen
New Dr. Alan Wolfelt Book Offers Inspiration............... 16
Green-Larsen Mortuary International Falls, MN larsen_625@msn.com
Funeral Directors Week Proclamation........................... 17
PAST PRESIDENT REP
2021 MFDA Allied Members..........................................23
Ken Peterson, CFSP
Johnson-Peterson Funeral Home White Bear Lake, MN petersonkb@gmail.com
STAFF Darlyne Erickson, CAE Executive Director
In Memorium..............................................................18-21 MFDA Career Center......................................................22
Upcoming Events MFDA 149A Rewrite Discussions March & April, Via Zoom 2021 MFDA Annual Convention Dates TBA
Amy Beckham (Administrative)
MN Coroners’ & Medical Examiners’ Association, Forensic Science Virtual Seminar September 23 Details to come. http://mncmea.org/
Sue Sack (Accounting)
Watch MFDA communications and website for information.
763-416-0124 612-940-8169 (cell) info@mnfuneral.org
amy@mnfuneral.org sue@mnfuneral.org
Kathy Sheridan (Membership/Convention) kathy@mnfuneral.org
Miki Tufto (Communications/Convention) mtufto@mnfuneral.org
Tim Anderson(District 10) Anderson Funeral Home Twin Valley, MN timanderson@arvig.net David Huso (District 11) Rowe Funeral Home Grand Rapids, MN husodavid@yahoo.com
NFDA News: OSHA Guidance....................................... 16
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
Membership…It’s all about the connections! Thank you to everyone who has made the decision to renew their firm’s membership in MFDA. It certainly makes it fun to check the mailbox daily. Even when it is 18-20 below, we look forward to that short trip!! In the spirit of membership, I thought I would share with you what my experience has been, and will continue to be, in association management. It is all about membership. I have my elevator speech ready when someone asks about my chosen career of association management. My response is always “Tell me what you do for a living (lawyer, doctor, nurse, teacher, etc.) and I will bet money that there is an association working on your behalf. I trust that you are a member”. A little history (bear with me now). I was approached by a small association looking for help almost 30 years ago and that was my entry into this world.
I was then introduced to the Midwest Society of Association Executives (MSAE - an association of associations) which I immediately joined and ended up working as their Education Director. It was during this time that I met many other groups, including MFDA, whom has always been a member. Now for the acronyms!
my career because of membership and community with others in my field.
Membership in MSAE (now Associations North) included every occupation imaginable (including funeral service) and as members we learned from one another. It was because of my participation in MSAE’s Leadership Academy, that I realized that this would be a great program for MFDA. I also joined ASAE (American Society of Association of Executives) and obtained my CAE (Certified Association Executive) which I renew every 3 years, taking courses online to keep up to date. All because of becoming a member. I built
So, that is my story, and I am sticking to it. Membership in any organization/ association is valuable. However, when the association represents your livelihood, the sky is the limit when it comes to value. Thank you for continuing to support your given profession. As staff we are doing our darndest to keep that value moving upward. We are honored to work for and with you!
About the same time I started my small company I decided to join Rotary to connect with professionals in my area. Rotary has been a great addition to my personal and professional life. Paul Harris and I are friends! He sends me a pin every year!
We can accomplish so much more when we work together! It is all about connections!
C S S F C F MDAMAEASAEAEMDAMAEASAEAE
4 MFDA Bulletin • WINTER 2021
President’s Message By Kelly Kelly, MFDA Board President
Looking forward to gathering with you all, my friends, sometime soon.
I hope this note finds you all healthy. so deeply emotional in normal transmitting over FM radio or joining Dare I say the light is at the end of the circumstances but with the pandemic, families via Zoom? Not to mention, drive tunnel? For me, it is hard to believe grief has been elevated to a whole new through visitations, lining procession we have been at this “new normal” of level for the survivors. routes, or balloons with special providing service to our families for messages filling our chapels? Maybe n here is for E&M accounting records only. It may not be what appears inAs theThomas publication. Lynch wrote in his book almost year now. of I am like business me, information. some of us have dug a little deeper to ion directly to confirmathe accuracy yoursure company “The Undertaking, Life Studies from many of you are welcoming the day of find ways to connect with our families 1107 Hazeltine Blvd, Suite #350 • Chaska, MNa 55318 the Dismal Trade”, the funeral isn’t for MAS Communications getting back to REALLY providing the little bit more to fill the gap. the dead but for the surviving. Families service we all have missed so much. Mary Reeves Fax: 1-952-448-9928 / Phone: 1-800-572-00 are used to being able to process We have stepped up and rolled with
9 Minnesota Funeral Directors Association Membership Direct
Sign & Return Proof To: E&M Consult
465One Poplar St.no one could quite year ago, their grief surrounded by an army of allwithin the punches came our way.days Has Please respond 5that business imagine let alone figure out the changes support by friends and additional family. the past year been tough? 100%! Do Mankato, MN 56001 By signing company) am approving my ad as is or with that we would be forced to make and We all know and value what below, we doI (advertising as we all need vacations...probably so.changes So and I repre 507-387-6543 this advertisement content, text, we images, and/or logos deal with, or the extent of time the professionals in deathcare and we placed bear with allmany times, are pictures the forgotten onesdo not infringe copyright, trademark, rights of literary property, and intellectual property, nor do they violate the righ 507-345-3816 pandemic would encompass. This past providing the path for families through but I hope you all truly know your value. other persons. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless E&M Consulting, Inc. against any claims, j marypreeves@mascommunications.net year though, a lot of us have been visitations and meaningful services hatfrom goes to allorof my breach colleagues attorney’s fees and other expensesMy arising anyoff alleged actual of this warranty. that include gathering to tell stories, spread throughout the state. We have 1/4pushed Pageout of our comfort zones and the ada are for representational purposes only and will be brighter andso more exact in been challenged to find new ways hugging, fellowship*Colors over in lunch, huge adapted and persevered. I am always Fullhave Color shown in the ad are not exact, our printers are limited and once of reaching families that were unable part of what we stillartwork can’t and do photos right now. humbled dailyonly bybecause the service we provide, PAST to gather. Have some families felt
shortchanged because they were unable to celebrate the life of their loved one in a normal, natural way? Absolutely! As we all know, death creates an experience
be much improved.
