mfda bulletin fall 2015

BULLETIN PUBLISHED QUARTERLY FOR THE MINNESOTA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION MEMBERS.

MFDA BulletinMinnesota Funeral Directors Association7046 East Fish Lake Road Maple Grove, MN 55311

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PRIOR LAKE, MNPERMIT NO. 23

FALL 2015

2015 District Meetings a Success

MANKATO

MINNEAPOLIS

ST. CLOUD

WILLMAR

DETROIT LAKES

BAGLEY CHISHOLM

ROCHESTER

SUMMONS

State

County

District Court

Judicial District

Employee, Plaintiff,

vs.

Your Company, Defendant.

Court File Number: 1234567890

Case Type: Negligence

Summons

THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO THE BUSINESS OWNER.

1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has alleged that she was harassed in the

workplace. Pl aintiff's Complaint against you is attached to this summons. Do not throw these

They are official papers that affect your rights. You must respond to this lawsuit even though it

may not yet be filed with the Court and there may be no court file number on this summons.

2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 20 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You

must give or mail to the person who signed this summons a written response called an Answer

within 20** days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must send a copy of

your Answer to the person who signed this summons located at:

___________________________________.

3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response

to the Plaintiff's Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with

each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the Plaintiff should not be given everything

asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer.

4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN

RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS

SUMMONS. If you do not Answer within 20 days, you will lose this case. You will not get to

tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against you and award the Plaintiff

everything asked for in the complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the

complaint, you do not need to respond. A default judgment can then be entered against you for

the relief requested in the complaint.

Every employer, no matter what size, has to deal with human resource issues, regulations, and employment law changes. Contact your local marketing representative to learn how you can gain unlimited access to independent employment law attorneys who provide state-specific legal advice on your employment-related questions.

Visit www.federatedinsurance.com to find a representative near you.

Who’s Keeping You Out of Court?

*Not licensed in the states of NH, NJ, and VT. © 2015 Federated Mutual Insurance Company

www.mnfuneral.org 3

Minnesota Funeral Directors Association In This IssueExecutive Director’s Report .......................................... 4

From the President ........................................................ 5

New Leadership Academy .............................................6

MFDA October Insurance Course ................................ 7

Hearts of Hope Reunion Camp .....................................8

Spring 2015 Legislative Update .....................................9

U of M Mortuary Science Update ............................ 10-11

Four Ways to Create Great Social Meida Content ...... 11

NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Awards ...........................12

District 9 Golf Tournament Winners ..........................13

Historical Highlights Part IV .......................................14

MFDA – An Organization Imerative ...........................15

In Memoriam ............................................................16-17

HR Question of the Month ...........................................18

MFDA Allied Members ................................................21

Classifieds ................................................................22-23

2015-16 CalendarOct 18-21, NFDA International Convention & Expo Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN

Oct 22-23, MFDA Insurance CEU Seminar Nicollet Inn Best Western, Burnsville, MN

Oct 30, MFDA Leadership Academy Session #1

Nov 5, Lifesource Donate Life Symposium DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington - Minneapolis South

Nov 12, MFDA Leadership Academy Session #2

Dec 10, MFDA Leadership Academy Session #3

May 23-25, 2016, MFDA 126th Annual Convention Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Red Wing, MN

President Shawn Kirby Kolden Funeral Service Le Sueur, MN [email protected]

Treasurer Jeff Hartquist Hartquist Funeral Home Luverne, MN [email protected]

Secretary Ashley Hoff-Czaplewski Hoff Funeral and Cremations Service St. Charles, MN [email protected]

Past President Michael Cudmore Cease Funeral Home Bagley, MN [email protected]

The MFDA Bulletin is published monthly for MDFA members. Copyright ©2015 MFDA Service Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior written permission of the publisher. Advertising opportunities are available by contacting MFDA to request an ad rate sheet. Classified ads are also available at $50 for up to 75 words. Please e-mail the ad to [email protected], fax or mail to the fax number or address listed above, along with the desired run time of your ad.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS, STAFF AND OTHER CONTACTS

Kelly J. Kelly (District 1) Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes Kasson, MN [email protected]

Tonya D. Borth (District 2) Schoenbauer Funeral Home Le Center, MN [email protected]

Marquis Madison (District 3) Totzke Funeral Home Fulda, MN [email protected]

Lance Peterson (District 4/5) Peterson Brothers Funeral Home and Cremation Service Willmar, MN [email protected]

Scott Benson (District 6 & 7) Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel, Inc. Robbinsdale, MN [email protected]

Doyle Hofer (District 8) Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service Little Falls, MN [email protected]

Steve Sheets, CFSP (District 9) Schoeneberger Funeral Home Perham MN [email protected]

Dan Dahl (District 10) Dahl Funeral Home East Grand Forks, MN [email protected]

Chris Jacobson (District 11) Bell Brothers Funeral Home, Duluth, MN [email protected]

POLICY BOARD REPRESENTATIVE

Leif Larsen Green-Larsen Mortuary International Falls, MN [email protected]

PAST PRESIDENT REP

Norman Larsen Green-Larsen Mortuary International Falls, MN [email protected]

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Darlyne Erickson, CAE 763-416-0124 952-451-8950 (cell) [email protected]

DISTRICT DIRECTORS

7046 East Fish Lake RoadMaple Grove, MN 55311p: (763) 416-0124 f: (763) 545-9499e: [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 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 • FALL 2015

Executive Director’s Report

It is September 28, and I’m getting ready to travel to Chisholm for the final District meeting! As always, it’s been a bit of a whirlwind, but we know that going into this trek!

