BULLETIN PUBLISHED QUARTERLY FOR THE MINNESOTA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION MEMBERS. MFDA Bulletin Minnesota Funeral Directors Association 7046 East Fish Lake Road Maple Grove, MN 55311 Change Service Requested PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PRIOR LAKE, MN PERMIT NO. 23 SUMMER 2016 MFDA PAC NIGHT AT THE St. Paul Saints St. Paul Saints vs. Sioux Falls Canaries Looking for another fun event with your fellow MFDA colleagues and friends? Join us for MFDA PAC Night at the St. Paul Saints on Sunday, August 14 at 5:05 p.m. at CHS Field in St Paul. We’ll be watching the game from the Star Tribune Skybox for a Sunday night St. Paul Saints game and support your MFDA Political Action Committee. Tickets are $60/per person includes ticket and meal (cash bar available). Donations to the MFDA Political Action Committee are encouraged, but not required. You can purchase tickets at mnfuneral.org or by calling our office at 763-416-0124. Tickets are limited so get yours today! The St. Paul Hotel is offering our group a $154 room rate with suites starting at $224 for Sunday night. Room reservations can be made by calling the Reservations Department at 1-800-292-9292 and asking for Minnesota Funeral Directors Assn Saints Night.
Transcript
BULLETIN PUBLISHED QUARTERLY FOR THE MINNESOTA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION MEMBERS.
MFDA BulletinMinnesota Funeral Directors Association7046 East Fish Lake Road Maple Grove, MN 55311
Change Service Requested
PRESORTED STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PRIOR LAKE, MNPERMIT NO. 23
SUMMER 2016
MFDA PAC NIGHT AT THE
St. Paul SaintsSt. Paul Saints vs. Sioux Falls Canaries
Looking for another fun event with your fellow MFDA colleagues and friends? Join us for MFDA PAC Night at the St. Paul Saints on Sunday, August 14 at 5:05 p.m. at CHS Field in St Paul.
We’ll be watching the game from the Star Tribune Skybox for a Sunday night St. Paul Saints game and support your MFDA Political Action Committee. Tickets are $60/per person includes ticket and meal (cash bar available). Donations to the MFDA Political Action Committee are encouraged, but not required. You can purchase tickets at mnfuneral.org or by calling our office at 763-416-0124. Tickets are limited so get yours today!
The St. Paul Hotel is offering our group a $154 room rate with suites starting at $224 for Sunday night. Room reservations can be made by calling the Reservations Department at 1-800-292-9292 and asking for Minnesota Funeral Directors Assn Saints Night.
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Minnesota Funeral Directors Association In This IssueExecutive Director’s Report ....................................................... 4From the President ..................................................................... 52016 Annual Convention Recap ............................................. 6-7MFDA Leadership Graduates ................................................8-112016 NFDA Cremation and Burial Report ...............................122016 District Meetings ...............................................................1310th Annual District 10 / MFDA Mortuary Open ....................13Dept. of Labor Issues Overtime Regulations ..........................14Summer Legislative Update ......................................................15Educating Consumers on the Value of a Funeral ...............16-17MFDA…The Right Road for More Than a Century ................18In Memoriam ........................................................................20-22Scam Alert – Be Aware of Merchandise Fraud ....................... 23 Book Review: My Old Pal Oscar ................................................ 242016 MFDA Allied Members .................................................... 25Classifieds.............................................................................26-27
2016 CalendarAugust 14 MFDA PAC Night at the Saints CHS Field, St. Paul
September 8 10th Annual District 10/MFDA Mortuary Open Valley Golf Course, East Grand Forks
September 12-14 Certified Celebrant Training Ramada Plaza Minneapolis
September-October MFDA District Meetings See schedule on page 13
7046 East Fish Lake RoadMaple Grove, MN 55311p: (763) 416-0124 f: (763) 416-0124e: [email protected] www.mnfuneral.org
Who We Are: Minnesota Funeral Director’s Association (MFDA) is the statewide resource dedicated to supporting our member’s growth professionally, ethically, and operationally.
What Is Our Mission: Our mission is to enhance and support funeral service excellence through our programs, legislative representation and service to Minnesotans.
How We Accomplish This:• Essential and enduring principles that guide our
organization’s behaviors and actions
• Advancing the value of funeral service consistent with the changing needs of society
• Advocacy on behalf of consumers and members
• 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
4 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2016
Executive Director’s Report
I would like to join MFDA President Jeff Hartquist and thank everyone who took the time to attend convention – 126 years and counting! From the looks of things, a good time was had by all and it’s nice to know that all of the hard work and coordination throughout the year paid off. We are looking forward to the next two years being in Bloomington at the Doubletree (i.e. old Radisson South). Staff has already spent time with the hotel in laying out the tradeshow floor, as always a little different every time we move to a new location. That is honestly what makes it more interesting for everyone!
If you have any suggestions for speakers going forward, please never hesitate to contact us. I know that many of you attend other conferences throughout the year, oftentimes nationally, and may have heard someone that resonated well. We are open to ideas!!!
JULY 19 – DEVELOPING STRATEGIC BOARDS with Bob Harris I include this information because I think it is important for you to know that as an association MFDA is a member of AssociationsNorth (http://wwws.associationsnorth.com). This organization provides information and training to its members on how to run an association more effectively and I have been a member since the early 90’s. A big part of what they do is provide quality training for board members. Know that members of your board of directors will be attending this session, and if by chance you think this might be interesting for your own personal/professional development, call me.
AUGUST 3-4 – MFDA’s Summer Board meeting to be held in Brainerd at Madden’s Resort. The MFDA Board meets face to face 3 times a year in addition to teleconferences on a monthly basis. We understand that making the decision to serve on the board could at times take away from family obligations. The summer board meeting is designed for both business and family time, and thus the location. This group of individuals have stepped up and I personally want to thank them for representing their profession.
AUGUST 14 - SAINTS BASEBALL Looking at the last half of the year we are very busy. I’m excited about the August 14th 5:00pm Saints Game event. It is designed to be a PAC Fundraiser and we appreciate any personal donations. We have secured The Skybox which is behind home plate on one side and overlooks downtown St. Paul on the other. Check out the Bulletin cover for photos, it’s a very cool space. The Saint Paul Hotel has also offered a great Sunday evening room rate of $154 (Single/Double). A lot of reasons to come and have fun! Call, email or register online. We will be promoting this electronically with emails and social media throughout the summer. Don’t get left out!
SEPTEMBER DISTRICT MEETINGS Dates are listed on page 13 and looking forward to seeing everyone. I will be asking the District Leadership to consider bringing in a local or regional speaker of interest, in addition to the updates from some of our preferred service providers and other individuals related to our industry.
SEPTEMBER 12-14 – CERTIFIED CELEBRANT TRAINING BY INSIGHTBOOKS / Glenda Stansbury To register go to http://www.insightbooks.com
This training a specifically designed for anyone interested in understanding the process of the funeral service and in learning how to personalize and design meaningful funerals or tributes. A successful Celebrant is one who enjoys working with people, has writing and public speaking ability as well as listening and consulting skills. The seminar attracts a wide variety of participants: funeral directors, pre-need and aftercare specialists, hospice professionals, clergy, chaplains, retired teachers, business people, actors, writers and students
OCTOBER 13-14 – TWO-DAY INSURANCE CLASS We have just confirmed a location for the two-day insurance class, October 13-14. This has been a welcomed and anticipated event for the past few years, and we are pleased are pleased to continue the trend. The feedback we receive is positive and attendees appreciate the fact that they are surrounded by those who are in the profession. It allows for social & professional interaction! We will be at the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West (which is in Plymouth).
If you made it to this point in my article, I thank you for taking the time. I know you are busy and hopefully we provide valuable information in this Bulletin. If nothing else, the photos of convention are a lot of fun.
Darlyne EricksonMFDA Executive Director
www.mnfuneral.org 5
FROM THE PRESIDENT
The Challenges AheadBy Jeff Hartquist
Thank you for all that attended the 2016 Minnesota Funeral Director’s Association Convention. Again, I am honored to be this year’s president of our association. I would like to thank the numerous sponsors for making their much appreciated financial contributions. I would like to thank the speakers that presented quality information on a variety to topics related to our profession. I would like to thank the exhibitors for bringing their services, some age-old and some modern and new, to our professional services showcase. All of these groups contributed to this year’s convention being a success!
I would also like to thank the many of you that attended this year’s convention. Your registration fees, attendance, participation and insightful questions, and exchanges in between and after speakers are what make our annual convention irreplaceable. I always leave our convention feeling uplifted in so many ways. The sessions often provide me with other perspectives and ways of operating that I may have not thought about previously. The same can be said of my one-on-one conversations with other funeral directors that I meet at the convention. In fact, as a result of a conversation with another member, our firm now gives a discount for trade call services for MFDA member firms. I also appreciated listening to a number of concerns others have about business practices, state policy and legislation of our profession, processes of the MN Department of Health, and the overall wellness of funeral service in our state.
Many of the concerns that members visited about are what I call each of our members to be a part of. I hope each of you values your membership in our association. Each of you truly can, and do, have a place at the table to be a part of discussions that should be had for the betterment of funeral service in our state – both for our funeral directors and the families, consumers, for which we provide a service.
To each of our funeral directors, I challenge you to be an advocate of this association. If you know a firm or funeral director that is not a member, please ask them become a member. Remind them that this association brings value to their license, provides an avenue to create good legislation, stays well-informed about people and organizations that attack our profession, offers relationship to fellow directors and a means to solutions for the betterment of each of our businesses, workplace practices, and the overall dignity, respect, and health of funeral service in the state of Minnesota.
I challenge you to remain or become active in our association. Whether it be simply reading this newsletter, taking on a position in your district, or entering a position on our state’s board – remain or become active. We also have opportunities to serve on convention or legislative committees. Perhaps you have an opinion, concern or idea for our association – please communicate it to our association.
I challenge you to be an ambassador to the funeral service profession. We are a profession that enters people’s lives in such an intimate way. Whether full service or no service, each life has worth and matters. Our part in the death care and ceremony for that life matters. We have the ability to affect those lives in such a positive way. I believe that this interaction, when done well, does contribute to the good health of people’s lives, our community, our state, our country and our world.