With our dedication in our profession, we have overcome and provided ways to make this time a bit more bearable. Who would have thought even ten years ago we would be livestreaming funerals,
and I hold the utmost respect for all of you. Looking forward to gathering with you all, my friends, sometime soon. Warmest Regards, Kelly
We have stepped up and rolled with all the punches that came our way. Has the past year been tough? 100%!
www.mnfuneral.org 5
Legislative Update By Joe Sellwood, Cook Girard Associates
We are six weeks into the legislative session and there have been positives and negatives of a virtual environment. For Minnesotans who don’t live near the capitol, the new way of operating has permitted virtual testimony, allowing more input from those around the state – a change that is likely to stick around. Naturally, not being in-person is not ideal for policymaking, but legislators have been very open to Zoom meetings, texts and calls. Governor Walz has released his budget proposal, and the House and Senate work to craft their own budgets for the next two years. In addition to the budget work, legislators continue to address COVID challenges and review the State’s response to the pandemic while evaluating what’s worked and what hasn’t. For the past year, Minnesota has operated under a Peacetime Emergency. This has allowed the Governor to make policy changes to adapt to the pandemic. Over this time, Governor Walz has signed 117 Executive Orders and many of them have
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
focused on gatherings and events. These have included specific changes to capacity limits and restrictions on activities – and nearly all have had some level of impact on funeral service in Minnesota. With each iteration of change, the Association has worked diligently with the Governor’s Office and Department of Health to gain clarification and communicate specific changes and guidance to the membership. In some cases, we’ve been able to change or update the directives from the State in order to come to more workable solutions for the funeral profession. Funeral Directors have faced tremendous challenges throughout this pandemic while continuing to serve Minnesota families, facing the threat of COVID as well as complying with operating restrictions. Funeral directors were one of the very few professions to move up from Phase 1b to Phase 1a for the COVID-19 vaccine. Federal direction from the CDC included Funeral Directors in Phase 1a, however, states were permitted to make adjustments to their vaccine allocation plans. Early on we learned that Minnesota’s COVID vaccine plans had Funeral Directors in Phase 1b and we worked hard to make the case that Funeral Directors are a priority in Minnesota. Ultimately, through our work, the State’s Vaccine Allocation Advisory Group recommended Funeral Directors should be moved into Phase 1a, and the Governor’s Office made it official. Many Funeral Directors have been able to get vaccinated or schedule vaccinations for the near future. As the State continues to work through Phase 1a, all Funeral Directors should have an opportunity to get vaccinated. The State has yet to put out guidance for Phase 1b, which makes it all the more important that Funeral Directors were included in Phase 1a. We’ve worked to put out all available vaccine communication and updates to all Funeral Directors in Minnesota. Going forward, Association members have a tremendous opportunity to provide input on changes to 149a. Throughout 2021, MFDA’s Legislative Committee is working on a package of reforms for 149a to update the statute and address challenges to the profession. All input is welcome and it is important to make your voice heard on these important issues. As we continue through 2021, operating restrictions will likely continue to fluctuate and new pandemic issues will surface. From discussions at the legislature, to operating restrictions and vaccine allocation, we will continue to be a strong voice for Funeral Directors at the State.
www.cvmmlaw.com
6 MFDA Bulletin • WINTER 2021
Children’s Grief Connection Announces New Board Officers and Members By Alex Treitler, Executive Director, Children’s Grief Connection Children’s Grief Connection is delighted to announce the appointment of Roger Matza, CHEP USA, as new President of the Board of Directors; Alicia Carr, Kelco Supply Co, as Vice President; Maria Cervantes, Funeral Directors Life Insurance Company, as Treasurer; and Carly Gaytan-Kiser, Schuller Family Funeral Homes.as Secretary. Children’s Grief Connection also welcomes the following new officers to the Board of Directors: Molly Cook,Hennepin County Human Services, Casey Gores, Casey Gores Realty, Joseph Morcomb, Totino Grace High School and board officer for the Minnesota School Counselors
Association, Michelle Schuleman, Ready Credit Corporation, and Ean Sinn, Ballhorn Chapels. “I am thrilled to be able to bring such a talented and committed group of professionals onto our board,” shared Alex Treitler, CGC Executive Director. “These individuals bring a wealth of experience and expertise in their fields and offer niche competencies in the areas of business development, communications and marketing. The energy that they have already shown will make a huge difference as we further our mission of connecting grieving families with hope.”
Children’s Grief Connection (CGC) is a non-profit based in Saint Paul, MN serving families devastated by the death of a loved one. Through the CGC Hearts of Hope Family Grief Camps and associated programs, families make deep and lasting connections that bring healing and hope. Learn more and register at childrensgriefconnection.com.
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Staying Connected How MFDA was there for all of Minnesota funeral service in 2020 and will continue to be in 2021. We provided urgent COVID-19 information for Minnesota funeral service through: Communications
Legislative
Online Community
As a show of solidarity with funeral directors across Minnesota and to promote what is best for funeral service and the families we serve, MFDA shared urgent and important communications with all funeral service practitioners in Minnesota. We provided up-to-date information regarding all of Governor Walz’s Executive Orders affecting funeral service.
Funeral directors faced truly unprecedented challenges in 2020 and through the everchanging regulatory landscape, MFDA’s Lobbyist Joe Sellwood of Cook Girard Associates was there to demand greater clarity and guidance from the Department of Health. In situations where new regulations were untenable, Cook Girard Associates quickly worked with MDH and the Governor’s Office to find solutions for funeral directors and the families they serve.
At the beginning of the pandemic, MFDA quickly launched our new Online Community, knowing the importance of having a quick way to communicate with funeral directors, as well as provide a forum for funeral directors to ask questions of their community. During March and April, we allowed all funeral directors, whether members of MFDA or not, to participate in the Online Community, knowing the importance of having this forum for all of Minnesota funeral service.
Meeting Involvement
MFDA provided, and will continue to provide in 2021, a sense of community through the pandemic. We are in this together!
Legal Our MFDA General Counsel Michael Sharkey provided legal interpretation of Executive Orders from the Governor’s office.
Grassroots Movement Ability to unite members to send a consistent message and direction needed to contact Minnesota legislators to change the Executive Orders, in a very timely manner.
Our MFDA staff and board members participated in frequent meetings with the Minnesota Fatality Management Team and Minnesota Department of Health Mortuary Science staff to communicate questions/issues as needed.
We hope you feel MFDA is here for you and Minnesota funeral service. We look forward to your investment in the future of funeral service by renewing your 2021 MFDA membership with the enclosed application or online at www.mnfuneral.org. If you have any questions regarding membership, please contact MFDA at 763-416-0124 or email kathy@mnfuneral.org.
Darlyne Erickson, CAE MFDA Executive Director
8 MFDA Bulletin • WINTER 2021
Kelly Kelly MFDA Board President
Staying Connected Other MFDA Accomplishments in 2020 Legal Counsel for Members
MFDA’s Online Community
Workforce Development
This year MFDA retained Michael D. Sharkey, Licensed Funeral Director and Attorney with Cousineau, Van Bergen, McNee and Malone, as its General Counsel. Mr. Sharkey serves as a resource to the association as well as our members. Those firms who need mortuary law specific legal guidance, (often on short or even emergency notice) can spend up to 30 minutes getting answers they need.
MFDA’s new Online Community is a place for member funeral directors to connect with peers, ask questions, find resources, participate in conversations, and hear the latest news from MFDA! All funeral director staff will have access as MFDA members.
Continue to address workforce challenges through ongoing discussions with advisory committees. In 2020, MFDA virtually attended the Minnesota School Counselors Conference to promote mortuary science as a career option for students.