Thank you to President Shawn Kirby for travelling the state, along with the rest of the speakers and staff. We had great turnouts, thank you to all of those involved in district leadership, and especially to the speakers that took the time to travel and share information pertinent to funeral service in Minnesota.

By my rough estimation I will have travelled 1,770 miles, and if you multiple that by 5 you are looking at 12,400 miles, many hours and quite a few hotel stays. We do this every year to not only provide OSHA and other CEUs to those who may not be able to make the convention or other events, but to also offer an opportunity for camaraderie amongst friends/competitors in an easy environment.

This year the speakers included:

• Molly Mulcahy Crawford, State Registrar with the MN Dept. of Vital Records

• MDH Mortuary Science Representatives, Carlena Weiland, Erika Fulgren and Marguerite Slonine

• Scott Tufto, MN Director of Sales Development for FDLIC

• Coral Popowitz, Executive Director of the Children’s Grief Connection

• Federated Insurance Representatives

• Tim Amireault, Director of Sales and Marketing, Kelco Supply Co

• Joe Sellwood, Cook Girard & Associates with the following Representatives/Senators. o Senator Kathy Sheran (District 19) o Representative Nels Pierson (District 26B) o Representative Nick Zerwas (District 30A) o Representative Jim Knoblach (District 14B) o Representative Dave Baker (District 17B) o Senator Lyle Koenen (District 17) o Representative Deb Kiel (District 1B)

We have also had new leadership step up, and I want to recognize not only those individuals, but as importantly those who have served for quite a few years. I am including the spouse’s name because as we all know this has to be a shared agreement that serving on the board works for the family. The following three individuals served during some difficult times, and I personally want to thank them for their perseverance and support.

District 8 – Doug (Lisa) Dingmann of Williams Dingmann Family FH has been on the board since 2008.

District 4 – Mike (Judy) Dahl, Anderson TeBeest Funeral Home in Montevideo. It’s difficult to say, since Mike served so long as both District Representative, plus President x 2!

District 5 – Ray (Shannon) Bartlett Johnson-Haglund Funeral Home since 2009.

Welcome new board members!

• District 1 – Kelly (Garren) Kelly of Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes / Kasson

• District 2 – Tonya Borth of Schoenbauer Funeral Home / LeCenter• District 4/5 – Lance Peterson of Peterson Brothers Funeral

Home / Willmar• District 6/7 – Scott (Lori) Benson of Gearty-Delmore Funeral

Home / Robbinsdale • District 8 – Doyle Hofer of Emblom Brenny Funeral Service /

Little Falls

This is probably the first time we have had so many people step up to the plate to serve, and it certainly has been awhile since we have had a full board. You should also note that this is certainly the first time we have had significant female representation on the board. Ashley Hoff-Czaplewski will be the first female MFDA President! So, when all is said and done, MFDA is in a good place, and that is the message that both Shawn and I have relayed to the 175+ funeral directors who have attended that recent District meetings.

I truly look forward to the future of MFDA. Will it be different? In a word…YES. But different doesn’t necessarily mean bad. I am one of the baby boomers who often marvels at all the new endeavors in our lives, personal & business. The overall make-up of funeral service is changing by age and gender, and we as an association need to recognize that.

The upcoming Leadership Academy to begin in October is really exciting for me, as it was spurred by my experience in a similar academy and supported by the MFDA Board. Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks! The Academy will be a big step forward in the advancement of the association as a lot of changes start to take place. What will they be? Time will only tell, but we will have the people in place to be ready to accept the challenge.

We are moving towards the end of the fiscal year and you know that soon you will hear from me again regarding membership renewal. I want to thank you in advance for your continued support, and know that I am only a call away if you have any questions!

Also, if you plan on attending the NFDA Convention in Indianapolis, I am working on a Minnesota dinner or maybe luncheon. You will be hearing from me.

Darlyne EricksonMFDA Executive Director

S P O N S O R ED BY:

www.mnfuneral.org 5

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Creating Value in YourselfBy Shawn T. Kirby

Where has our summer gone? Nights are cooling off and September District Meetings are heating up. In mid-July I attended the NFDA Leadership Conference in Orlando, FL. We had the opportunity to meet with other state presidents and national officers of NFDA. What a great opportunity to share our board experiences, challenges and goals with other State Associations. This was a three day conference with the assembly of some great leadership speakers. In August, our State Board of Directors met in Alexandria, MN. What was the common theme between the two conferences? LEADERSHIP, LEADERSHIP, and LEADERSHIP. We not only have to nurture our current leadership but also our future leadership.

I am excited and looking forward to working with the new leaders and listening to some new ideas our board

of directors has to offer. We have several new young members eager to add their thoughts and concerns. One of the newest programs we unveiled at the state convention is the MFDA Leadership Academy. We are looking for young professionals in our industry to enlist in the program. They will be introduced to leadership skills, philosophies and the basic fundamentals of the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association. This group of 8-10 members will meet one day a month starting in October. Graduation will take place at the State convention in May of 2016. If you know of someone who would make a good candidate, please contact the MFDA office. Scholarships for the program are available as well.