As I spoke on at our convention, to each of us as funeral directors, much is given, and much is to be expected of us.
I look forward to this year ahead.
Jeff
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CELEBRATION OF LIFE/SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE SPONSORS
• Bertas Funeral Home
• Brown-Wilbert, Inc.
• Federated Insurance
• Kelco Supply Co
• National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
• Sympathy Florists
• The Dodge Company
•United Heritage Life Insurance Co.
COFFEE BREAK SPONSORS
• Homesteaders Life Company
• Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions
Thank you to all that attended MFDA’s 126th Annual Convention on May 23-25 at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Red Wing! More than 450 people attended convention including 55 exhibitors.Convention was kicked off with an additional day of education on Monday, and a night of Bowling with Batesville. The following two days were filled with professional education, opportunities to network with colleagues, and visit with exhibitors. Doric Dealers of MN hosted a radical Throwback 90s Night on Tuesday with a live band and costume contest! We greatly appreciate our convention sponsors and exhibitors who were part of our 126th event!
Save the date for MFDA’s 127th Annual Convention May 22-24, 2017, at Doubletree Minneapolis South in Bloomington.
www.mnfuneral.org 7
8 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2016
Congratulations to This Year’s Leadership Academy Graduates
Tim AmireaultFuneral Home: Sunset Funeral Home and Cemetery (formerly with Kelco Supply)
What inspired you to become a Funeral Director?I am not a funeral director, but since coming into this profession I’ve found a new passion for funeral service and I’m looking forward to my future. How do you consider yourself successful?One important thing that I started with myself out of high school was listing out my goals, having that list visible to me was my motivation. AT 18 I started Brown Institute for radio broadcasting, my number one goal was to work for KDWB in the Twin Cities, Done! Once my goals were achieved I would write new goals in whatever role I was in. When I started in funeral service as the Director of Sales and Marketing for Kelco Supply, I wanted to make an impact in funeral service and to find a company to grow with. I’m now making a new list as I’ve accepted the sales manager role for Sunset Funeral Home and Cemetery.
What are the biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service?Education, we need to have the knowledge but also educate the public and our communities about funeral and cremation services. Many families I’m connecting with in my current role comment on they are not getting the same information from other funeral providers as I’ve shared with them in our conversations. Keep in mind that this is a new experience for most of the families we serve and they are looking to be educated about what it is that we do.
Favorite leadership quote:“You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Together we can do great things.” – Mother Teresa What have you learned throughout the MFDA Leadership Academy?Tools and applications to help motivate and engage groups of people through many different approaches. I also learned a lot about myself in my style of communication and leadership.
Allison CeaseFuneral Home: Cease Family Funeral Homes
What inspired you to become a Funeral Director?I realized from a young age that I would not be satisfied in a career unless I was helping people, and eventually, the path I found I was called to take was one of funeral service. Growing up and watching my Father, and other members of my family, and recognizing the impact they had on people’s lives made a profound impression on me. I, too, wanted to make a difference.
How do you consider yourself successful?I consider myself successful when I know I am truly helping people and accomplishing the tasks at hand. When I can look back and know I have done everything and more to meet a family’s needs and requests.
What are the biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service?I believe one of the biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service are the growing trends in both super personalized services and on the other end of the spectrum, those who desire no services or memorialization. There is really no such thing as a typical or cookie cutter service anymore. It will be a struggle to continue to meet the needs of everyone in the vast array of services requested. We have to constantly be able to shift gears and keep an open perspective for the needs of the families we meet.
Another issue we face is the lack of qualified people interested in helping in funeral service, as well as retention of those who are actively engaged in the field. Favorite leadership quote:“Real leadership is leaders recognizing that they serve the people that they lead.” – Pete Hoekstra What have you learned throughout the MFDA Leadership Academy?I have learned a lot more about myself; my communication style, how to best handle working with certain personalities, different tactics for better decision making, and most importantly how to harness these things to be a more effective leader.
Personal quote about the MFDA Leadership Academy:I found the MFDA Leadership Academy to be an encouraging and self-affirming tool and stepping stone on my path to become a better funeral director and involved community member. It is a wonderful program and I recommend it to anyone who desires improvement in their role as a leader.
Why Sal is involved with MFDA and the Leadership Academy…With a background in sales and visual merchandising, Stephanie did not find her way to fundraising along the typical path.
Upon the death of her youngest daughter, she found Children’s Grief Connection to be an invaluable service to her children and her family.
In 2009, motivated by her passion for the organization, she redirected her marketing skills to serve as CGC’s Development Associate and is responsible for Special Events and Donor Giving.
Why were you interested in becoming a part of this Academy?I believe that Children’s Grief Connection represents some of the very best work that funeral directors do. It was started and has been sustained by compassionate funeral care professionals who wish to extend the way they care for the families they serve, well past the funeral. I hope that the Academy will grant me the skills to highlight this association in order to benefit both Children’s Grief Connection and the funeral profession.
Please describe your community or volunteer activities:I have served as my Township’s Clerk for since 1999 and recently retired from the local Fire Department after 9 years as a 1st Responder and fire fighter.
Carrie McGheeFuneral Home: Fawcett Junker Funeral Home
What inspired you to become a Funeral Director?
Mortuary Science was not my first college degree. My first degree was a bachelor of fine arts in textiles. I graduated with that degree and a desire to travel the world sourcing fiber for fabric. Life got in the way and I needed to go back to school. At the U of MN, I took the Campbell assessment test. The results showed that my interest and skills laid in either healthcare or law. This was in the mid 80’s, there were plenty of attorneys so I looked at all the degrees in healthcare that the U offered. I saw Mortuary Science. I thought low
unemployment, family oriented and I can say a rosary. I applied to the program, was accepted, graduated in 1990 and have been a funeral director since.
The need to provide a financially stable home to my son and I was what inspired me to become a funeral director. I never said I was passionate about helping people. I never had a desire to work with human remains. I wanted a job. Funny, funeral service provided me a career, a profession that I am extremely proud to be a part of and a fulfilling life. How do you consider yourself successful?I consider myself successful because I have practiced funeral service for 26 years. I have worked for only 4 funeral homes in 26 years. I have achieved employment stability. I enjoy what I do. I look forward to going to work each day. I am proud to tell people I am a funeral director. I cannot imagine doing anything else. Feeling this way is ultimate success. What are the biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service?I believe the three biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service will be a decrease of employable funeral directors, increase diversity of cultural funeral practices and continuation of hospice sabotaging funeral homes. In the next fifteen years, there will be a mass retirement of funeral directors which will leave a void in the number of practicing funeral directors especially in rural areas. Today’s graduates are opting to stay in the bigger metropolitan areas leaving small town funeral providers a lack of employees. Given the reality that funeral service is 24/7/365, this will cause a hardship for employers and employees to have quality work schedules and time off. Favorite leadership quote:“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.” – Eleanor Roosevelt What have you learned throughout the MFDA Leadership Academy?I have a greater acceptance to diverse ideas that are contrary to personal experience and reality. As a Generation X’er, it is difficult to relate to Millennials. The leadership academy gave me the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with several Millennials which allowed for acceptance of non-shared ideology and realities. The importance of communication was affirmed. Learning about communication styles and processes gave a clearer picture on how to deal with various business situations and personalities.
Jesse StarksonFuneral Home: Caturi-Smidt Funeral Home & Cremation Services
What inspired you to become a Funeral Director?Experiencing the death of my grandfather at a young age really opened my eyes to the profession. From early high school and forward, I’ve had the opportunity to be deeply involved in all aspects of funeral service and have enjoyed every step of the way. How do you consider yourself successful?Being successful in funeral service to me doesn’t necessarily mean financially. However, being successful in our industry revolves around the opportunity to provide great service ad dedication to the communities we live in. The opportunity to gain trust from families is the best way to be successful. What are the biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service?I believe the biggest issue we are facing is the lack of re-installing the importance of the funeral. Without providing our help and professional knowledge, families often forget about how important the funeral is for both ourselves and community members.
Favorite leadership quote:“Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody expects of you. Never excuse yourself.” – Henry Ward Beecher What have you learned throughout the MFDA Leadership Academy?The Academy has helped broaden my knowledge and approach to many situations we are faced with on a daily basis in our industry. It also gave me a chance to discuss and debate situations we encounter with others in our profession. Personal quote about the MFDA Leadership Academy:I would highly recommend this class to every young funeral director. With many “norms” changing in our industry, it gave me the chance to better myself based on others thoughts, views and ideas shared.
Leadership Academy continues on page 10…
10 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2016
Tyler SchwichtenbergFuneral Home: Independent Funeral Director
What inspired you to become a Funeral Director?I wanted to have a job in a career that had meaning and potential to educate and better society. How do you consider yourself successful?By the people I can call by name, the opportunities that come and go, and by continuing to know thyself. What are the biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service?Lack of passion and the willingness to work together. Value time funeral directors get together and brainstorm. Favorite leadership quote: “Always Networking”
What have you learned throughout the MFDA Leadership Academy?Surround yourself with a wide variety of thoughts, ideas and differences. You can truly learn something from everyone. Personal quote about the MFDA Leadership Academy:I am very grateful for the opportunities and moments that were created through this Academy.
Sam SteffelFuneral Home: Benson & Langehough Funeral Home
What inspired you to become a Funeral Director?While in High School I was an altar server at funeral mass and I saw funeral directing as a way to help families through one of the toughest times in their lives and as I served on the altar seeing the family’s emotions come forward throughout mass I felt that if I have the ability handle the vast amounts of emotions that come through during the time of a death, it might be a career for me. And through job shadowing my local funeral director’s the
professionalism that presented itself to me through the way they did their work interested me even more. How do you consider yourself successful?This is a loaded question with various ways to answer. But at this time in my life and where I am at personally and with my career, I consider myself successful by my happiness in what I do, whether it is my job, community involvement, or my family. What are the biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service?The easy answer to this is CREMATION. Although this is a huge issue amongst funeral homes throughout the state, there is an issue that stems from this, which is families choosing to have a funeral service without a funeral home involved.