Lobbyist Representation
MFDA’s Career Center
We continued representation through our professional lobbyists, Cook Girard Associates. MFDA’s Lobbyist Joe Sellwood has built relationships with many new legislators, furthered existing relationships, and policymakers are eager to assist MFDA with our needs at the capitol. With changing workforce and regulatory trends, it is critical to maintain communication with those who craft policy, and MFDA has a daily presence at the capitol. While navigating changes brought forth by the pandemic, MFDA continues to gather input from members for a comprehensive package of reforms to 149A.
MFDA’s Career Center provides options for both employers and job seekers to use with a 50% discount for MFDA members. Monthly emails and social media posts promote job postings.
MDH Mortuary Science We continued to provide a direct voice to the Minnesota Department of Health Mortuary Science Section through regular meetings with MDH and MFDA staff.
Virtual CEU Opportunities MFDA switched their typically in-person CEU opportunities to virtual! Our Preneed Insurance Course, District Meetings, and OSHA Training were offered online to continue to provide CEU opportunities for our members and non-members.
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
Partnerships Continued partnerships with our endorsed preneed insurance provider Funeral Directors Life, endorsed commercial insurance provider Federated Insurance, and support of the Children’s Grief Connection.
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
www.mnfuneral.org 9
U of M Mortuary Science Update By Michael LuBrant, Program Director
Dear Colleagues, Greetings from the Program of Mortuary Science at the University of Minnesota! As I write the lines, it’s a “balmy” -15 outside. I suspect that most of you, like me, are looking forward to spring and the return to warmer temperatures. In the meantime, I am enjoying the beauty of the winter landscape and brisk walks outdoors (most days, but not today!). We have had a number of happenings here in the Program that I want to share updates with you about: Virtual Student-Practitioner Networking Events: During the month of February we have 24 firms that signed up to participate in 20-minute student “Meet & Greet” sessions we are hosting online via Zoom. The meetings have been scheduled for alternating Fridays and Saturdays, and invitation information was e-mailed out last month to over 1,000 practitioners, program supporters, and Minnesota licensees. During these meetings, funeral directors are discussing with students their businesses and the communities they serve. In turn, students have been asking questions about the funeral homes and also potential work opportunities following graduation. The flow is relaxed and informal, but it does keep moving: We schedule six 20-minute sessions back-to-back, over a period of two hours. So far, the feedback I have received from both funeral directors and students has been positive. In contrast to the “speed interviews” we have hosted in recent years, these events provide more time
to talk and get to know one another (i.e., 20 minutes per firm, as compared to five minutes with “speed” interviews). Likewise, students sign up in advance to attend, so the sessions are more intimate with students participating in those sessions that are of the greatest interest to them. Additionally, all sessions are recorded so that students who might not be able to attend on a particular day can watch online at a later time. Please be sure to contact our office if you would like to receive more information and / or participate in future events. In-Person Instruction: Whereas our lecture classes continue to be delivered online remotely (via Zoom, as a result of COVID), we are teaching our lab courses on campus, and clinical rotations continue to be offered at funeral homes. As was the case last semester, Mike Mathews, Doug Meslow, Carrie McGhee and I are teaching lecture classes via Zoom. On-campus classes include embalming, restorative art, and human anatomy labs. Currently 15 students are working in the field at rotation sites, and about half our students are on campus for lab courses at least one day a week. With respect to our on-campus lab work, this semester Carrie McGhee and Trista Kosiba are co-teaching our embalming labs; Louise Wojchik is teaching our human anatomy lab; and myself, Louise Wojchik and Chelsea Smolenski are team-teaching restorative art labs. We are now planning for May Term and Summer Session clinical rotations, which will enroll about 22 students over the late spring and early summer months. Student
placements are pending, and will occur both in the Twin-Cities Metro area, and throughout the state. Curiously, I am often asked if students get clinical experience at out-state funeral homes. And the answer is a definite YES! In fact, about two-thirds of our students are placed on rotation at firms outside the Metro area. Indeed, we have students on rotation all across Minnesota. One of the things I enjoy most about my work is making the mandatory site inspection visits which must occur prior to placement, per accreditation Standards. Those of you who know me know that I drive a 2001 Buick LeSabre with 378,000 miles on it (yes, it has that incredible, indestructible 3.8L engine) – most of which were logged doing clinical placements, preceptor trainings, and inspections. It’s great to connect with Program alumni and supporters, and I enjoy providing feedback to directors that can be of help as they prepare for state inspections. (Helpful Hint/suggestion: Check your drench showers and eye wash stations regularly. These two pieces of equipment are the ones I find have the greatest likelihood of malfunctioning when I do my inspections.) Enrollments: At the present time, we have more than 60 students enrolled in the Program, with seven new students matriculating this past spring semester. We anticipate graduating 25 students this coming May. Unfortunately, with COVID-related restrictions still in place, it is unlikely we will be able to host an on-campus commencement ceremony at
During these meetings, funeral directors are discussing with students their businesses and the communities they serve. In turn, students have been asking questions about the funeral homes and also potential work opportunities following graduation. 10 MFDA Bulletin • WINTER 2021
Coffman Memorial Union. Rest assured we will, however, host an on-campus ceremony as soon as it is once again safe to do so. In the meantime, we will hold a virtual gift-opening ceremony for our 2021 graduates via Zoom in May, similar to what we did for our graduates last year. It was a very meaningful time for us all to be together, and last year’s graduates said they appreciated being able to gather with one another and wish each other well as they prepared to go their separate ways.
Continuing Education: The Program will again offer virtual continuing education events online, via Zoom, starting later this spring. These events will include presentations and updates from the Minnesota Department of Health, Mortuary Science Section; preceptor training and information about working with students on clinical rotations; and other topics of general interest. Please keep an eye out in your email for more information to be coming soon.
As always, I invite your questions and comments. We hope to be able to see you later this summer as soon as it is safe to travel once again to conventions and other events. In the meantime, be well and know that we very much appreciate all you do to support our program, our profession, and the families we are called to serve during these challenging times. Sincerely, Michael LuBrant, Program Director
We very much appreciate all you do to support our program, our profession, and the families we are called to serve during these challenging times.
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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.
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NFDA Update: FEMA Funeral Reimbursement for COVID-related Deaths There has been quite a lot of media attention and speculation in the last few weeks about the FEMA reimbursement for funeral expenses for deaths due to COVID-19. Please note: much of what is being reported is conjecture and FEMA has not yet issued a policy outlining how and to whom funds will be made available. Since March 2020, NFDA has been working on funeral assistance for families that experience the death of a loved one due to COVID, and has been directly involved with the officials at FEMA who are now responsible for developing policies governing the implementation and disbursement of this funding. The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2020 (a COVID relief package), which became law on December 27, 2020, included $2 billion FEMA assistance
for funeral expenses for deaths due to COVID between January 20 and December 31, 2020; it does not include deaths due to COVID that occurred in 2021. After this bill became law, it became FEMA’s responsibility to determine how to implement it (e.g., determine who is eligible, what funeral-related expenses are eligible, how much is available to each family, how families can apply, etc.). According to FEMA, information being reported in the media about the reimbursement amount, who may qualify for reimbursement, the eligible expenses and an application process is speculation and should not be considered final FEMA policy. Again, NFDA will continue to work closely with officials at FEMA as they develop
policies for this funding. As soon as FEMA releases its final policy with all of the details, we will share it with you so you can pass the information along to families that may be eligible to apply. In the meantime, for families that experience the death of a loved one due to COVID, NFDA has information about paying for a funeral and financial assistance on Remembering A Life, our consumer education website.