Lastly, as we move ahead, we continue to strengthen our relationship with the Children’s Grief Connection. As

many of you know, the Minnesota Foundation for Children was developed in 2001 through the concern, love, and compassion of MFDA. Through a series of growth and changes, it is now known as Children’s Grief Connection. Over the past 14 years, the Children’s Grief Connection has touched the lives of thousands of children and families in Minnesota and surrounding states. The Children’s Grief Connection is funded by donations and support through the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association, corporate sponsors, and the families and communities it serves. My challenge to you is to take a little time to get familiar with this wonderful organization, (www.childrensgriefconnection.com), consider what you can do to help by volunteering or support financially. The Children’s Grief Connection is a very important resource to our industry.

We are proud to announce the first year’s class of the MFDA Leadership Academy launches in October. The first of six classes is scheduled for Friday, October 30 at the corporate offices of our sponsor Kelco Supply Company in Big Lake. The next two dates will be November 12 and December 10 at locations to be determined.

Applications will be accepted until October 15. To apply and for more info, visit http://www.mnfuneral.org/?page=Leadership

LEADERSHIPACADEMY

S P O N S O R ED BY:


The Dodge Company is honored to continue its tradition of supporting our nation’s heroes in conjunction with the ongoing efforts of Wreaths across America (WAA). The annual tour of our nation’s capital and all things military will be led by Sally Belanger, Dodge’s Community Relations Liaison. Sally has been conducting such tours for the past eight years in preparation of the annual Arlington Wreath Project which will take place Saturday, December 12, 2015 at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC).

2014 marked a true milestone for Wreaths across America with in excess of 226,525 wreaths being placed on the graves of our nation’s heroes at Arlington National Cemetery. Another 679,500 wreaths were placed in veterans cemeteries both

nationally and internationally. The Dodge Company and its tour participants were proud to be a part of this endeavor. All in all, a total of 706,000 wreaths were placed on the graves of our nation’s heroes in 2014. With a “can do spirit” we will continue to work toward the day when the graves of all veterans will be decorated. With your help and the belief of the American people, we can make it happen!

This year marks the 151th anniversary of Arlington National Cemetery, the 24rd Wreath Laying Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, and Belanger’s 9th kickoff tour which showcases our nation’s capital and the surrounding area along with monuments honoring our service men and women. The mission statement of Wreaths across America is Remember, Honor and

Teach. Without question, that is exactly what this tour will do. Tour participants will remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the children the price of freedom throughout the tour.

Individuals interested in participating in the 2015 Dodge Wreaths across America tour are encouraged to save the dates of December 10-13, 2015, and to contact Sally Belanger at 207-406-2703 or [email protected] to receive detailed tour information. Additionally, information will be available at Dodgeco.com. For planning purposes, please be sure to contact Sally at your earliest convenience. We hope you and your family will plan to join us as we leave with a mission and return with a memory …a memory you will long remember!

The Dodge Company Is Honored To Take An Active Role In Remembering And Honoring Our Nation’s Heroes

www.mnfuneral.org 7

MFDA October Insurance Course Best Western Premier Nicollet Inn 14201 Nicollet Ave South Burnsville, MN

Cost: 2 Day MFDA Member $150* Non-Member $200*

*Includes coffee breaks and lunch

1 Day: MFDA Member $100 Non-Member $125

Cancellation Policy: All fees will be refunded if students must cancel, up until the date and time of the session.

To register go to http://www.regonline.com/Insurance2015

S C H E D U L E

Thursday, October 22, 2015

8:30 a.m. .................... Registration Open

9:00 a.m. ..........Senior Insurance Market• Introduction• What Do You Know• History of Insurance: Where Did It

All Begin• Purpose of Insurance• Types of Insurance: Purpose

and Structure• Life Settlements • Case Study: Determining the

appropriate product for your customer’s financial needs

12 p.m. ............................................ Lunch (included in registration)

1:00 p.m. ......................... Ethical Outlook• Introduction• Ethical Vocabulary• Business Ethics Timeline• Understanding Business Ethics• Ten Benefits to Managing • Case Study - Whistleblowing and

the Environment• Case Study Debrief

4:00 p.m. ......... Wrap up and conclusion

Dinner on your own

Friday, October 23, 2015

8:00 a.m. .................... Registration Open

8:30 a.m. ....... Essentials Estate Planning Documents• Power of Attorney• Health Care Directive• Will• Trust• Delegation of Power/Authority• Funeral Home Contracts -

Who May Sign• Preneed Policies• At-need Policies

9:15 a.m....................... Veterans’ Benefits• Eligibility Requirements • Non Service Related Aid & Pension

Benefits• Veterans Home Care (State benefit)• Spend Down• Veteran Burial Benefits

10:45 a.m. .................Medical Assistance Pre-Planning- Eligibility

11:45 a.m. ........................................ Lunch (included in registration)

12:30 p.m. .................Medical Assistance• MA Exemptions• Assistance After Death Occurs

2:00 p.m. .......... Post Death Estate/Trust Administration Issues• Probate • Non- Probate• Estate Taxes• Creditors• Fiduciaries & Your Plan

3:15 p.m. ............Wrap up and questions

3:30 p.m. ........................... Class adjourns

Each day will once again have 6 insurance CEU’s meaning if you attend both days in their entirety you will have enough to fulfill your annual insurance requirement (24 CEU’s every 2 years). FD CEU’s to be determined. Any questions, contact Kathy Sheridan at MFDA at [email protected] or 763-416-0124.