Favorite leadership quote:“When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.” – Roy E. Disney What have you learned throughout the MFDA Leadership Academy?I have learned skills in various things from: working with others to objective decision making and communication skills. Many of the topics that we discussed in the Leadership Academy were things that I had already new but as a group I was able to see different angles to become more effective at these leadership skills. I have also learned that although leadership has to be something that comes from within each and every one of us that strives to be a leader, it is also something that happens overnight. It is created by relationships, hard work, and the ability to put yourself out there and enjoy yourself while doing it.
Andrew YaggieFuneral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home
What inspired you to become a Funeral Director?Since attending my first funeral at a very young age, I have always been intrigued about funeral service, but took a more serious interest while attending catholic school. From being active in the catholic church as a pianist/organist, and later working part and sometimes full time during my time at college at a funeral home, I discovered this to be the career for me.
How do you consider yourself successful?One can measure success in many ways, but within funeral service, I measure my success based on the feedback I receive from families, the value added services I am able to provide or develop, and what I am able to give back to my community. Even the most “successful” individual is not always successful in these areas, nor are they able to please everyone, but I believe nothing builds a successful individual more than a lesson in humility. What are the biggest issues facing Minnesota funeral service?Just like with any other state, staying relevant is the biggest challenge. With more cremation, less religion, socioeconomic challenges, and a higher demand for value, creativity on the part of the funeral director is paramount. Funeral directors will need to look increasingly at becoming more of an educator, with a focus on technology, funeral celebrants, and other unique services that increase value.
Favorite leadership quote:“If you don’t own the goal and it doesn’t come from your dream, then you won’t have the toughness to persevere when the going gets tough. And I will promise you that the going will get tough. There is never an exception—everyone who wins must push through obstacles, lots of them. You simply will not get up at dawn for your three-mile run because your wife wants you thinner. Big goals require big backbone—wimps need not apply.” – Dave Ramsey What have you learned throughout the MFDA Leadership Academy?The process of becoming a leader is a continuous process and not something that just happens upon the completion of a course like this. As facilitators, Chad and Bruce have shown us examples and given us resources which create a “cause for pause” – a reason to stop and reflect on our lives and individual roles – allowing us to self-reflect and grow as individuals. Personal quote about the MFDA Leadership Academy:Overall, this was a very unique and valuable experience. From networking opportunities, to case studies, various individual assessments, and very lively discussion, there was no shortage of stimulating material. The combined experience of facilitators Bruce and Chad is unmatched and adds a lot of value to the course material and discussions. I would recommend this program to anyone who is looking for a way to invest in themselves and their team.
www.mnfuneral.org 11
The MFDA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY experience enables both experienced and emerging leaders to excel – now and into the future. Participants will learn leadership concepts and proven techniques, as well as gain important insights into the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association.
The next LEADERSHIP ACADEMY meets six times in 2016-17 with graduation at the MFDA Annual Convention in May 2017. • This program will teach you skills that will enhance both your funeral home and the impact in your community.
• You will learn strategies for personal growth and organizational development that will help you and your funeral home.
• You will build lasting relationships with classmates, fellow leaders in your profession. Your classmates today will be the people you call on tomorrow for advice, support, or to share a humorous moment.
• You will become a part of the MFDA legacy of leadership. Leadership academy alumni will participate in building the strong heritage of Funeral Service and advancing the mission of MFDA.
To apply for the upcoming Leadership Academy, visit www.mnfuneral.org.
SERVICE CORPORATION
L E A D E R S H I P AC A D E M Y S P O N S O R E D BY:
LEADERSHIPACADEMY
SPONSORED BY: KELCO & MFDA SERVICE CORPORATION
2016-2017“I have learned a lot more about myself; my communication style, how to best handle working with certain personalities, different tactics for better decision making and most importantly, how to harness these things to be a more effective leader.” - Allison Cease, Cease Family Funeral Homes
“I found the MFDA Leadership Academy to be an encouraging and self-affirming tool and stepping stone on my path to becoming a better funeral director and involved community member. It is a wonderful program and I recommend it to anyone who desires improvement in their role as a leader.” - Sam Steffel, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home
“Overall, this was a very unique and valuable experience. From networking opportunities, to case studies, various individual assessments, and very lively discussion, there was no shortage of stimulating material. The combined experience of facilitators Bruce and Chad is unmatched and adds a lot of value to the course material and discussions. I would recommend this program to anyone who is looking for a way to invest in themselves and their team. - Andrew Yaggie, Glende-Nilson Funeral Home
“I have learned acceptance to diverse ideas that are contrary to personal experience and reality. As a Generation X’er, it is difficult to relate to the Millennials. The Leadership Academy gave me the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with several Millennials which allowed for acceptance of non-shared ideology and realities. The importance of communication was affirmed. Learning about communication styles and processes gave a clearer picture on how to deal with various situations and personalities.” - Carrie McGhee, Fawcett Junker Funeral Home
“The MFDA Leadership Academy has helped broaden my knowledge and approach to many situations we are faced with on a daily basis in our industry. It also gave me a chance to discuss and debate situations we encounter with others in our profession. I highly recommend this class to every young funeral director.” - Jesse Starkson, Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home & Cremation Services
In Their Own Words…
12 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2016
2016 NFDA Cremation and Burial Report Released: Rate of Cremation Surpasses That of Burial in 2015
The rate of cremation has surpassed that of burial in 2015 according to a report released today by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). The 2016 NFDA Cremation and Burial Report: Research, Statistics and Projections features statistics and in-depth analysis of consumer attitudes toward cremation. NFDA is the world’s leading and largest association representing funeral professionals.
According to the 2015 data in the report, the rate of cremation is projected to be 48.5 percent and the rate of burial is projected to be 45.4 percent.
2005 2010 2015 2017 2020 2030 final final projected projected projected projected
Cremation (%) 32.3 40.4 48.5 51.6 56.0 71.1
Burial (%) 61.4 53.3 45.4 42.3 38.0 23.2
“Funeral professionals have been serving families that prefer cremation for years,” said NFDA President Bob Arrington, CCO. “To us and the families we serve, cremation isn’t just a ‘trend.’ Whether a family chooses cremation or burial, funeral directors want to help families understand the many
options they have to commemorate the life of their loved one. And, whether that family prefers a funeral, memorial service, a celebration of life or some other life tribute, funeral directors will be there to offer support and guidance to make their loved one’s service a meaningful and healing experience.”
He continued, “The 2016 NFDA Cremation and Burial Report will help our members understand consumer needs preferences so we can better support the families we serve.”
In addition to statistical information for the United States and countries around the world for which reliable data is available, the 2016 NFDA Cremation and Burial Report also contains data about consumer perceptions of end-of-life ceremonies and cremation.
• There are many reasons why consumers choose cremation, including cost considerations, environmental concerns, fewer religious prohibitions and changing consumer preferences.
• Many families who choose cremation also commemorate their loved one’s life. More than one-third (36.6 percent) associate cremation with a memorial service and 10.4 percent associate cremation with a viewing and funeral. Only 7.4 percent do not associate cremation with any kind of service at all.
• New in the report this year is cremation and burial data for Canada. For 2015, the rate of cremation is 65.5 percent and that of burial is 33.2 percent. The rate of cremation is expected to grow to 89.4 percent by 2035.
The state and national death, cremation and burial projections contained in the 2016 NFDA Cremation and Burial Report were compiled with the assistance of experts from the University of Wisconsin – Madison Applied Population Laboratory Department of Community and Environmental Sociology. Other findings presented in this report are from proprietary NFDA research studies, such as the 2016 Annual NFDA Consumer Awareness & Preferences Study and 2015 NFDA General Price List Survey.
The 2016 NFDA Cremation and Burial Report: Research, Statistics and Projections is available to NFDA members at no charge. It can be downloaded from the NFDA website, www.nfda.org (Resources >> Business & Technical >> Cremation).
The 2016 NFDA Cremation and Burial Report: Research, Statistics and Projections is part of the association’s effort to offering cutting-edge cremation tools and resources to funeral professionals. As the leading and largest funeral service association in the world, NFDA offers comprehensive cremation-related education; the profession’s leading cremation certification program, the Certified Crematory Operator™ (CCO) program; a cremation consultation hotline; informational resources, such as the NFDA Guide to Selected OSHA Standards for Funeral Homes & Crematories and Opening a Crematory - Frequently Asked Questions for Funeral Directors; and more.
MIDWEST MEDICAL EXAMINER’S OFFICE
Our board certified pathologists provide private postmortem examinations to answer questions families may have regarding the death of their
loved one. If we can be of assistance to the families you serve, please contact our office:
MIDWEST MEDICAL EXAMINER’S OFFICE
14341 Rhinestone Street NW Ramsey, MN 55303
(763) 323-6400
Normal business hours: 8:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. Weekends and Holidays
After business hours, we can be contacted through Anoka County dispatch at (763)427-1212
Speakers to include, but not limited to: MN State Representative, MDH, FDLIC, Federated, Children’s Grief Connection
DISTRICT 3 - Tuesday, September 13, 2016 Key Largo on Lake Shetek, 29 Valhalla Drive, Slayton
DISTRICT 2 - Wednesday, September 14, 2016 Loose Moose Saloon & Conference Center, 119 Front St., Mankato
DISTRICT 1 - Thursday, September 15, 2016 Canadian Honker Events at Apache, Rochester
DISTRICT 6/7 - Tuesday, September 20, 2016 Lifesource, 2225 West River Rd N, Minneapolis
DISTRICT 8 – Wednesday, September 21, 2016 Best Western Kelly Inn, 100 4th Avenue So., St. Cloud
DISTRICT 4/5 – Thursday, September 22, 2016 Oaks at Eagle Creek, 1000 26th Avenue NE, Willmar
DISTRICT 10 - Tuesday, September 27, 2016 Fireside Grill, Bagley
DISTRICT 9 - Wednesday, September 28, 2016 Holiday Inn, Detroit Lakes
DISTRICT 11 – Tuesday, October 4, 2016
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10th Annual District 10 / MFDA Mortuary Open (Rescheduled from June)
Thursday, September 8 • Valley Golf Course, East Grand Forks
MFDA District 10 invites all funeral directors, staff, family members and vendors to join them at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, September 8, 2016 at Valley Golf Course, East Grand Forks, Minnesota, for an afternoon of golf and fun. Many door prizes will be given away.