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. FALL 2020
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I started my time in funeral service in 1996 in a small town in Central Ohio. Interestingly, I worked for a firm that had the upmost respect for their competitor. I was told under no circumstances do we drive the hearse by the competitor’s funeral home on service day. If it meant we drove 5 blocks out of the way, that is what we did as to not rub in their face that we had a funeral and they didn’t. Mr. Price had and taught integrity. Over the years, I have seen that slowly change due to changing times. But, what I have witnessed in the past several months (due to Covid) is the fact that funeral homes and funeral directors have had to band together, share ideas and share resources. It personally gave me a renewed appreciation. Although we may
function day to day a little different than fellow firms, the truth is at the end of the day we all have the same common goal, happy families. Funeral service, one of the oldest professions, rooted in strong tradition
Inside: Grief Camp During the Time of Corona
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PUBLISHED QUARTERLY FOR MINNESOTA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION MEMBERS
MFDA Welcomes 2020-2021 President Kelly J. Kelly Below is our MFDA President Kelly J. Kelly’s speech from her installation on June 29, 2020 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home in Rochester. Visit MFDA’s Facebook page or MFDA’s Online Community to watch our MFDA Officer Installation video.
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has been anything but easy the past few months for all of us. I, like many don’t adapt easily to change. Most of us have had to step out of our comfort zones, be forward thinking and innovative in these challenging times for families that are already facing a difficult time, to bring them some sort of normalcy. We have had to rely on creative thinking to accommodate the tradition of the family’s needs while honoring the deceased. Listening to how funeral homes have overcome these challenges with drive through visitations, broadcasting services through AM/FM transmitters, live streaming funerals, messages on balloons placed in their chapel are just a few of the ways that funeral homes have met this challenge head on. We often get stuck in our ways, ways that have worked for us for decades. Thank you to all of those that shared what you were doing to help others navigate through these unprecedented times. Continued on page 6…
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Change Service Requested Minnesota Funeral Directors Association 7046 East Fish Lake Road Maple Grove, MN 55311
MFDA Bulletin
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12 MFDA Bulletin • WINTER 2021
Rates listed are 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
Q: Which Applies – FFCRA or Expanded Family and Medical Leave?
Can we provide emergency paid sick leave under the FFCRA but not the expanded family and medical leave?
A:
The federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which did entitle employees to paid sick leave if they were unable to work or telework for certain, specific COVID-19-related reasons, expired at the end of 2020 and Congress did not take measures to extend it. This means that the law is no longer in effect and that as of January 1, 2021, employers once covered by the Act (i.e., those with fewer than 500 employees) are no longer required to provide the FFCRA’s paid time off benefits to employees who might otherwise have qualified for them in 2020 (but any employees eligible for these benefits through 12/31/2020 should have been paid in accordance with the law through that date). That said, the Consolidated Appropriations Act that was passed into law in late 2020 did include a provision for employers to continue to provide FFCRA benefits if they so chose, and to be eligible through March 31, 2021 for the same type of payroll tax credit as applied when the Act was in effect if they did so (but only for those employees who did not otherwise exhaust FFCRA benefits in 2020). If a company wishes to voluntarily continue to offer FFCRA benefits to employees in 2021 (again,
this is not required by law), as noted, it can do so. The employer would do well to establish a clear written policy to this effect to ensure employees are aware of their entitlement(s), if any. As a best practice, if an employer decides to voluntarily continue to provide the emergency paid sick leave (EPSL) portion of the FFCRA (up to two weeks or 80 hours, whichever is less), the employer should do so for all five qualifying leave reasons under the FFCRA, including caring for a child whose school or place of care was closed (or whose caregiver is unavailable) due to COVID-19, so as to avoid any risk of discrimination concerns. If, however, an employee seeks additional time off beyond two weeks, thus implicating the ten additional weeks previously afforded as expanded family and medical leave (EFMLA) under the FFCRA, we are not aware of any specific prohibition on declining EFMLA while granting EPSL. Indeed, EFMLA may require the employer to provide more time off than it would under EPSL, and this may result in a larger impact on its operations. Note that if the employer decides to voluntarily grant EFMLA for one employee, it should do so for all such employees. Also, note that depending on the facts, the employer will still want to provide
time off or otherwise exclude an employee who is confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19 or who has been exposed to COVID-19 for workplace health and safety purposes (whether paid or unpaid), regardless of FFCRA availability. We recommend consultation with a tax professional if the employer will provide FFCRA benefits this year to ensure the employer can secure the tax credits that remain available through the end of the first quarter. For additional information, including a link to IRS guidance, please see question 104 under Families First Coronavirus Act: Questions and Answers. 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.
We recommend consultation with a tax professional if the employer will provide FFCRA benefits this year to ensure the employer can secure the tax credits that remain available through the end of the first quarter. www.mnfuneral.org 13
Funeral Directors Life and Passare Announce the Arrangement Guide™ Funeral Directors Life Insurance Company is pleased to announce a revolutionary preneed eCommerce tool, Arrangement Guide, in partnership with Passare. Arrangement Guide is an online planning and funding tool where a family can fully plan ahead and pay online for funeral or memorial prearrangements, from start to finish. Offering a blended, digital-meetspersonal experience, Arrangement Guide drives the value of a funeral while also providing preneed leads to the funeral homes that use it. “Many of our funeral home customers are competing with online, low cost cremation providers that market aggressively in their communities,” said Kris Seale, President & CEO of Funeral Directors Life. “Arrangement Guide is the solution. It isn’t just another online preneed planning form - it’s an online planning AND funding tool. Our funeral home customers can use this tool to reach families who would otherwise turn to competitors for an online planning option.”
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The Arrangement Guide is one of the very few online preplanning tools that allows users to pay for a funeral online and in advance, locking in business for the funeral home. Plus, if someone starts to plan but doesn’t finish the contract, a sales agent with the funeral home can follow up with the user by scheduling a meeting or reaching out about their interest in planning ahead. “We wanted this to be a lead generating tool as well as a functional technology platform,” said Josh McQueen, Vice President of Product at Passare. “Passare has collaborated with Funeral Directors Life to make Arrangement Guide a strong online platform that opens our funeral homes up to an entirely new demographic – one that wants to connect with funeral homes digitally.” Funeral homes can add the Arrangement Guide link to their websites and pair it with a digital marketing strategy
provided through Funeral Directors Life to get the word out about this new tool. Arrangement Guide integrates with Funeral Directors Life’s digital sales software, DIGicon®, and all finalized prearrangements appear within Passare. Pricing is up front with a one-time activation fee to set up the funeral homes’ packages, images, and merchandise descriptions. Once setup is complete, no ongoing subscription fee is required. “Our bottom line has always been to help our customers serve their families and meet them wherever they are,” Seale added. “With Arrangement Guide, it has never been easier for families to plan ahead, which will in turn increase preneed profitability for funeral homes.” For more information about the Arrangement Guide™, please visit www.funeraldirectorslife.com/ arrangement-guide/
Update from Hennepin County Medical Examiner Dear Funeral Directors, Each New Year is marked by change. Changes in scenery. Resolutions to change. Calls for change. With the close of 2020 none of these statements could be more true. We have found ways to protect ourselves, and problem solve in a remote work environment. Together we have provided unwavering service to our communities through this pandemic, and the record increases in the number of deaths. Thank you for your dedication to the families we serve. Each year, the Hennepin County Board reviews and approves the Medical Examiner fee schedule. It has been several years since the Medical Examiner has increased fees for service-related expenses, despite increases in operating expenses.