MFDA October Insurance Course Oct 22-23

MFDA’S 126TH ANNUAL CONVENTION

May 23-25, 2016 Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Red Wing

http://shop.dodgeco.com ~ www.dodgeco.com Tel 1-800-443-6343 ~ Fax 1-800-443-4034

Gregg Bright

612-916-6667 800-443-6343

[email protected]


Hearts of Hope Holds Reunion CampBy Coral Popowitz, Executive Director, Children’s Grief Connection

There were just eleven reunion campers arriving on Saturday morning; seven volunteers gave up their summer weekend and showed up to Camp Esquagama, way up on Minnesota’s Iron Range. Hearts of Hope’s first reunion camp commenced at 11am and went nonstop until 2pm Sunday.

When I say nonstop, I mean a whirlwind weekend of action, new activities, a new camp. There were hugs from old friends, smiles from new friends, friends who know - what you know - the death of someone close AND the experience of a grief camp weekend. All new activities in sharing circles, riding the waves of Lake Esquagama for the first time in a kayak or a paddle boat, never mind the wind. Sitting around a campfire, even if it’s in the fireplace because there’s a thunderstorm raging outside. Doesn’t matter, inside are friends. Friends to play tag with, friends to race and hula hoop with, play ga-ga and catch roosters? Yes, all this and more.

Friends to share your regrets with then let them go, friends who share their hopes and wishes and let their little light shine, friends who understand if you need to be quiet, friends who will cross the circle, kneel beside you, pat your back and tell you ‘it will be okay’. Friends who know how you feel because they’ve felt it too.

I got the chance to ‘interview’ each of the returning campers, and some of their parents about their experience with grief and grief camp. A retrospective of what it felt like to come to a grief camp and what it was really like. How was the grief when you first came to Hearts of Hope and how are you doing now? We’ll compile these interviews into a short video to help encourage other grieving kids and their families to come to Hearts of Hope and to know what these families know two or three years after the death of their loved one.

That was the theme of the weekend; how are you doing now; how are things different from when you first came to Hearts of Hope? Grief changes as time goes on; life is different - there

are still ‘bad days’ or ‘grieving days’ but they ‘aren’t as long’ or ‘don’t seem as sad’.

Seven year old Gavin first came when he was five, his family was newly grieving the death of his newborn brother Liam. Gavin and his parents were incredibly sad and Gavin shared with me he ‘didn’t think we were ever gonna be better’. Back then his five year old brain told him (and me) that he was going to build a grief center one day and help everyone who was sad. When I asked him how he was doing now he patted his tiny little seven year old chest and said to me: I still have a little hole in my heart because I miss him, it’s because I loved him so much, but it’s getting better every day. Seven year old wisdom well-earned.

Brie and Dani were the inspiration for our reunion camp. A few years back they were at a camp together. Brie’s dad had died and Dani’s sister. They instantly became friends over that weekend; having that one thing in common their other friends don’t, belonging to that club no one else wants to - my loved one died and I am grieving. By the end of the weekend they knew they needed more time together-they bravely and articulately explained the need for a reunion camp. It took a bit of doing but we made it happen and we hope for another reunion camp next summer.

When asked how they were doing now they both said they still struggle once in awhile, when they do they know there are others just like them; they have met them and have become ‘friends for life’. That’s why Brie and Dani wanted this reunion camp so badly two years ago; why they were the first to sign up and want to come back to camp again - this time as counselors. Their ‘new idea’ is for Hearts of Hope to start a Leaders-in-Training or a Junior Counselor program so they can come back to Hearts of Hope and mentor other kids and teens to show them, “it gets better, you don’t get over it but things do get better”.

And that is why we are called Children’s Grief Connection, to bring hope and healing to grieving children, giving them the connections they need to help them through their grief. This weekend Gavin, Dani, Brie and all our reunion campers told us, showed us, we are what we say we are.

www.mnfuneral.org 9

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

Legislative UpdateBy Judy Cook, Cook Girard Associates

The 2015 MFDA District meetings provided many benefits to MFDA members, including the important opportunity to learn more about legislative issues impacting the funeral industry. This year, with changes to the mortuary science statute, it was particularly useful to hear from the Department of Health on the new requirements. MFDA was also fortunate to have legislators make presentations at a majority of district meetings. These interactions with our elected officials are extremely important, putting a face to the funeral industry that our legislators understand to be so important in communities around the state.

The District meetings also provided Cook Girard with the opportunity to have valuable time with funeral directors throughout the state. We were able to share how MFDA worked with the Department of Health to reach compromise language on the provisions under consideration – something noted as very positive by all the legislators who attended.