Golf: 1:00 p.m. – 18 holes Shotgun start and Scramble format. (Ladies will golf with ladies if requested.)
Dinner: Complimentary French Dip sandwiches, potato, coleslaw and cash bar to follow. Sponsored by Wells Concrete / Northern Wilbert Vault Co., Grand Forks.
Golfing fees are $45.00 per person for 18 holes of scramble golf, includes golf cart, payable to Valley Golf Course the day.
There will be a refreshment cart on site sponsored by Denis Nordlum and National Guardian Life Insurance and lots of door prizes.
Please RSVP to Dahl Funeral Home by Sept 2, 2016 by calling 218-773-2971 or e-mail [email protected]
14 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2016
On May 18, the Department of Labor (DOL) released the long-anticipated final rules defining overtime exemption requirements, including guaranteed salary requirements for white collar exemptions for executive, administrative, professional and highly compensated employees.
The new rules go into effect on December 1, 2016; key highlights include:
• The new guaranteed salary requirement is a minimum of $913.00 per week ($47,476.00 annually); this salary requirement applies to the executive, administrative and professional exemptions
• For the highly compensated exemption, the new salary requirement is $134,004.00
• The DOL did not change the white collar exemption duties tests
• The final regulation establishes a mechanism to update the salary requirement level every three (3) years
SESCO Management Consultants, NFDA’s endorsed human resources experts, has posted an overview of the final DOL rule on their website at bit.ly/DOL_Rules. Please read it carefully to understand the steps you need to take – which could include changes to your funeral home’s job descriptions, budget and more – to ensure you are in compliance by the December 1 deadline.
Dept. of Labor Issues Final Rules for Overtime Regulationsby National Funeral Directors Association
Congratulations 2016 University of Minnesota Mortuary Science Graduates!
The 2016 regular legislative session has adjourned and though there are a number of issues that may yet be resolved in a possible, but increasingly unlikely special session, none appear to be of direct concern to MFDA.
Legislators came to St. Paul earlier this year with the focus on crafting comprehensive packages on transportation, taxes and bonding – but in the politically polarized climate, deals fell apart at the end of the session leaving the issues to be resolved by the next legislature. One large bill that was signed into law was the Supplemental Budget bill, which included a provision which impacts the funeral industry in Minnesota.
Previously, all funeral establishments were required to have a prep room if human remains were present. With the change, authored by St. Cloud Representative Jim Knoblach, only funeral establishments where body prep is performed are required to have a prep room. If a branch location does not do body prep, but still conducts viewings, visitations and services, or which holds human remains while awaiting final disposition – that location is not required to have a prep room. The new law was effective June 2nd, 2016.
Looking forward to 2017, the Department of Health has again convened the Mortuary Science Ad Hoc committee which is looking at potential changes to 149A. So far, the changes are mainly technical clean-ups to the statute but the committee is also looking at options for training and certification requirements for crematory operators. The MFDA legislative committee is currently working on ideas for the 2017 session and will be bringing forward proposals.
With district meetings just a couple months away, we have spoken with a number of legislators who are eager to meet with their constituent funeral directors at the meetings. While the district meetings are a great way to get in contact with legislators, it’s never too early to reach out and build relationships by getting involved with local campaigns, whether that’s door knocking, walking in a parade, putting up signs or attending a fundraiser.
With the 2016 session behind us, we look forward to working with MFDA as we make our way through the November election and into the 2017 session.
16 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2016
Educating Consumers on the Value of a FuneralKey messages that address cost in a positive way and reinforce the value of the funeral and the role of the funeral director.By Jessica Koth, NFDA Public Relations Manager
You may recently have heard about Parting.com, a new website created by three gentleman from outside the funeral profession that aims to create transparency by offering consumers pricing information for funeral homes throughout the country.
Parting.com collected data from more than 15,000 funeral homes. To assemble pricing information, staff called funeral homes and obtained basic information that would be found on a firm’s GPL.
Consumers can search based on their city or ZIP code. Pricing is available for a traditional funeral, cremation memorial, direct cremation and immediate burial. Search results can be sorted by firms closest to you, by the highest rated, most reviewed and by price.
The profile for an individual firm includes address, phone number and website; a location map pulled from Google Maps; a photograph (it appears to be taken from the street view of Google Maps); and GPL pricing for key items. There’s also a place for consumers to submit reviews of funeral homes they have used.
While Parting.com has been covered by a number of trade publications to date, it has not garnered significant attention from the general consumer media. That, however, could change quickly.
Similar websites have garnered a fair amount of media coverage in the past. And with a study released in fall 2015 by Funeral Consumers Alliance and Consumer Federation of America calling for the FTC to amend its Funeral Rule to require all funeral homes to post prices online, the topic of price transparency – and services like Parting.com that help consumers understand the landscape of funeral pricing – could quickly gain the attention of both national and local media.
What we often see with media coverage of new services like this is that national media outlets will take the lead and do broad stories about the site (why it exists, how it works, what consumers and funeral professionals think of it).
After seeing the national coverage, a reporter from your local newspaper or television station may decide to develop a story. Their coverage will be similar to the national news reports but also include a local angle by speaking to funeral directors and consumers in the community.
If you get a call from a reporter who wants a “local perspective” on this issue, I’d like to help you be prepared by offering a few key messages that address cost in a way that is positive and reinforces the value of the funeral and the role of the funeral director and staff.
KEY MESSAGES
Cost of a Funeral
“Today, families have a broad range of choices when it comes to planning funeral and memorial services. From simple to very elaborate, there are a variety of ways you can plan a meaningful service that enables your family and friends to remember and honor your loved one.
“Our firm offers a wide variety of options to meet your financial needs and wishes. Families should discuss all options with their funeral director when making arrangements.
“Funerals and memorial services do not need to be elaborate to be meaningful. [Share examples of inexpensive but meaningful elements of funerals you have helped direct.]
“These days, there are many options available to consumers. Funeral directors like me can help families understand all of their options so they can make
informed decisions. Whether a family wants a traditional service or something a little different, there’s always room for personalization. Creativity can make a service more meaningful and will allow family and friends to celebrate, honor and remember their loved one.”
Funeral Home Profitability
“Funeral homes are a business and they generate a profit, just like any other business, so that we can provide a comfortable setting for grieving families, cover business overhead, pay salaries of employees and give back to the community.
“Funeral home owners and managers like me are deeply involved and supportive of the communities they serve. We volunteer with local nonprofit and community organizations, we sponsor Little League teams, we’re on the planning committee for the Memorial Day parade, we organize efforts to collect comfort items for our troops serving overseas.
“Something we rarely publicize is that when parents experience a stillbirth or a baby dies in infancy, we often donate our services and provide items such as a casket or urn at cost. Some funeral directors do not charge these grieving parents anything at all. I’m proud to be part of a profession that does that – a profession that makes the families we serve and our community a priority in everything we do.
“A funeral is not centered on the casket. It’s my job to help families plan meaningful funerals and memorial services that bring them comfort and help them remember and honor their loved one. Choosing a casket is a personal decision for each family. Many factors, such as material, color and price, come into play for each family. My goal is to help the family identify the casket
www.mnfuneral.org 17
that best suits their needs and budget.
“The rise in cremation is the result of changing consumer preferences. Yes, it has had an effect on many firms’ profits. As a funeral director, however, my main concern is helping families honor their loved one in a way that is meaningful to them. Regardless of whether the family buries their loved one or chooses cremation, my priority is providing them with an experience that is meaningful to them and helps them as they grieve.”
Public Trust
“I’m proud to work in a business that is trusted. According to a Gallup poll, funeral directors were one of the top-rated professions for honesty and ethics. We’re in good company, according to the poll, with nurses, teachers, doctors and clergy.”
Embalming and Viewing
“Many families find comfort in seeing their loved one a final time before they are buried or cremated. However, embalming is just one of many choices a family can make when planning a meaningful funeral or memorial service.
“Some of the states require embalming in certain circumstances, such as if the body of the deceased will not be cremated, buried or refrigerated within a certain amount of time following the death. State laws do not tie embalming to viewing.
“Grief experts explain that there is value to viewing our loved ones – that seeing them one last time before they are buried, interred or cremated helps us acknowledge the reality of their death.”
Effect of the FTC Funeral Rule
“The Funeral Rule has been very positive for consumers in that it offers them a complete list of costs for the wide range of products and services offered by funeral homes. It guides them as they make informed decisions regarding the type of service they’d like to have for their loved one and helps them understand what they are purchasing.”
Whether you’re responding to questions from the media or from someone in your community, I hope you find these key messages helpful.
And if you do get a call from a reporter and need additional assistance, remember that as a benefit of your NFDA membership, you can receive complimentary public relations advice and assistance. Simply call NFDA at 800-228-6332.
Jessica Koth is NFDA public relations manager. She can be reached at 800-228-6332 or [email protected].
Reprinted with permission of the National Funeral Directors Association, www.nfda.org, NFDA Services Inc. USA February 2016.
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18 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2016
MFDA…The Right Road for More Than a CenturyBy Jerry J. Brown
Humankind was created with an intrinsic, universal emotion called ‘grief (sorrow)’. The mental, emotional ‘state of grief’ can be ignited by many phases. We grieve over the misery of others and we grieve in the loss of someone dear to us or something of value and important as part of our lifestyles. Noted grief therapist, Richard Obershaw, wrote in his book, Cry Until You Laugh, reveling that we even express a “form of grief over the loss of our car keys. “
There are myriad forms of dealing with grief among which is the existence of National and State Funeral Directors Associations. These organizations have become the paragons of the dying, death, grief and healing professions. For over a century, the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association, in concert with its membership, have created one of the top ranked Funeral Associations in the country.
Herewith are merely a modicum of MFDA’s 126-year highlights and achievements:
• In the 1950s MFDA was instrumental in achieving many legislative goals such as the single license law, higher county welfare rates, cost of participation, and sub-registration departments vis-à-vis the Health Department’s stronger Funeral Trust Laws.