Effective January 1, 2021 the Hennepin County Medical Examiner will be increasing the following fees for funeral homes: 1. Body bags will increase to $35.00 These changes will affect all deaths occurring in Hennepin, Dakota and Scott Counties in which the medical examiner’s office takes custody of the body. No action is required by the funeral home. Your 2021 billing statements will automatically reflect the changes. If you have any questions regarding your billing statement, please contact the department at 612-215-6300. Respectfully, Shawn J. Wilson, Operations Manager Hennepin County Medical Examiner
MFDA FLASHBACK 1935 MFDA Convention Members: do you have historical photos of past Conventions or events? Send them our way and we may include them in a future issue of MFDA Bulletin.
www.mnfuneral.org 15
NFDA News: New OSHA Guidance on COVID-19 On January 29, 2021, OSHA released a new guidance document, “Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace.” This guidance is intended to inform employers and workers in most workplace settings outside of healthcare to help them identify risks of being exposed to and/or contracting COVID-19 at work and to help them determine appropriate control measures to implement.
The guidance provides additional detail on key measures for limiting the spread of COVID-19, starting with separating and sending home infected or potentially infected people from the workplace, implementing physical distancing, installing barriers where physical distancing cannot be maintained, and suppressing the spread by using face coverings. It also provides guidance on use of PPE, when necessary, improving ventilation, providing supplies for good hygiene, and routine cleaning and disinfection.
This guidance contains recommendations as well as descriptions of mandatory safety and health standards. The recommendations are advisory in nature, informational in content, and are intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace.
You can read the guidance document at https://www.osha.gov/coronavirus/safework You can find other pandemic-related OSHA guidance and information on the “OSHA Guidance” page in our COVID-19 Information Hub, www.nfda.org/covid19.
New Book by Dr. Alan Wolfelt Offers Daily Healing Inspiration Companion Press announces the publications of a new book by renowned grief educator Dr. Alan Wolfelt. Entitled 365 Days of Understanding Your Grief: Daily Readings for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart, it became available through Companion Press Jan. 15, 2021. Those who grieve will find comfort and understanding in this daily companion. The one-page-aday readings will help readers feel supported and courage to mourn well so they can go on to live well and love well. As readers engage with the daily doses of guidance, they will discover reflections that invite them to relight their divine spark. Written as a companion to Dr. Wolfelt’s best-selling book, Understanding Your Grief, readers can experience the books
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in concert or as a standalone title. Also, in the popular Understanding Your Grief series is the Understanding Your Grief Journal and the Understanding Your Grief Support Group Guide. Author, educator, and grief counselor Dr. Alan Wolfelt serves as Director of the Center for Loss and Life Transition in Fort Collins, Colorado. The author of Grief One Day at a Time, First Aid for Broken Hearts, Companioning the Bereaved, and many other books for grief caregivers and mourners. 365 Days of Understanding Your Grief is available in softcover and ebook formats. To order and to learn more about Dr. Wolfelt’s books on grief and loss, visit www.centerforloss.com or call (970) 226-6050. About the author: Dr. Alan Wolfelt, has been recognized as one of North America’s leading death educators, authors and grief counselors. His compassionate messages about healing in grief—based on his own personal losses as well has his professional experience supporting children, teens, adults, and families over the last three decades—speak not only to the intellect but to the hearts of all who hear him. Perhaps best known for his model of “companioning” versus “treating” mourners, Dr. Wolfelt is committed to helping people mourn well so they can live well and love well.
WHEREAS:
WHEREAS:
The death of a loved one is an incredibly difficult expe
The death of a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience; and WHEREAS:
In these intensely emotional, stressful, and challenging COVID-19 In these intensely emotional, stressful, and challenging times of loss, especially throughout the pandemic, funeral directors help families an
WHEREAS:
COVID-19 pandemic, funeral directors help families and friends say goodbye; and WHEREAS:
WHEREAS:
There are more than 1,000 licensed funeral directors se
There are more than 1,000 licensed funeral directors serving families across Minnesota; and WHEREAS: Funeral directors step forward to help bring relief to g friends and with compassion, caring, and understanding w Funeral directors step forward to help bring relief to grieving Minnesotans, treating families necessary friends with compassion, caring, and understanding while demonstrating the professionalism to honor a loved one's last wishes; and
WHEREAS:
necessary to honor a loved one's last wishes; and
WHEREAS:
WHEREAS:
Minnesota acknowledges the service of our state's fun
Minnesota acknowledges the service of our state's funeral directors.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proc
NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim the week of March 7-13, 2021, as:
F UNERAL DIRECTOR FUNERAL DIRECTORS WEEK WHEREAS:
in the State of Minnesota. WHEREAS:
WHEREAS: WHEREAS: WHEREAS:
The death of a loved one is an incrediblyin difficult experience; and the State of Minnesota.
In these intensely emotional, stressful, and challenging times of loss, especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, funeral directors WHEREOF, help families Iand friends say goodbye; and IN WITNESS have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Minnesota to be There are more than 1,000 licensed funeral serving families across Minnesota; and affixed at the Statedirectors Capitol this 8th day of March.
IN WITNESS and caused the affixed at the S
Funeral directors step forward to help bring relief to grieving Minnesotans, treating families and friends with compassion, caring, and understanding while demonstrating the professionalism necessary to honor a loved one's last wishes; and
GOVERNOR Minnesota acknowledges the service of our state's funeral directors.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim the week of March 7-13, 2021, as:
FUNERAL DIRECTORS WEEK in the State of Minnesota. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Minnesota to be affixed at the State Capitol this 8th day of March.