The discussions at the meeting were also useful in gathering feedback and comments regarding the 2015 changes to laws that govern mortuary science, including:

• Exam waiting period of two weeks following a failed grade

• internship hours clarification; continuing education hour increase from 12 to 15

• increase in licensure and establishment fees

• removal of the grandfather clause with satellite location exemption until July 1, 2017

• preneed reports to the Commissioner of Health

One item that had questions in most of the meetings was the reporting of continuing education credits. In an effort to clarify the reporting requirements, the Department has provided us with a breakdown of the requirements that we hope will address

the questions from MFDA members:

Licensees whose license number ends in an odd number reports for every odd year. Those morticians who have an odd license number will report at the end of 2016 for the odd year of 2017. Those morticians who have an even number, will report for every even year; like this year (renewal for 2016). Just a reminder that MDH will not be requiring the even numbers to obtain 15 CEUs for this renewal, we will accept 12; however, MDH will be requiring the odd numbers who report next year (the end of 2016), to obtain the 15 CEUs.

As we work our way toward the 2016 legislative session, the Department will again be holding meetings Ad Hoc Committee meetings. This year’s focus will be on possible technical clean-up and clarifying language rather than substantial policy changes. MFDA will be represented on the ad hoc committee and Cook Girard Associates will also be in attendance. We will continue to keep MFDA members updated on all developments.


University of Minnesota Mortuary Science Update

September 25, 2015

Dear Colleagues,

As I write these lines, Fall semester courses here at the University are now well underway and the campus is once again bustling with students, who returned for the start of classes on September 8th. Our Program welcomed 27 new students during our orientation session earlier this month. The incoming class represents greater ethnic diversity, which we attribute in part to our efforts to proactively recruit students from two-year and transfer programs throughout the state. Specifically, 19% of the incoming students self-identify as members of the following ethnic groups: American Indian / Alaska Native; Black / African American; and Hispanic. Minnesota residents continue to make up the greatest majority of our incoming class (66%), followed by students coming from North Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nebraska, and South Dakota, respectively. In keeping with trends relating to the pursuit of higher education by gender across the United States, 59% of students in the incoming class are women, and 41% are men.

During our new-student orientation session, we were fortunate to have a number of Program stakeholders present for networking and “meet and greet” activities. In particular, I want to thank Darlyne Erickson and Coral Popowitz for coming to represent MFDA and the Children’s Grief Connection; Marguerite Slonine and Erika

Fulgern from the Minnesota Department of Health, Mortuary Science Section; and Donna Dvorak, leader of the Program’s Alumni Society. Students had the opportunity to interact with all our guest stakeholders for the purpose of learning more about the importance of professional relationships in their future role as funeral directors. We felt that Orientation Day went very well for everyone, and we are excited to welcome our new students to the Program and our profession.

I am also pleased to let you know that the Program has become a part of the University’s Writing-Enriched Curriculum (WEC) initiative. Faculty member Angela Woosley – who was recently promoted to the rank of Senior Teaching Specialist [congratulations, Angela!] – is working with the WEC office and funeral practitioners to develop writing initiatives in the Program for the purpose of better preparing students for the writing activities that will be expected of them when they enter the workforce. All Minnesota licensed morticians with an e-mail address (approximately 1200 individuals) were recently asked to complete a survey focusing on writing needs within our profession. If you participated in the survey, thank you so much for taking the time to do so. We will use the data we gather to improve students’ writing skills.

Finally, I want to thank all the funeral directors who recently participated in The Good Funeral seminar with Thomas Lynch

and Tom Long, held this past Wednesday at the House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul. As part of our Program’s service mission, I received approval from the Minnesota Department of Health to offer up to four continuing education credits for morticians who attended this event. We had 62 morticians from across the state present, which was an excellent turnout. Personally, it was heartening for me to see so many of my former students in attendance. As I was completing the CEU sheets, I noted attendees whom I had in my very first year of teaching here at the University (1998), in addition to several of our currently-enrolled students, many of whom served as greeters and ushers for the event.

Looking forward into the semester, we will be holding another “speed meet-and-greet” event here on campus for our students and active funeral service practitioners in a few weeks. The tentative date is Wednesday, November 4th, from 1:25 PM – 4:25 PM. [More information will be e-mailed out in mid-October] Building off the “pancake networking breakfast” events we have held in the past, the “speed” format – much like “speed dating” meeting events – only allows for an initial meeting between student and practitioner for a couple of minutes, and then all students quickly move to another table to meet with a different practitioner. By requiring students to move in rapid succession from one practitioner to the next, we ensure that everyone gets to make

www.mnfuneral.org 11

Four Simple Ways to Create Great Social Media ContentBy Melissa Budensiek, Digital & Social Media Consultant at Hubbard Interactive Powered by 2060 Digital

Getting your content noticed on social media becomes more difficult with each passing day. Users upload 100 hours of video to You Tube every 60 seconds and share more than 4.75 billion pieces of content on Facebook every 24 hours. Add that to 500 million new Tweets per day, and the chances of breaking through the clutter can seem almost impossible. You need to continually offer your audience amazing content in order to build a loyal following.

These are four simple ways to create great social media content:

1. Create a scheduleAllocate specific times during your day to devote to social media marketing. Posting content that is timely and relates to current events will get more engagement than cookie-cutter content. Take 10 minutes each morning to check the news, check Twitter, get updates on your industry, and use content that makes the most sense for your audience.

2. Use the 80-20 ruleSpend 80% of your content focusing on things that are educational, engaging and helpful to your audience. The other 20% should be used to promote your business or brand. People will flock to you for your amazing content, not your self-promotional posts about your business.

3. Quality over quantityIt can be easy to get caught up in the numbers, but it’s better to have 1,000 highly engaged and loyal followers than 10,000 followers who sign up to follow you but never acknowledge you again.