• Prior to the emergence of national, state and local Funeral Director Associations, Funeral principles and practices were multifaceted and branded by the thousands of Funeral establishment’s nation wide.
• For over a century and a quarter of serving Minnesota Funeral establishments, MFDA’s peace-de-resistance has been a collaboration of State Funeral professionals and its product and merchandise suppliers. These entities recognize, understand, respond and gently guide families who struggle in the shock and confusion when death becomes a personal and familial challenge.
The profound aphorism, “There is power in plurality,” fits perfectly with the goals and objectives of the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association. The problems, programs, visions and future of Minnesota’s dying, death and personalized ceremonies are met and resolved by the group action of the Association. ‘Going it alone’ is rarely the ethos and remedy for solving problems affecting the profession. There is ‘strength in numbers’ and enhanced creativity when many minds and experiences comprise the cornerstones of MFDA.
…To be continued at the annual MFDA convention.
Rates per month. Bi-monthly issues starting 2016 (6 issues per year).
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John B. “Jack” White, 85, Minnesota funeral director, of Mankato, died Saturday, March 12, 2016, at Benedictine Living Community of St. Peter.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on March 17 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Rev. John Kunz officiating. Visitation was March 16 at Mankato Mortuary. Burial was at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the Benedictine Living Community of St. Peter.
John Bernard was born on June 12, 1930, in St. Paul to L. Frank and Kathleen (Monahan) White. He was a graduate of the Cretin Class of 1948 in St. Paul. He was also a graduate of the University of Minnesota. Jack served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Jack was united in marriage to Rosemarie Hassett in 1951. He was a funeral director for over 50 years. He was active in his communities, in both civic and religious organizations.
Jack is survived by his wife, Rosemarie “Romi”; children, Gregory John-deceased, Stephanie-deceased, Jeff (Mary), Tim (Jan), Greg (Nancy), Julia (Dave) Gramling, John, and Molly (Don) Schlingmann; 23 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; sister, Kathy (Gary) Steffenson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Alvina Benke, mother of David Benke, age 91, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at St. Therese of Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park, MN. She was born August 17, 1924, in Argyle, Minnesota, the daughter of John and Emily Grembowski. Alvina and her husband of 59 years, Harry, lived and farmed in the rural Stephen area until 1986. In addition to farming, Alvina also worked outside the home as a waitress and as a seamstress with Artic Cat Industries. The last several years of their time in northwestern Minnesota included summers spent at their lakeside retreat located in Lake Bronson State Park. Many fond memories were created at “THE LAKE” for all who visited. After leaving the farm, they moved to the Minneapolis area and spent most of their remaining years living at the Waterford in Brooklyn Park. Alvina’s husband, Harry, and their son, Richard, both died in March of 2002. After Harry died, Alvina spent eight years volunteering at the North Memorial hospital.
Alvina was a very kind, generous, and loving person, a woman of deep Catholic faith, who put her family first. She loved to play bingo and cards with family and friends, and she enjoyed an occasional trip to the casinos. Cooking and baking were a big part of her life, as were family gatherings. Alvina loved to feed people and it was impossible to stop by without eating something delicious and being given something to take home with you as well! Her quick wit, excellent memory, unending energy, her love
for traveling to family and relatives or having them come to her and her pride in being fashionable along with having her hair and nails done, are “Alvina.” She will be missed very much.
Alvina is preceded in death by her siblings, Edward Grembowski, Ralph Grembowski, and Isabelle Sten.
Alvina is survived by: Sons, Donald (Pauline) of Minnetonka, David (Mary) of St. Paul, Darrell of Dallas, TX, and Daughter, Darlene, of Phoenix, AZ. Two foster children, Joe and Agnes; Seven grandchildren: Blake, Derek, Scott, Michelle, Cory, Nicholas and Nathan; five great-grandsons: Max, Alex, Reese, Sullivan, and Mason; a great-granddaughter scheduled to arrive in May. A special BFF, Bessie Hawrysch; a Godchild, Brian Sjodin, who was always there for her; and many nieces and nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.
A visitation was held March 30 at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, Crystal, MN with burial in Assumption Catholic Church Cemetery, Florian, MN.
Memorial donations may be made to North Memorial Hospice Foundation, 3300 Oakdale Avenue North, Robbinsdale, MN 55442
Margo T. Kirby, mother of MFDA Past President Shawn Kirby, age 75, of LeSueur, MN, formerly of Indianapolis, Indiana & Mitchell, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 6, 2016, with her children at her side.
Margo was born April 18, 1940, in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Marguerite (Maloney) and Francis Blackwell. Preceding her in death are her brothers, Francis and David Blackwell; grandson, Thomas Dougherty, and former husband, Patrick Kirby. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Patrick (Maureen) Kirby, Shawn (Terri) Kirby, Michael (Judy) Kirby, Mary (Jim) Dougherty, Catherine (Kevin) McCardle, Anne (Gary) Steffen and Shelia Kirby; 18 grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and a sister, Patricia (Don) Lawless.
After she attended St. Joan of Arc High School in Indianapolis, and later marrying in 1960, she and her husband relocated to Mitchell, South Dakota in 1966 to raise their family. In Mitchell, she was a faithful member of Holy Family Catholic Church. When she completed raising her children, Margo moved to LeSueur, Minnesota in 1996. She enjoyed being with family and friends, and loved her large family gatherings, in LeSueur. She was a member of St. Anne Catholic Church. Margo was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and sister, and will be greatly missed by those who loved her.
A visitation was April 9 at Holy Family Catholic
Church in Mitchell, SD. Visitation was held on April 10 at Kolden Funeral Home in Le Sueur, MN. Mass of Christian Burial was April 11 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Le Sueur, MN. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Le Sueur, MN.
Dale A. Shelley, MFDA Past President 1972-1973, 88-year-old resident of Little Falls, MN passed away Thursday, April 14, 2016, at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Little Falls, MN.
Funeral service was held on April 22 at Grace Covenant Church in Little Falls, MN with Rev. Greg Satterberg officiating. Burial was at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls, MN. A visitation was April 21 at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls.
Dale was born on February 19, 1928, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to the late Helmer and Mildred (Hugdahl) Shelley. He grew up in Minneapolis, MN where he attended Central High School and graduated with the Class of 1946. After graduation, Dale enlisted into the United States Marine Corps on January 7, 1946, and served part of his enlistment in China. He was honorably discharged on November 4, 1947. Dale was united in marriage to JoAnn E. Brustad on June 5, 1948 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. In 1949, Dale pursued his dream of becoming a funeral director and enrolled at the University of Minnesota and graduated with his mortuary science degree from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, IL in 1950. After graduation, Dale worked as a funeral director in Arlington, MN and later worked in Minneapolis at the Albin Chapel and Listow-Wold Funeral Home. In 1958, Dale and JoAnn purchased the Leo M. Thompson Funeral Home in Little Falls, MN. Funeral directing was always Dale’s dream and his passion for the business showed through by how he treated people. Dale was a very compassionate person that always went the extra mile for the families he served. After 30 years of owning the Shelley Funeral Chapels, he sold the funeral home to his son Steve, but continued to help for the next 15 years. In his free time, Dale enjoyed wintering in Florida and spending time at his cabin on Gull Lake.
Dale was a member of Grace Covenant Church in Little Falls; where he served as a deacon for many years, life member of the Little Falls VFW, American Legion, D.A.V; as well as a member of the Morrison County Historical Society, Little Falls Rotary Club, and Sons of Norway. He also served on the Heartland Symphony board, MCBI Radio board, Sister City board, and was president of the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association in 1973. In the early 90’s Dale did two mission trips to the Jamaican Children’s Orphanage where he brought the good news
20 MFDA Bulletin • SPRING 2016
www.mnfuneral.org 21
of Jesus to the children of Jamaica with Gideon Bibles. Dale will forever be remembered for the compassion and kindness he showed to people.
Dale is survived by loving wife of 67 years, JoAnn Shelley of Little Falls, MN; daughter, Susan (Nick) Shelley-Brown of Wayzata, MN; sons, Steve (Gwyn) Shelley of Little Falls, MN and Scott (Julie) Shelley of Cambridge, MN; grandchildren, Stephanie (Steve) Lindell, Sarah (Justin) Clark, Eric Shelley, Emily (Kyle) Johnson, Leah (Brett) Anderson and Mark Shelley; and great-grandchildren, Wyatt & Liam Lindell and Ruby Clark.
Dale was preceded in death by parents, Helmer C. and Mildred C. Shelley; brother, David Shelley; and sister, Natalie Hagstrom.
Mary Ann Nasinec, mother of Nathan (Susan) Nasinec, owners of Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells, age 79, of Montgomery, MN died Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at Traditions of Montgomery, MN.
Mass of Christian Burial was held April 18 at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery, MN, with Fr. Victor Valencia officiating. Visitation was April 17 at Traditions Chapel in Montgomery. Interment was at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Montgomery. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, please visit www.brussheitner.com
Mary Ann was born January 2, 1937, in Montgomery, MN, the daughter of Frank and Marcella (Pinc) Tupy. She attended Montgomery High School and graduated in the class of 1955. Mary Ann met her husband Alvin at a high school dance and the couple married June 6, 1955 in Montgomery. She had worked downtown Montgomery at Ruuhela’s Five and Dime, Green Giant Canning factory, as well as waitressed at Town’s Edge, and The Dinner Bell until her stroke at the age of 41. Mary Ann was an active and faithful member of Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church where she was involved with CCW, and the Rosary Society, and was a long time treasurer for Degree of Honor. Mary Ann enjoyed being outside amongst her flowers and garden in her younger days. She was Al’s right hand on the farm, driving tractor and baling hay. Mary Ann took art classes by mail; she was very talented and would draw pictures so her children could color, which was better than coloring books! She was involved with 4-H as a leader 20 consecutive years and LeSueur County Home Extension. Mary Ann enjoyed being a part of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s lives, and dearly loved watching and holding the babies. She played piano and loved listening to a variety of music. When the occasion arose, she enjoyed taking the bus on casino day trips, so
she could people watch and play the slots.