GOVERNOR
______________________________ SECRETARY OF STATE
______________________________ SECRETARY OF STATE Filed on March 8, 2021 Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State, Steve Simon www.mnfuneral.org 17
IN MEMORIAM David E. Boldt, MN funeral director and father of MN Funeral Director Scott Boldt, age 87, of Faribault, died Friday, October 23, 2020 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, due to complications of COVID-19. In consideration of family health risks, a private funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Faribault with the Reverend Paul Rieger officiating. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. The service may be viewed on the Boldt Funeral Home website on Tuesday, October 27, 2020. David Edgar, the son of Edgar W. and Clara E. (Bremer) Boldt, was born on April 8, 1933 in Faribault. David graduated from Faribault High School in 1951. After graduation, he served his country in the United States Army. David married JoAnn B. Miller on April 24, 1955 in Faribault. He graduated from the University of Minnesota Mortuary Science Program and maintained his license for 67 years. David owned and operated Boldt Funeral Home in Faribault, working with his father and eventually his son, Scott, before his retirement in 1995. Survivors include his wife, JoAnn; daughter, Barbara (and Michael) Marko; sons, Mark (and Anne) Boldt and Scott (and Kari) Boldt; six grandchildren; five great grandchildren; sister, Nancy Schuenke; and other relatives and friends. David was preceded in death by his parents. Visit boldtfuneralhome.com for information and guestbook. David Anthony “Tony” Karsnia, Minnesota funeral director and son of MFDA Past President David Karsnia, age 49 of East Bethel, passed away on Monday, November 2, 2020 at home. Tony was born on September 12, 1971 in Detroit Lakes, MN to David and Sandra (Johnson) Karsnia. In 1975 they moved to Sauk Centre and returned to Detroit Lakes in 1982. Tony graduated 18 MFDA Bulletin • WINTER 2021
from Detroit Lakes High School in 1989. While in high school, he served as President of the local DECA chapter. He graduated from Detroit Lakes Technical College in 1990 with a certificate in Professional Sales. Desiring to further his education, Tony attended Fergus Falls Community College and Anoka-Ramsey Community College, majoring in Business Administration. He worked for United Coach and Johnson-Williams Funeral Car Service in Minneapolis for several years before becoming the business manager of Spielman Mortuary in St Paul. In 2013, Tony decided to return to college, earning his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Mortuary Science from the University of Minnesota. Since then, he has been employed as a licensed mortician with Thurston-LindbergDeShaw Funeral Homes of Anoka and Andover. On June 11, 2005, Tony married the love of his life, Kimberly Kuhlman, in Circle Pines, MN. Tony and Kim are active members of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Oak Grove, where Tony has served as a lector, usher, chairman of the greeter ministry, chairman of finance for CountryFest, director of the Miscarried Baby service, and member of the cemetery committee. Growing up around small town funeral and ambulance service, Tony developed a special interest in professional cars and a passion for funeral service, at a very young age. While he took his first death call at the age of four and helped answer the funeral home phones over the years while growing up, he officially began working at the funeral home at age 14. Tony always felt a sense of pride and fulfillment putting on a tie and being there for others in need. He was at his best when doing things for others. He enjoyed helping people in any way he could, and often tried to create situations that made people feel welcome and happy. Tony joined The Professional Car Society in 1986 at the age of 14. He founded the Northland Chapter while he was a senior in high school and was subsequently involved in the formation of two additional chapters. He was instrumental in hosting three international meets and countless regional meets. Tony served
as President of the Society from 2014 to 2020. He was the first President in the Society’s 40 year history to be elected to three consecutive terms. Tony began collecting cars at age 14 and owned more than 25. He was especially proud to have been personally selected as the third caretaker of the very last Cadillac ambulance built, a 1979 Superior Cadillac, which is a historically significant vehicle that remains in the Karsnia Collection to this day. Tony was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Frank and Kathryn Karsnia, maternal grandparents, Waldo and Leone Johnson, and uncles, Michael and Timothy Karsnia. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 15 years, Kim; children, Mack and Alexis; parents, David (Maureen) Karsnia and Dr. Sandra (Edward) Pomeraning; mother and father-in-law, Kathie Kuhlman and Gary Kuhlman; brother- and sister-in-law Brian (Leah) Kuhlman; nieces Kirstin and Sonja Peters; professional partner and dear friend, Rachel Paulson; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, and friends. A Visitation was held Friday, November 6 at Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home, Andover. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Oak Grove with a private burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred. Please give to Kim or directly to local causes involving homeless teens and suicide prevention. Arrangements entrusted to ThurstonLindberg Funeral Home of Anoka (763) 421-0220. http://www.thurston-lindberg. com/obituary/david-karsnia. JoAnn E. Shelley, Minnesota funeral director, wife of MFDA Past President Dale Shelley, mother of MFDA Past President Steve Shelley, 91-yearold resident of Little Falls, MN passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls, MN. A funeral service was held Thursday, November 19, 2020 at Grace Covenant
Church in Little Falls, MN. Burial at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls, MN. A visitation was held at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN and at Grace Covenant Church in Little Falls, MN. MDH guidelines requiring masks and social distancing will be followed. Funeral arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN. JoAnn was born on September 6, 1929 in Minneapolis, MN to the late John and Agnes (Swan) Brustad. She attended school in Minneapolis and graduated from Roosevelt High School with the Class of 1947. JoAnn was united in marriage to Dale A. Shelley on June 5, 1948 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. She attended the University of Minnesota and graduated in 1957 as a licensed funeral director. In 1958, Dale and JoAnn purchased the Leo M. Thompson Funeral Home in Little Falls, MN. JoAnn worked alongside her husband Dale for 30 years until 1988 when they sold the funeral home to their son Steve. The couple enjoyed wintering at Daytona Beach, Florida for 47 consecutive years. Usually her brothers and most of her sisters were in Florida at the same time. One of the most memorable trips was spending three weeks in Norway getting to meet relatives. They also enjoyed spending the summer months at their cabin on Gull Lake near Nisswa, MN. She was an active member of Grace Covenant Church in Little Falls as well as the Gideon’s and the Royalton Bible Study. JoAnn loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. JoAnn is survived by children, Susan (Nick) Brown of Wayzata, MN, Steve (Gwyn) Shelley of Little Falls, MN and Scott (Julie) Shelley of Cambridge, MN; sister, Charlotte Bonstrom of Eagan, MN; sister-in-law, Jean Brustad of Burnsville, MN; grandchildren, Stephanie (Steve) Lindell, Sarah (Justin) Clark, Eric Shelley, Emily (Kyle) Johnson, Leah (Brett) Anderson and Mark Shelley and great-grandchildren, Wyatt Lindell, Liam Lindell, Ruby Clark, Eliud Anderson and Nick Anderson.