4. FreebiesGive stuff away! Social media is great for companies to promote “word of mouth” marketing and reputation. Getting your customers to say nice things about you can be as effective as traditional advertising and more cost efficient. For example, Proctor & Gamble figured out that one of the easiest and best ways to get people talking about their products is to simply give them away. An article in the Journal of Marketing found that, “people who got a product for free talked about it 20% more, while coupons and rebates didn’t make a difference.”

Social media is constantly changing, and it’s important to keep up-to-date with the new tactics that can help grow your brand. For more information on creating a social media strategy for your business, check out 2060digital.com.

introductions with all attendees, and then there is plenty of time for conversation and mingling once the “speed meetings” have been completed. I would especially encourage managing directors to attend this event, even if perhaps you do not have an immediate opening at your firm at the present time. This is by far the best way to get to know the greatest number of our students, and to do so early enough in the academic term that many have not yet lined up an internship following graduation. Please contact Molly Diethelm in the Program Office (612.624.6464) if you would like to reserve a table for this event. Information will also be posted on our website: www.mortuaryscience.umn.edu. Our website has recently been updated with a fresh new look; please take a moment to check it out when time allows, and let us know what you think.

As always, I welcome your questions and comments, and look forward to seeing many of you at the NFDA convention in Indianapolis next month.

Sincerely,

MichaelMichael P. LuBrant, Ph.D. Program Director


2015 NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Awards

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is pleased to announce that 155 funeral homes have earned the 2015 Pursuit of Excellence Award. This award is presented by NFDA annually to firms that have demonstrated a commitment to raising the bar on funeral service excellence by adhering to strict ethical and professional standards and providing outstanding service to families and communities.

“We offer our congratulations to all NFDA members that earned the 2015 Pursuit of Excellence Award,” said NFDA President Robert Moore, IV, CFSP, CCO. “These funeral homes are committed to exceeding families’ expectations every day and represent the very best in our profession. We are proud to count them as members of NFDA.”

To earn an NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award, a funeral home must demonstrate proficiency in key areas of funeral service, such as compliance with state and federal regulations; providing ongoing education and professional development opportunities for staff; offering outstanding programs and resources to bereaved families; maintaining an active level of involvement in the community; participating and actively serving in the funeral service profession; and promoting funeral home services through a variety of

marketing, advertising and public relations programs. Participants are also required to adhere to a Pledge of Ethical Practices.

NFDA will honor the 2015 Pursuit of Excellence Award Recipients on October 19 during the All-Star Recognition Ceremony, which will take place during the 2015 NFDA International Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Information about the NFDA Pursuit of Excellence program can be found by visiting www.nfda.org/pursuitofexcellence. Registration and application materials for 2016 will be available in October 2015.

Minnesota 2015 NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award Recipients

MFDA members listed in bold

• Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel of Hutchinson, Hutchinson, MN* • Hughes-Hantge Funeral Chapel of Hector, Hector, MN • Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home, Litchfield, MN • Joseph Vertin & Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge, MN* • Paul-McBride Funeral Chapel of Norwood Young America, MN • Worlein Funeral Home, Austin, MN

*Previously inducted into the NFDA Hall of Excellence

Willmar

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Call Ron Jasperson at Willmar Precast320-235-8527; Toll Free: 1-800-559-8527


(L to R) Denis Nordlum, Anders Jackson, Dan Dahl, and Gregg Bright

(L to R) Gail Bright, Mary Nordlum, Jeanette Dahl, Lisa Sheets, Julie Chine, and Deb King

District 9 Golf Tournament WinnersIMPORTANTCONTACTS

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

www.health.state.mn.us

MORTUARY SCIENCE SECTION

www.health.state.mn.us/divs/hpsc/mortsci/mortsci.htm

Anne Kukowski, Acting Manager [email protected]

Mortician Investigators Marguerite Slonine, 651-201-3847 [email protected]

Erika Fulgern, (651) 201-3848 [email protected]

Carlena Weiland, (651) 201-3828 [email protected]

Kathryn Danielson, Office Specialist

651-201-3829 [email protected]

OFFICE OF VITAL RECORDS

Molly Mulcahy Crawford State Registrar

Phone: (651) 201-5972 [email protected]

www.health.state.mn.us/divs/chs/osr/deathreg/index.html

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

Program of Mortuary Science [email protected]

Michael LuBrant, Ph.D. Director [email protected]

Phone: (612) 624-3980 Fax: (612) 626-4163

Anatomy Bequest Program [email protected]

Angie McArthur Phone: (612) 625-1111

Fax: (612) 625-1688


Historical Highlights of MFDA: Part IV Excerpted from MFDA History by former MFDA Executive Director Gary Larsen

Post World War II years were full of hope. MFDA President-elect Fred Johnston of St. Paul (later to be NFDA President, MFDA’s second) spearheaded a membership drive that brought in 37 members in 1947, another 50 a year later. A monthly bulletin was published to meet member demands for better and more information.

During 1951, MFDA’s makeup went from six large Districts to 11. These represented U.S. Congressional Districts. At the same time, the Board expanded from 10 to 15. The Arrowhead District was still the largest. It was felt that the state’s population distribution in the new Congressional districts of 1950 should be reflected in MFDA districts, and so it was.