Mary Ann is survived by her husband of 59 years, Alvin Nasinec of Montgomery; 3 children: Wylene Van Guilder of Delano, MN; Charlene Schleeve of Montgomery, MN; Nathan (wife Susie) Nasinec of Wells, MN; 9 grandchildren: Nicole Misencik (fiancé Joe Boegeman) of Prior Lake, Brittany (husband Kevin) Barden of Burnsville, Christopher Van Guilder of Minnentonka, Tyler Van Guilder of Delano; Alexandra Schleeve-Fisher of Montgomery, Theodore Schleeve (fiancée Kali Christenson) of Faribault; Brandon Nasinec (Danielle Roberts), Aaron and Cameron Nasinec, all of Wells; 8 great-grandchildren: Harper Barden; Dominic, Christian and Aurora Fisher; Stella Rich, Thomas Mathison and Nicholas Schleeve; Zander Nasinec; 1 brother: Donnie (wife Connie) Tupy of Montgomery; sister-in-law: Millicent Docken of Rosemount, MN; brother-in-law: John (wife Sue) Nasinec of Eagle Lake, MN; 7 nieces and nephews: Tammy (Ted) Kaderlik, Randy Tupy and Linda Tupy; Michele (Tim) Hoaglund, Carla (Doug) Maile, Paula Blair; Londa (Reggie) Larson, Michael Nasinec, Jamie (Cindy) Nasinec; along with their children, and many dear cousins and their families.
She is preceded in death by her parents; nephew: Glen Docken, brother-in-law: Gordy Docken.
Carleen Helgeson, Minnesota funeral director, of Boyd, died Monday, April 18, 2016, at Lake Winona Manor Nursing Home in Winona at the age of 64.
Funeral services was held on April 21 at Watson Lutheran Church in Watson with Rev. Lori Wold and Vicar Linda Estling officiating. Interment was in Sunset Memorial Cemetery. Visitation was held on April 20 at Anderson-TeBeest Funeral Home in Montevideo.
Carleen Ellen Helgeson was born Elizabeth Ann Rude at Booth Memorial Hospital in St. Paul, MN on November 24, 1951. She came to live with her new parents, Maurice “Ole” and Elva (Fremo) Norman on February 13, 1952, at the age of 12 weeks. She was baptized at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Montevideo and confirmed at Watson Lutheran Church in Watson, MN. She attended country school until the 5th grade when she started attending Milan Public School, graduating in 1969.
Carleen continued her education at Willmar Junior College and then St. Cloud State University. She was united in marriage to David A. Helgeson at Watson Lutheran Church on October 30, 1976. She loved animals, especially sheep, as well as riding bike, decorating cakes, antiquing, dancing, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends.
After working in the banking industry, she went
back to school and obtained her Associates Degree in the Veterinary Technician program at Willmar. A woman of many interests, she returned to her studies by enrolling in the University of Minnesota’s Mortuary Science program, where she was proud to be selected by her classmates to speak at her graduation in 2003. She began work for the Anderson-TeBeest Funeral Home that same year, and found her true calling helping people in their darkest hours of loss and grief.
She is survived by her son John and his wife Shannon; two granddaughters, Sawyer and Anilise, one grandson, David; three half-sisters: Lavonne Olson, Linda Brett and Nancy Ziesmer; three half brothers: Michael, Mark and Kevin Benolken and numerous extended family members and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, David; brother, Terry Benolken; and nephew, Zebulon Olson.
Patrick Dominic Dougherty, father of Michael Dougherty, owner of Thomson-Dougherty Funeral Home in Minneapolis, was born in Hibbing, Minnesota on September 10, 1930. He proudly served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force during the Korean War. He married the love of his life, Victoria Iammatteo, in 1954 and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting from the University of North Dakota soon afterward. Patrick took employment with General Electric in Milwaukee, WI. He eventually left the company to own and operate his own liquor store in the suburb of West Allis. After that, he moved his family back to Hibbing to be with relatives and friends. People knew him as a loyal husband and father. He enjoyed spending time with family, where there was always an abundance of good food, stories, card playing and much laughter.
Patrick passed peacefully from this world to join his Lord and Savior on May 31, 2016. His sweet disposition and wisdom will be remembered by many.
Patrick is preceded in death by his parents, Josephine Bretto-Dougherty and Thomas R. Dougherty; brothers Joseph and Thomas Dougherty; sisters Mary Hamlin, Barbara McGowan and Rosanne Mahon.
He will be deeply missed by his wife, Victoria; daughter, Paula Dougherty-Cameron (Richard); sons, Mark P. Dougherty, Steven P. Dougherty (Kathy McGorray) and Michael P. Dougherty (Laura); grandchildren, Patrick Cameron (Amelia), Brian Cameron, Timothy Cameron , John Cameron, Kylie Jo Dougherty, Brendan Dougherty, Noah Royal, Vincent Dougherty and Bela Dougherty; and great grandchildren, Robert Cameron, June Cameron and Dominic
22 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2016
IN MEMORIAM
Dougherty-Feringa; brother, John (Mary Kay) Dougherty and sister, Katherine “Kato” Hermann; other relatives and friends.
We are grateful for the exceptional care he received at the Veterans Administration Medical Center through the years and up to his death. Thanks to all of you who showed kindness to our father in so many ways.
Prayers followed by reception was held June 4 at the THOMSON-DOUGHERTY MANSION, Minneapolis. Private family casketed interment with honors was held on June 6 at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.
John R. “Bob” Kennedy, Minnesota funeral director, dear friend, husband and proud dad, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 5, 2016, with his wife and sons at his side at the age of 50, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester.
A Celebration of his life was held on June 10 at St. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church of Blue Earth, with a visitation on June 9 at Patton Funeral Home. Burial was in the Fells Cemetery of Libertyville, IA. His services are being planned and cared for by his “family” at the Patton Funeral Home of Blue Earth.
Bob was born October 12, 1965, in Keokuk, IA to Geoffrey and Karen (Jennings) Kennedy. He graduated in 1984 from Oelwein High School, attended the University of Northern Iowa and graduated from Chicago’s Worsham College of Mortuary Science on April 11, 1988.
Once Bob began his funeral apprenticeship at the Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield IA, he met Dawn and together they began their journey from Iowa City to Marshalltown, where they were married on April 22, 1995. Bob was active in the Marshalltown Jaycees, and was known for re-establishing the Nightmare on Main Street Haunted House. He enjoyed softball, golfing and riding his motorcycle, and in October of 1996, Bob and Dawn welcomed their first son, Jack.
In October of 1999, Bob and his family took the opportunity to manage the Patton Funeral Home of Blue Earth, excited to raise a family in a small community. In January of 2000, second son, Jared, joined the family, and in March of 2002 their third son, Justin, was born. Bob was a dedicated father and family man, teaching his boys all of his knowledge of life and of course, baseball! He loved his three boys with all his heart and will be remembered as a dad who attended their life moments, games (be it sports or video!), and valued each and every moment he got to spend with Jack, Jared and Justin.
For 17 years Bob was a funeral director in the Blue Earth area, and gave his service and support to over 1, 700 families while at Patton’s.
Bob was a passionate director, and strove to go above and beyond the needs of every family who walked through the doors of the funeral home he helped design. To show his care and love for the community, Bob chose a staff at the funeral home that was, and will continue to be, caring and dedicated to all. Bob truly had a second family at Patton Funeral Home.
John Robert Kennedy loved sports; playing, coaching, spectating and umping made Bob happy. He attended as many BEA basketball, baseball and football games as possible. The Iowa Hawkeyes were undeniably his favorite team (sorry Rob). Bob was proud of his 13 year commitment to the “B’s or Better Breakfast” for the BEA middle school academic achievers. He was a longtime member of the Lions Club, and a well-known volunteer for many community events. Bob will be remembered for his humorous antics, friendships, meticulous attention to details, true love for his family, and wowing the little old church ladies with his “perfect hair”!
Bob leaves behind his wife of 21 years, Dawn; his three sons, Jack, Jared and Justin Kennedy; mother, Karen Kennedy of Marshalltown IA; father, Geoffrey (Lisa) Kennedy of Godfrey, IL; grandmother, Verlie Kennedy of Hamilton, IL; in-laws, Gale (Jan) Underwood of Danville, IA; many cousins, extended family, close friends, families he served, and a community he was proud to be a part of.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents; infant sister, Mary Ann Kennedy; brother, Todd Kennedy; and brother-in-law, Bryan Underwood.
In lieu of flowers, and to save the backs of his funeral staff, Bob’s direct wishes were to have any gifts be made out to the “Bob Kennedy Family Fund” which is set up at the First Bank of Blue Earth (306 S. Main Street 56013), for his three son’s future endeavors. - See more at: http://www.pattonfh.com/obituary/John-R.-Bob-Kennedy/Blue-Earth-MN/1624185#sthash.YpCEmFZl.dpuf
Gerald “Jerry” Eiynck, Minnesota funeral director, a “young” 72 of Blaine sailed away on June 10, 2016, after a brief battle with Pancreatic Cancer.
Jerry was a funeral director for Kozlak-Radulovich Funeral Chapels where he spent the last 13 years of his career. After graduating from San Francisco College of Mortuary Science, he worked briefly in CA and then at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead, Sathe Funeral Home in Jackson, Listoe & Wold in St. Paul, Kapala Glodek Funeral Home in NE Minneapolis and then Washburn McReavy in Minneapolis. Weeks before his death, Jerry was presented a certificate of recognition from the State of
Minnesota for 45+ years working as a licensed Mortician.
To his work family who knew and loved him dearly, Jerry was an icon in the funeral industry. His passion and belief in funeral service is unparalleled and we all aspire to provide the level of care that he did. Even in his last days, as families found out about his illness, letters and messages poured in about how he touched so many in the brief time he cared for their families.
Known for his love of shrimp & lobster, Jerry was a food connoisseur from the extravagant to the greasy! His favorites include The Lexington, Jax Café and White Castle. When he wasn’t eating, his pastimes included sailing with best friend and “adopted brother” Mike Burns on Lake Superior and taking motorcycle trips around the country.