JoAnn was preceded in death by parents, John and Agnes Brustad; husband, Dale A. Shelley; brothers, Harold and Lloyd; and sisters, Margaret, Olive, Helen, Dorothy, and Lillian. James E. Abbott, Minnesota funeral director, 67 years of Wabasha, passed away on Thursday, November 19, 2020, at his home surrounded by his family. James Egan “Jim” was born May 15, 1953, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to James D. and Anne (Flahavan) Abbott. Jim lived in Saint Paul until the age of seven when the family of nine moved to Wabasha, Minnesota. Jim graduated from Wabasha High School in 1971 and from the College of Saint Thomas in 1975 receiving a bachelor of arts degree in business administration. He later attended the University of Minnesota receiving a bachelor of science degree in mortuary science in 1978. Jim worked at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary in Austin, Minnesota and Adams Funeral Home in Adams from 1978 until 1989. In 1989, Jim purchased Abbott Funeral Home and Abbott Furniture from his father and moved to Wabasha. Jim sold the Furniture Store and then Abbott Funeral Home in 2018 and continued to work on a part-time basis with the new owner, Doug Penning, until June 2020. Jim was an active and beloved member of the Wabasha community. He served on the Saint Felix Parish Council and ushered Saint Felix Mass on a weekly basis. Jim was a board member at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center and active in civic affairs. He served as President and later as charter member of the Wabasha Economic Development Authority, and as a member of the City Street Commission and Long Range Planning Committee. Jim was a board member of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation and served on the First State Bank Board of Wabasha. He is a former president, member and Paul Harris Fellow of the Wabasha Rotary Club and was a member of the Kellogg Lions Club. He volunteered
in the restoration of the Coffee Mill Golf Course. Away from work and community affairs, Jim enjoyed golfing, listening to music and attending concerts, and watching Minnesota sports teams. He was a member and the original commissioner of a long-standing Wabasha fantasy football league. Jim and his family wish to express their profound gratitude for the support provided since Jim was diagnosed with brain cancer, in June 2020. Jim is survived by his wife Claire; three children: Riley (Allison Forbes) Abbott, Washington, DC; Hallie (Daniel) Patterson, Lake City, MN; and Jillian Abbott, Rochester, MN; three grandchildren: Henry, Ivy, and Magnus; siblings: Joe and Rita Abbott, Wabasha, MN; Bob and Kathy Abbott, Baton Rouge, LA; Cia and Jack Bullemer, St. Paul, MN; Matt and Mary Abbott, St. Paul, MN; Kass Abbott Bailey, Wabasha, MN; and Tom and Elizabeth Abbott, Petersburg, AK. A private family funeral Mass was at Saint Felix Catholic Church, Wabasha, MN with Reverend Father Glenn Frerichs officiating and attended by Deacon John Hust. Interment at Saint Felix Cemetery, Wabasha, MN. Casket bearers will be Jim’s sisters and brothers. There was a public viewing Tuesday, November 24 at the Abbott Funeral Home, Wabasha. Protective face masks are required to enter the funeral home and visitors are asked to maintain six feet of physical distance from one another. The family will not be present at the viewing. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to: Saint Elizabeth’s Community Development Foundation, 1200 Grant Blvd W, Wabasha, MN 55981 or Wabasha Public Library, 168 Alleghany Ave., Wabasha, MN 55981. Services entrusted to Abbott Funeral Home & Crematory, Wabasha, MN. Words of sympathy or remembrance may be left at www.abbottfh.com.
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IN MEMORIAM Harvey Hunt Hustad, MFDA past president, born on Sept. 9, 1932 and died Dec. 26, 2020 in Edina. His parents, Bert and Ida Hustad, had the same birthdate of Sept. 9. He was raised on a farm near Echo, MN until 1936 when the family sold the farm and moved to Redwood Falls, MN. Graduated from Redwood Falls High School in 1950, attended St. Cloud State College until 1952 when he entered active duty with the US Naval Security Group, specializing in communications intelligence. He served on Adak in the Aleutian Islands and then Bremerhaven, Germany, where in 1955, he married Barbara Jaehning, whom he had known since Kindergarten in Redwood Falls. After his release from active duty in 1956, he returned to the U of M and graduated in 1958 with a degree in Mortuary Science. He was an officer and manager at Werness Brothers Funeral Chapels until 1979 when he joined the firm of Washburn-McReavy as an officer and manager until his retirement. He was a Past President of the Greater Mpls Funeral Directors Assn. and the Minnesota Funeral Directors Assn. He received the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the U of M Dept. of Mortuary Science in 1986. A resident of Edina since 1964, he was also a member of Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church for over 59 years, where he served on the Board of Life and Growth. He was a member of the Norwegian Luncheon Club “Torske Klubben” since 1974. He also served as Chaplain for the former Edina American Legion Post. He was a member of the GRAFIL Club and Mpls Rotary Club #9, along with being a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. Family includes: Wife of over 65 years, Barbara; daughter, Cheryl, of Eden Prairie; son, Scott (Brenda) and
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granddaughter Vivian, of St. Louis Park; son, John (Carol) and granddaughters Lydia and Sylvie, of Stillwater. Memorials preferred to Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, Allina Hospice, and the University of Minnesota Torske Klubben Fund. A private family service will be held. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 Elmer H. Frank, 85 of Lidgerwood, ND passed away Monday, January 11, 2021 at his home in Lidgerwood. Visitation was Friday, January 15, 2021 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Lidgerwood. Visitation was January 16 followed by the funeral service at Holy Cross. Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, Lidgerwood. Masks will be required. Elmer Henry Frank was born March 23, 1935 in Mercer County, rural Dodge, ND, the son of Leonard & Elsie (Entzel) Frank. He was baptized at home on April 19, 1935 by Rev. F. U. Gerike, the Evangelical Lutheran Pastor. He grew up on the farm and with his family moved to Sidney, MT in the fall of 1951 where he attended school. He worked for his uncle Leo Entzel doing construction work in the spring & summer, then during sugar beet harvest he worked at Holly Sugar Company in the lab during sugar beet campaign. On January 23, 1955 he was united in marriage to Marilyn J. Rein at Ebenezer Congregational Church. Elmer continued to work the sugar beet campaign and construction with his uncle. Elmer was a member of the Kiwanis Club and held the office of president in 1968 and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he was head usher for many years. He also served in the Montana National Guard for 8 ½ years. In January of 1957 he moved to Los Angeles, CA