The year 1951 was a banner year for MFDA under President Gleason of Richfield. For one thing, the U.S. Army re-activated the Graves Registration Unit, and it was sponsored by MFDA – first such Army unit to be sponsored by an association. It was officially designated the 692nd Graves Registration Unit, part of the Quartermaster Corps, and headed at first by Capt. Larry Hauge (of McDivitt Hauge, Minneapolis) and later by young Capt. Larry Osborne of Minneapolis. The unit included such notable MFDA members as John Werness, Don Peterson, Ed Cease and Morris A. Nilsen. Later, during the Berlin Crisis, the unit was actually called to active duty on the East Coast. Eventually, the unit was deactivated.

MFDA was also instrumental in the state’s first Civil Defense (CD) plan. Under MFDA President E. L. Willwerscheid of St. Paul, MFDA in 1952 put together a Mortuary Affairs plan in the state’s CD plan. It was copied by many other states in the threat of nuclear disaster.

Educational matters were not ignored in those early 50s. In 1952, a special “Short Course in Mortuary Management” was held at the University. It was felt this would “help bring to a successful conclusion the equalization of funeral director and embalmer apprenticeship requirements.” (This would be a precursor to the single license law in 1957.)

The O.A.A. (Old Age Assistance) statewide burial allowance was much-debated in the 50s. The state rate was too low in some areas, adequate in others, and more than adequate in a few counties. The solution was enabling

legislation to have the state and now counties jointly pay for “welfare services,” and the level would be set by the County Board within State limits.

An MFDA supported bill passed in 1951 pushing the limit up to $150. Hennepin County was first to go to the new $150 level. Other counties soon followed suit. MFDA Districts and county wide ad hoc groups influenced County Boards. After all, MFDA members knew that their County Board members well as neighbors and friends, and thus felt comfortable in this move to higher “welfare rates.”

By 1953, Minnesota “welfare rates” led the nation in the new joint county-state funding statute, considered novel and much copied by other states. The idea was that FDs could influence their nearby County Boards better than far-off Legislators and recognized that the same rate statewide might always be unfair to some and a target for state-budget slashing in bad times.

Sub-registration of funeral directors by the Health Department became a reality under MFDA legislation in 1953. Actually, the Health Department and MFDA teamed up to set up for the new classification. A law was enacted for burial permits, establishing sub-registrars (FDs), to eliminate delays and help families. This law heightened the role of the local funeral director, and MFDA pledged that its members would abide by sub-registrar rules of the Health Department.

One off beat legislative move beaten by MFDA in the ‘50s would have prohibited employees from “sleeping overnight in commercial establishments.” MFDA put a stop to this bill for obvious reasons. Until opposed, the bill was seen as likely to pass.

One critical issue facing both NFDA and the States, including Minnesota in the early ‘50s was “price control” legislation. This movement to establish “ceiling prices” for funerals came after COLLIERS and other magazines “exposed” alleged funeral service malpractices. In Minnesota, a bill taken seriously at the Legislature to set “ceiling prices” on funerals was called “the little Hoover bill.” MFDA vigorously led to the bill’s defeat, citing public choice, free enterprise, religious preference, unfixed variables in costs,

and competitive factors.

Without a doubt, the biggest piece of legislation passed by MFDA is the 1950s was the single license law. It was controversial. MFDA members agonized and debated it, at district meetings and conventions.

In 1954, MFDA took a vote of its membership. It passed. In essence, the bill to be introduced in the 1955 Legislature did away with separate Funeral Director and Embalmer Licenses after December 31, 1955. The bill passed the House (82-43) but not the Senate. So it was defeated in 1955.

So it was back to the drawing board. MFDA leaders Al Adams (St. Paul) and John McKee (Bemidji) headed the Legislative Committee. McKee was a State Legislator as well as funeral director. Health Department supported the bill, as the Department’s Jerry Brower testified on its behalf. Legislative Committee members pushing for passage included Peter Daniel (St. Cloud, MFDA President in 1954). Donald Dare (Elk River), John Mayer (Austin, to be President in ’61), and Harry B. Hanson (Minneapolis, President in 1955).

MFDA would be successful on the second try, in 1957, under President Jens Bonnerup of Albert Lea and Owen Wulff of St. Paul (President in ’56 and ’57). MFDA met fears with facts about the single license bill, dealt individually with legislators opposed to it and the bill passed easily.

It was enacted as Minn. Stat. 1957, adding new Chapter 149 to laws, and was titled “Morticians Licensing Law.”

The original grandfather date of Dec. 31, 1955, was left in the law. But after August 1, 1957, no original Funeral Director licenses were issued, only the new single license. By 1957, a vast majority of MFDAers supported the new law which, again, was copied by other states with such license desires.

F. Phillip Iacovino was named Executive Secretary in 1952 replacing Gene Young who retired. He was a native New Yorker by way of Minneapolis and Fargo, where he handled USAF base “PR” as a journalism grad of Syracuse University.

By 1960, MFDA was vibrant and healthy and again led the nation with over 90% of eligible firms as members.