In celebration of Jerry, there was a visitation on June 20 at the Kozlak-Radulovich Chapel, Minneapolis. Memorials can be directed to Hope 4 Youth or Our Lady of Peace Hospice in St. Paul.
Norman W. Zachow, Minnesota funeral director, age 94, of Minneapolis, formerly of Hutchinson, MN, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 21, 2016. A funeral service was held on June 27 at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest alongside his beloved Audrey.
Preceded in death by parents Robert and Helena “Lena” Zachow, brothers Roland and Martin, sister Gertrude Groehler, and his wife of 67 years, Audrey, who died Nov. 2, 2015.
Survived by son John “Jack” (Linda) of Seminole, FL; daughters JoAnne (Gary Hede), Norma (Tony DeMars), and Mary (Andrew) Zachow, all of Minneapolis, and Denise (Paul Burandt) Zachow of Chaska; and grandchildren. Norman was born to German-American parents and raised in Gaylord, MN. Following high school and heeding the call like so many others of his generation, he joined the US Navy and proudly served aboard a hospital ship, the USS Solace, during WWII. Upon return, he went to school on the GI Bill and graduated from the Univ. of MN with a degree in Mortuary Sciences. Most importantly, he met and married the lovely Audrey Mae Loberg of St. Paul. Norman’s career took him to multiple locations, notably Lime Springs, IA (1956-1966), until he settled in Hutchinson, where he and Audrey lived for close to fifty years. He will be deeply missed. If desired, memorials to Alina Health Hospice or the hospice of donor’s choice.
The Johnson Funeral Home in Dassel was in charge of the interment arrangements.
www.mnfuneral.org 23
The National Funeral Directors Association recently received a call from an Ohio funeral home asking about a large jewelry order it had received over the phone. In addition, two separate funeral homes in small, rural areas of Minnesota have experienced calls from outside the state ordering expensive cremation jewelry.
In both incidents, the credit card information given over the phone proved stolen. One funeral home found out after the fact and the second called the credit card company ahead of time because it became suspicious.
It seems that scammers, in their never-ending quest to take advantage, may be re-using an old scam. Not all scams are as obvious as the long-lost uncle in Nigeria looking to transfer money to the United States or the bogus email from Apple with a dozen grammatical mistakes in an attempt to convey the message that an iTunes account will be frozen.
The key word is vigilance. T. Scott Gilligan, NFDA general counsel, prepared the following list of precautions to avoid merchandise fraud.
1. Whenever the funeral home receives an email detailing that some person has died and the sender is looking to make funeral arrangements, your radar should click on. This is especially true if the sender is from outside the United States. Funeral homes should insist that the person makes arrangements in person or over the phone. Do not commit to any arrangements until you can verify the death and the location of the body. Never pay out any cash advances, such as funds for air travel or removal costs of the funeral home holding the body. Do not give out your banking information if the sender wants to “wire” money to your account.
2. Simply because a charge goes through on a credit card does not mean it is legitimate. The credit card may have been stolen and a chargeback will eventually be made against the funeral home when the theft is discovered. Funeral homes should be very careful about accepting credit card payments when the contract is initiated by the consumer and the card number is given via email, fax or telephone. If a consumer sends you a check and asks you to ship merchandise, wait until the check has cleared and the money is in your account before shipping.
3. Never wire funds to a consumer, especially overseas. Also do not provide account information to an overseas consumer who needs to deposit funds into your account.
4. Be suspicious whenever a purchase order is for several of the same items of merchandise, such as cremation jewelry.
5. Whenever a funeral home is required to ship to an international address, it should be suspicious as many scams are initiated overseas.
6. VISA advises that merchants be careful when asked to ship to a single address when the transaction is placed on multiple cards.
7. Another sign of a possible scam is orders from addresses that use free email services. VISA reports that these email services have no billing relationship with the consumer, making them very difficult to trace.
Guidelines to Avoid Telephone Scams
1. Funeral homes should not accept collect calls from shoppers.
2. Beware of any calls or emails from someone claiming to be an IRS agent. The IRS does not call or use email when initiating any type of tax inquiries. Rather, any such contact would be made by U.S. mail.
3. Be wary if the caller claims to be a telephone company employee or government investigator checking on possible technical problems with your telephone. Do not comply with requests to dial certain numbers in order to “check” on technical problems. Instead, ask the caller for his or her name and telephone number and then call the telephone company immediately to determine whether there is a problem with the funeral home’s telephone service. Do not dial any numbers or transfer the call to an outside line.
4. If the funeral home provides telephone calling cards to its employees, the calling card number and personal identification number should be memorized. Never write the PIN on a calling card. If the calling card is stolen or lost, it should immediately be reported to the company that issued the card.
5. Do not purchase any item over the phone from an unfamiliar company. Always request more information in writing and delay your purchase until you have received it and had the opportunity to review it.
6. Never respond or send money to a charity on the basis of a phone call. Always ask for and wait until you receive written material about any charity.
7. If a funeral home is stung by a telephone scam, alert your telephone carrier as soon as you receive the bill containing the charge. Inform the telephone company that you are contesting the charge because it is part of a fraudulent scheme. Most telephone carriers will delete the charge on that basis.
Scam Alert – Be Aware of Merchandise FraudReprinted from Memorial Business Journal, July 7, 2016
24 MFDA Bulletin • SPRING 2016
There’s a hole in your heart.
Not really, but it might feel that way when someone you love is gone. It’s like you’re a potato chip bag without chips,
or like a balloon with no air. You’re just plain empty, as though you’ve sprung a leak. But as you’ll see in the new book “My Old Pal, Oscar” by Amy Hest, illustrated by Amy Bates, there’ll come a time when you’ll feel better.
That dog was just hanging around.
He followed the little boy, dug around the boys’ sand castle, shook water everywhere, and made big prints in the sand with his fat little feet. The boy had no idea who the dog was. The dog wasn’t saying, either.
The boy tried to leave the dog behind. He said “goodbye” to the dog many times, but
the little black and white pup kept following right behind the boy. It was annoying. Nope, the boy wasn’t even going to look at the dog. “No way.”
The boy knew that the dog wanted to be friends, but it just wasn’t going to happen again. The boy already had a friend once that looked just like the pup. That friend’s name was Oscar, and he was the boy’s “one and only dog.”
No more dogs, ever again. Nuh-uh, Oscar was it, end of story.
But the little dog had such big black eyes.
Maybe it would be okay if the pup walked along the beach with the boy. Just once, and the boy told the little dog all about Oscar.
Oscar was a big fan of the beach, and of sunshine and wind and water. Because Oscar loved the sea, that was where the boy went to say goodbye on the day after Oscar died. He even drew a picture of Oscar and kept it near his pillow at night. He’d never stop being sad about Oscar, and he didn’t want another dog.
But then, it started to rain. Oscar loved rain, but this little pup obviously didn’t. The boy couldn’t just leave the furry guy outside, could he? No, he couldn’t and besides, he had a whole lot more Oscar stories to tell…
Here’s fair warning: if your family has ever loved a dog, it’s going to be really hard not to get teary while reading this book to your child. Very hard.
And yet, you’ll smile through your tears, both at illustrator Amy Bates’ bouncy little dog and at the boy’s wavering determination and his need to remember. We’ve all stared grief in the face and vowed our never-agains, but the way the boy tackles his sorrow and his willingness to try again – it’s just right for kids ages 5-to-8 and for any adult who craves that comfort.
Author Amy Hest touches hearts all over the place in this book, and though this can be a delicate subject, I think she hits all the right spots. If your child misses someone very beloved, “My Old Pal, Oscar” will rightly fill the hole in his bookcase.
My Old Pal Oscar Book ReviewBy Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm Sez, LLC
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www.mnfuneral.org 25
TO MFDA’S 2016 ALLIED MEMBERS
MFDA thanks those individuals who have shown their commitment to MFDA and its members by becoming Allied members. To contact a member, call the MFDA office at 763-416-0124, refer to your MFDA Directory, or visit the online MFDA Buyer’s Guide at www.mnfuneral.org.