and attended the California College of Mortuary Science, graduating on December 17, 1957. He then did one year of internship with Cloyd-Gorder Mortuary in Sidney, MT and continued to work for them until 1969. Elmer & Marilyn purchased the Walby Funeral Home in August of 1970 and then moved to Lidgerwood, ND on September 19, 1970, where they have resided since. They purchased Wipperman Funeral Home, Hankinson, ND in June of 1973 and then in 1992 he had a funeral home built in Wahpeton, ND, which they ran until 2002. Elmer & Marilyn retired after the sale of the funeral homes but continued to help their son at the funeral home. Elmer was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Lidgerwood, Lidgerwood American Legion Bullis Post 84, ND Funeral Directors Association, was on the ND Funeral Director board for 2 terms (8yrs). He enjoyed bowling, golf, listening to old-time music and dancing. Elmer is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marilyn, Lidgerwood, ND; daughters: Debra Wheeler, Chandler, AZ and Cindy Frank, Wyndmere, ND; sons: Kevin (Paula) Frank, Lidgerwood, ND & Greg (Teri) Frank, Chandler, AZ; brothers: Raymond (Donna) Frank, Sidney, MT & Harold (Edith) Frank, Billings, MT; sister: Esther (Allen) Peterson, Culbertson, MT; eleven grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren & two great-great grandchildren; brother-in-law: Doug (Caryn) Rein, Terry, MT; sister-in-law: Marguerite Rein, Great Falls, MT and several nieces & nephews. His is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard & Elsie Frank; brothers: Erin & Art Frank; son-in-law: Dennis Wheeler; brother-in-law: Robert Rein and sister & brother-in-law: Beverly & Roddy Reuther; 2 nieces: Suzann & Lisa Frank. Online guestbook: www.frankfamilyfuneralhome.com
Paul M. Hegstrom Sr., Minnesota funeral director, 76, longtime Superior area resident, died on Monday, January 18, 2021, at Aspen Health & Rehabilitation Center. He was born in Montevideo, MN on July 12, 1944 to Cordelia and Maurice Hegstrom. He graduated from Montevideo High School and from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Mortuary Science. Paul married Judith Shetler in Minneapolis on September 11, 1965. A third-generation funeral director, Paul owned and operated ThompsonHegstrom Funeral Home in Superior and Hegstrom Family Funeral Homes in Duluth. He was a former member of the Human Resource Board of Superior, Douglas Co., and Business Improvement District of Superior. Paul was a member of the Superior Ambassador’s, Superior Jaycee’s, Superior Rotary Club #40 and a Paul Harris Fellow, Superior Elks Lodge #403, Acacia Masonic Lodge #329 F.A. & M. for 47 years, serving as past Master, Superior York Rite, Superior Order of the Eastern Star, Superior Shrine Club, ADD Temple Shrine, and a former Vice President and member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church. He was a longtime supporter of Whitetails and Ducks Unlimited. Paul enjoyed time spent in the outdoors bird hunting, deer hunting, and fishing, and had a love for vacations in Mexico. Paul loved his family and will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Jerry and sister-in-law (Jerry) Cindy Hegstrom as well as his favorite dogs Beauty and Belle. He is survived by his wife Judith, children Paul (Stacy) Hegstrom Jr., of Esko, MN, Patricia (Neal) Olson of Superior, and
Pamela Hegstrom of Amnicon Lake, WI, grandchildren Paul (Katie Hill) Hegstrom III, Hannah (Robert) Rutka, Abigail Hegstrom, Eric Hegstrom, Nathan Olson, two great-granddaughters Dinah Lee and Talia Rose Rutka, brother John (Karen) Hegstrom of Woodbury, MN, sister Lynn (Blair) Gades of Mitchell, SD, many nieces and nephews, cousins and his current favorite dog Lucy. Private family services were held on Friday, January 22, 2021, in Dougherty Funeral Home. Burial at Parkview Cemetery in Hawthorne, WI. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home. 600 E. 2nd St. Duluth, MN. 218727-3555. Kenneth (Kenny) Allen Jacobson, Minnesota funeral director, age 68, passed away unexpectedly January 26, 2021, at the Swift County-Benson Hospital. Kenny was born January 28, 1952, in Benson, Minnesota, to Abner and Katherine (Pederson) Jacobson. He attended school in Benson and graduated with the Class of 1970. He went on to earn his degree in Mortuary Science at the University of Minnesota. As a teenager, Kenny experienced the tragic death of a younger cousin. The impact of seeing how his family was helped through the care and comfort given by the funeral led to his future career serving others as a funeral director. On June 9, 1972, Kenny was united in marriage to Renae Simonson at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson. They made their home in Benson where they raised their children, Ben and Amanda, and owned Jacobson Funeral Home. After selling the funeral home Kenny enjoyed being a DJ and assisting
his Dad with auctions. He later returned to funeral service and completed his career with Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels, Edina, MN. Kenny was devoted to serving and comforting families in their time of need. One of his greatest highlights was earning the title “Gampa” with the arrival of Sophia, Clara, and Liam. He was the grooviest Gampa gifted with the unmatchable ability to get everyone bouncing off the walls, laughing loudly, making a scene, and telling the silliest jokes. Gampa was the master of pranks. He prided himself in always convincing the grandkids to join in his shenanigans. His favorite retirement activities were driving the ‘Gampa School Bus’ every morning and attending sporting events while proudly being the loudest fan in attendance (the loud cheering was usually appreciated). He always made sure to say how much he loved them. Kenny is survived by his wife, Renae of Hopkins: son Ben Jacobson of Minneapolis, daughter Amanda Jacobson of St. Louis Park; grandchildren: Sophia Bagne, Clara Bagne, and Liam Jacobson; brother Bruce Jacobson (Cathy Bentfield) of Forest Lake; brother-in-law: Robert Simonson of Benson; sisters-in-law: Rebecca Winge (Robert) of West Fargo, ND; Ramona Hilleren (Jon) of Willmar, MN; along with several nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. He loved them all greatly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Abner and Katherine Jacobson; an infant brother; father-and mother-in-law, Reuben and Ruby Simonson; his grandparents: Peter and Nana Jacobson, and Oliver and Bertha Pederson. Due to COVID-19 a celebration of Kenny’s life will be planned at a later date. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996
www.mnfuneral.org 21
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22 MFDA Bulletin • WINTER 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. Anatomy Bequest Program Jake Anderson, Andrew Ashton, Paul Hill, Angela McArthur, Sarah Paulsen, John Straub, Tamara Voss www.bequest.umn.edu Artco Casket Company, Inc. Al Whitmer, Steve Doscher, Wally Gelecinskyj www.artcocasket.com Assured Decontamination Service Perry Ebner www.deconservices.com Baines Professional Vehicles John Baines www.4hearse.com Brown-Wilbert, Inc. Dave Gavin, Christopher Brown, Andrew Brown, Maleia Kavitz, Jeff Bauer, Jerry Brown www.brown-wilbert.com Children’s Grief Connection Alex Treitler www.childrensgriefconnection.com Cousineau, VanBergen, McNeese and Malone Michael Sharkey www.cvmmlaw.com Dodge Company Lincoln Plain www.dodgeco.com Federated Insurance Ben Cox www.federatedinsurance.com Forest Lawn Memorial Park Association Kari A. Hubbard www.forestlawnmn.com FRSR Crematory Repair Eric Braden www.frsr.us
Funeral Directors Life John Harrington Scott Tufto www.funeraldirectorslife.com Great Western Insurance Company Doug Stolt www.gwic.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, Eye and Tissue Donation Kelley Romanowski Melinda Van Wausw www.life-source.org Lions Gift of Sight (Formerly Minnesota Lions Eye Bank) Patty Stockdale www.mnlionseyebank.org Maguire Refining, Inc. John Maguire www.maguireref.com MAS Communications Mary Reeves www.mascommunications.net Matthews Aurora Casket Roger Ruth, Alexis Smith www.matw.com
Messenger Bob Hoaglund www.messengerstationery.com Midwest Medical Examiners Office Angie Chalmers www.midwestmedicalexaminer.com Northwestern Casket Co. David Koll www.nwcasket.com Pluto Boes Legal Callyn Bedker www.plutolegal.com The Purple Cross Plan Denis Nordlum www.purplecross.com Scene Clean Nate Berg www.scenecleanmn.com Senior Advantage Consultants Julie and Jim Palm www.sradvantageconsultants.com Steinhaus Supply Services Steven Steinhaus Sunburst Memorials Chris Taylor www.sunburstmemorials.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 23
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