SPECIAL THANKS
Anatomy Bequest Program Jake Anderson, Andrew Ashton, Paul Hill, Angela McArthur, Sarah Paulsen, John Straub, Tamara Voss www.bequest.umn.edu
Answering Service for Directors Jason Bathurst www.myASD.com
AP Lazer David Strickler www.aplazer.com
Artco Casket Company, Inc. Al Whitmer, Steve Doscher, Wally Gelecinskyj www.artcocasket.com
Assured Decontamination Services Perry Ebner www.deconservices.com
Baines Professional Vehicles John Baines www.4hearse.com
Batesville Nicki Mikolai www.batesville.com
Brown-Wilbert, Inc. Dave Gavin, Christopher Brown, Andrew Brown, Bruce Bratton, Brett Jacobsen, Maleia Kavitz, John Schmitt, Jeff Bauer, Jerry Brown www.brown-wilbert.com
Forest Lawn Memorial Park Association Kari A. Hubbard www.forestlawnmn.com
Funeral Directors Life Insurance Company John Harrington Scott Tufto www.funeraldirectorslife.com
Funeral One Harry Joachim www.funeralone.com
Gorder Mortuary Supply James Messer www.gordersupply.com
Homesteaders Life Company Steve Byhre www.homesteaderslife.com
Keith M. Merrick Co., Inc.Kyle Grimes www.keithmerrick.com
Kelco SupplyAlicia Carrwww.kelcosupply.com
Keystone Funeral Home Design BuildRuss Karaschwww.keystone.db.com
Laker InsurancePatrick Zalusky
LifeSource Organ and Tissue DonationMelinda DeVries www.life-source.org
MAS CommunicationsMary Reeves www.mascommunications.net
Matthews Aurora Casket Roger Ruth, Alexis Smith www.matw.com
Meadow Hill CorporationMaria Ross www.meadowhillco.com
Medical Disposal Systems, Inc.Warren Winkelman www.mds-mn.com
MessengerBob Hoaglund www.messengerstationery.com
Midwest Medical Examiners OfficeAngie Chalmers www.midwestmedicalexaminer.com
Minnesota Lions Eye Bank Sara McFee www.mnlionseyebank.org
Monumental Sales Dave Dobe www.sunburstmemorials.com
Northwestern Casket Co. David Koll www.nwcasket.com
Peterson Law Office Bill Peterson www.petersonlawoffice.com
Pluto Legal Cheryl Vos www.plutolegal.com
Robert L. Archbold, LLC Robert L. Archbold www.robertlarchbold.com
Scene Clean, Inc. Nate Berg www.scenecleanmn.com
Senior Advantage Consultants Julie and Jim Palm www.sradvantageconsultants.com
Shepart Dawson Grover www.shepart.com
Steinhaus Supply Services Steven Steinhaus
The Purple Cross PlanDenis Nordlum www.purplecross.com
United Heritage InsuranceBob Hanson www.unitedheritage.com
University of Minnesota Mortuary Science Michael LuBrant www.mortuaryscience.umn.edu
Willmar Precast CompanyRon Jasperson
26 MFDA Bulletin • SUMMER 2016
Nelson-Doran Funeral Home, Brainerd, is looking to fill a full time funeral director position that was held for the past 28 years. We will offer a more than competitive package to the right candidate along with a fair work schedule. If interested, please send resume to; [email protected] or call 218-829-4755 and ask for Mike Doran. (7/6/16)
Kozlak-Radulovich Funeral Chapels is looking for a full time funeral director to join their growing team. We are looking for someone with a passion for the funeral industry and the desire to perform extraordinary services. Our three chapels are located in NE Minneapolis, Blaine & Maple Grove. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 1-2 years of experience in the industry. Competitive salary based on experience & benefits are offered. Please send resume and cover letter to Danielle at [email protected] or mail to 1918 University Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418. (6/29/16)
Michaelson Funeral Home is a family owned funeral home in southern Minnesota operating locations in Owatonna, Kenyon and West Concord. The firm is deeply rooted in and well known for giving back to it communities. The funeral home operation is guided by a set of core values and a vision that ensures everyone is operating in unison as a team. If you want to be a part of a team that operates with a value system built around the concepts of customer first, strong work ethic, continuous improvement, and doing the right thing, apply online at https:\\michaelsonfuneral.prevueapps.com or submit your resume via email to [email protected] ; via mail to Michaelson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 482, Owatonna, MN 55060. Visit www.michaelsonfuneral.com for more information about our firm. Michaelson Funeral Home offers full compensation packages including healthcare, retirement, community memberships and several other benefits. We are currently looking for an intern or mortician licensed or able to attain licensure in Minnesota. (6/24/16)
Family-owned funeral home has the opportunity for a full-time MN licensed funeral director to join our team at the Mayer Funeral Home in Austin, MN. Responsibilities would include transfers, embalming, funeral arrangements and service coordination. Individual must be a self-motivated person that is able to think independently and work without direct supervision. Position comes with competitive salary based on experience, paid vacation, retirement plan, health insurance, and other benefits. Please send resume to Joe at [email protected] or call 507-433-1817. Inquiries will be kept strictly confidential. (6/22/16)
St. Cloud family owned funeral home, Daniel Funeral Home, is looking for a dedicated funeral service intern or newly licensee to become a professional member of its staff. This entry level position will share on-call duties with other funeral directors. It will involve all aspects of funeral service. We offer a friendly working environment with the opportunity for personal growth. Wages include a salary guarantee with hourly overtime. Excellent health, dental, life, profit sharing, paid vacation and sick leave. Please send resume to: Paul Daniel, Daniel Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1222, St. Cloud, MN 56302 or email resume to: [email protected] (6/1/16)
Schuller Family Funeral Homes, a family-owned funeral home with 3 locations in Central MN, has the opportunity for a full-time MN licensed funeral director or eligible intern to join our team. Responsibilities in all aspects of business, including: transfers; embalming; and pre-need, at-need, and post-need arrangement counseling. Looking for a director or intern that will work in our team environment, but also is able to think independently and work without direct supervision. Position comes with competitive salary based on experience, paid vacation, retirement plan, health insurance, housing availability, and other benefits such as Student Loan assistance and health club membership. Find out more about our community and surrounding area at www.wadenachamber.com and www.wadena.org. Please send resume to [email protected] or call Joe at (218) 631-3632. www.schullerfamilyfh.com. Inquiries will be kept strictly confidential. (6/1/16)
Williams Dingmann Funeral Homes, in St. Cloud, Minnesota is looking for an Intern or licensed funeral director/embalmer. Candidate must have strong communication skills, be a team player, consistently deliver high client satisfaction, and possess a strong desire to exceed expectations with families he/she serves. Funeral home provides a competitive salary, health insurance, 401K, ongoing training, and opportunity plan (bonuses). If you meet the above criteria and are interested in being part of a dynamic and successful team, please send resume and salary history to: Doug Dingmann at [email protected] or call 320-252-2522. (5/25/16)
For Sale – Funeral Home in NE Minnesota in Cook. Same original owners since inception in 1983. The firm does an average of 70 calls per year. Solid pre-need and limited competition. Owner is looking to retire. Our area has much to offer. Call 218-666-5298 or email [email protected].
Hartquist Funeral Home, a family-owned funeral home, has the opportunity for a full-time licensed funeral director/embalmer to join our family. Our professional business is based on serving families as though they were our own. Our funeral home has three funeral chapels located throughout three counties in southwest Minnesota, serving over 200 families each year. We offer a competitive salary with complete benefits including medical insurance, pension plan, three-day weekends, paid vacation, and much more. We are looking for applicants that have a willingness to learn and wish to help families create a meaningful funeral experience. The newly hired director would be based at our location in Pipestone. To get a feel of our work environment, staff, and level of professionalism, please visit our website at www.hartquistfuneral.com. Contact Jeff Hartquist, 209 Elm St., Luverne, MN 56156 or at 507.283.2777 to set up an interview. Inquiries will be kept strictly confidential. (5/10/16)
Licensed Funeral Director/Funeral Director Intern Opportunities
CLASSIFIEDS
www.mnfuneral.org 27
Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels is a family-owned and operated funeral business in the Twin Cities with 16 locations that serve the Twin-Cities Metro Area. We have an immediate opening for an experienced licensed funeral director. We provide a competitive compensation package with excellent benefits including medical, dental, profit sharing, paid-time-off, and a fair work & on-call schedule. We value compassionate customer service and communication skills, and are looking for a qualified director to join the Washburn-McReavy team. Please email resume and references to: [email protected], or mail to Washburn McReavy Attn: Bill McReavy, Jr, 2301 Dupont Ave S, Minneapolis MN 55405 (5/10/16)
Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home in Albert Lea, Minnesota has two immediate full time openings for an intern or licensed mortician. Higher positions are also available. These positions will include all aspects of funeral service. Please mail resume’s to: Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home, 1415 Hwy 13 N, Albert Lea, MN 56007 (4/27/16)
Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead (Fargo-Moorhead). We are looking for the right person to join us as a funeral director or intern funeral director. You would be joining a dynamic group of young professionals that enjoy working with each other. Excellent pay depending on experience, benefits, and a schedule shared among five directors. Our creative approach to serving families ensures great client satisfaction, making our work rewarding. Reply to [email protected], Wright Funeral Home, 605 2nd Avenue South, Moorhead, MN, 56560, or 218.233.1321 (4/25/16)
Jack Funeral Homes, Ltd., with locations in Blair and Whitehall, WI is looking for a Wisconsin licensed funeral director. Salary to be based on experience. Future ownership possibilities for the right individual. Send resume with references to Jack Funeral Homes, Ltd. P.O. Box 577, Whitehall, WI 54773 (3/30/16)
Funeral Director available to do relief work. No time period too long or short. Also will do human remains transfers to your location from other states. References available upon request. Please contact Mark Randall at (605) 270-3017 (1/27/16)
Family owned and operated funeral home has an opening for licensed funeral director or intern at our Jackson and Lakefield, MN locations. If you are interested or have any questions, please call Nick Osterberg at 507.847.3300 or email your resume to [email protected] (1/19/16)
Miller-Carlin Funeral Homes are looking for an intern or licensed individual to join our family owned funeral homes in central Minnesota and become a full-time member of our staff. We would look forward to helping an intern learn all areas of the funeral business and would welcome a fully licensed individual with any level experience. Our funeral homes are located near several lakes, colleges, retail and medical facilities. We also have many trails for biking in the summer and snowmobiles in the winter. We are less than one hour from the twin cities metro area. This position will include a portion of on-call time that is split with other licensed staff. Benefits include a company vehicle, company cell phone, paid continuing education, paid license fees, paid vacation, and more. Competitive pay and benefit information is provided upon request. Please e-mail your resume to [email protected]. (8/10/15)
Sturm Funeral Home is seeking a licensed funeral director or intern to serve in one of our locations in Southern Minnesota. Director will be a location manager involved with all aspects of funeral service and will share an on-call schedule with five other directors. Applicant should have experience with excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills and have a passion for helping friends and neighbors within the community. Must have or be able to obtain a MN Morticians License. We offer a generous full benefit package. Learn more at www.sturmfh.com or contact Jay Van Sickle at 507-794-5221 or e-mail [email protected]. (8/1/15)
Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes & Cremation Services is seeking a full-time licensed funeral director or intern to add to our current staff. This person will be involved with the complete duties of a funeral director from the removal to the final disposition. We offer a competitive salary and year-end bonus along with benefits such as full company paid family health and dental insurance, retirement plan, license fees, continuing education costs, vacation, several community paid benefits, and bi-annual clothing allowance. We have five locations in south central Minnesota with our main office being in New Ulm, a beautiful clean city of around 15,000 residents. You would be joining a staff of 4 other licensed morticians. The on call schedule and the holiday schedule would be evenly rotated between all the licensed staff. For more information on the funeral home and how it operates as a “Community owned co-operative” go to www.mvfh.org. For information on the New Ulm community, go to www.newulm.com and request a relocation guide. Please e-mail your cover letter and resume to General Manager, Bruce Savoy, at [email protected] or mail to Bruce Savoy, C/o Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes, P. O. Box 393, New Ulm, MN 56073. (6/1/15)
Licensed Funeral Director/Funeral Director Intern Opportunities
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