The Minnesota Funeral Directors Association – An Organizational ImperativeBy Jerry J. Brown

Bear with me on a trip through MFDA land;

• Without a coaching staff and qualified officiating, the game of football would be unbridled chaos

• Without teachers and professors, the field of education would be a calamity

• Without experienced pilots and navigators, air travel would be an experience in absolute terror

• Without democracy, America could have been a dictatorship

• Without comedy, society would be a collection of crabby, ornery grumps

And, quite possibly, without our Minnesota Funeral Directors Association there might not have been the cohesive, innovating, educational and crisis-confronting programs such as:

• Outstanding state conventions

• Comprehensive, educational symposiums

• National, state and local ethos and image enhancing policies and practices

• Historical funereal and interpretive literary volumes to explore the positive and problematic eras of our profession e.g. LeRoy Bowman, Ruth Harmer, Jessica Mitford, et al

• Legislative and political ‘watch dogs’

• Policy drafting and oversight committees

• Business and professional camaraderie, solidarity and insightful planning and implementations given the mission of the Minnesota Funeral care, conduct and compassion

• Perpetual planning, preparation and execution for immediate and future catastrophic episodes e.g. earthquakes, floods, fires, hurricanes and tornadoes (NFDA/MFDA)

• Ongoing symbiotic relationships with all entities and organizations relating to the funeral profession e.g. mortuary schools, CMA, NCBVA, clergy, help groups ad infinitum

• Continuing to maintain strong, informational and partnering connections with all media sources

• Continuing to rely upon and actively support the principles, goals and humanitarianism of THE FUNERAL ETHOS

The power of plurality within the scope of National Funeral Service ensures its evolution for many decades to come.

Jerry Brown is a well-known funeral service columnist who once raised buffalo in Ingomar, Montana.

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IN MEMORIAM

Walter F. Kinder, Minnesota funeral director, age 93 of Waseca, died on Friday, July 31, 2015 at Colony Court Memory Care & Care Suites in Waseca.

Born on November 27, 1921, in Appleton City, MO, he was the son of Charlie and Pearl (Graves) Kinder. He and his family moved to Deer River, MN in 1925 and he graduated from Deer River High School in 1940. After graduation, he worked in Milwaukee at Myers Manufacturing Co. and later enrolled in a managers training program at Cudahy Meat Packing Co. In 1942, Walter enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps serving overseas in the South Pacific for 2 1/2 years. Following his discharge in 1946, he attended Greenway Junior College in Coleraine, MN. He married Edith Chandler on August 6, 1946 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Deer River.

Walter graduated with honors from the University of Minnesota Mortuary Science School in 1948. Upon graduation, he received the Award of Merit from the graduated students and college faculty. Walter served his internship at Hoeings Funeral Home in Brainerd. Walt and his wife moved to Waseca in May of 1949 where he was employed at Pfaff Home for Funerals and Furniture Store until 1955. They then moved to Adams where he managed the Adams Funeral Home and Furniture Store. In June of 1963, Walt and his family returned to Waseca and purchased the Pfaff Home for Funerals and Furniture Store. The furniture store was later sold and Walt continued to own and operate the funeral home until 1993.

Walt was a member of the Waseca Lions Club for over 50 years and had served as President of the Lions Club in Adams and Waseca. He was a charter member of the Waseca Toastmasters Club, Waseca Bluejay Boosters Club, Waseca Chamber Ambassadors, and had served as president in all three clubs. He also served as president of the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association in 1974-75 and in addition had served on numerous National Funeral Directors Association committees. Walt was also a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Waseca where he served on the church board, was a longtime member of the Waseca Lakeside Club, and a member of the Waseca American Legion.

He is survived by one daughter, Susan Kinder and her husband David Vealitzek

of Minneapolis; one son, Bradley Kinder and his wife Marie Capra of Minneapolis; six grandchildren, Alexander and Jessica Vealitzek, Nicholas and Shannon Vealitzek, Theodore Kinder, Rachel Kinder, Mary and Matthew Pietrzak, Grace and Matthew Bechle; three step-grandchildren, Madeline Erickson, Mikayla Erickson, Lucas Erickson; four great grandchildren, Henry, Clara, Alexander, and Ava Vealitzek. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two sisters, and five brothers.

Visitation was held on August 4 at Kinder-Dennis Home for Funerals in Waseca. Funeral services were held on August 5 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Waseca with Rev. David Baumgarn officiating.

Edwin S. Horan, Minnesota and Wisconsin funeral director, age 79, of Chippewa Falls, WI, died peacefully Wednesday, August 26, 2015 surrounded by his loving family at Wissota Health Transitions in Chippewa Falls. Ed was born March 23, 1936 in Lake Park, Minn., the son of Michael and Winnie (Brendingen) Horan.

Ed graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1956 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Mortuary Science. On July 6, 1957, Ed married Margie S. Kevelin at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hopkins, MN. After her death, Ed later married Jan Zwiefelhofer on November 10, 2007, at Holy Ghost Church in Chippewa Falls.

Ed worked as a mortician at Strobeck Hauge Funeral Home in Hopkins, McDivitt Hauge Funeral Home and Henry W. Anderson Mortuary in Minneapolis for seven years before coming to Chippewa Falls in 1964 where he has owned the Horan Funeral Home until selling the business to his son, Michael in 1998.

Ed was a member of St. Charles Church where he served as an usher for 50 years, the Knights of Columbus Goldsmith Council #974, the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Bishop Fulton J. Sheen Assembly, Chippewa Falls Moose Lodge #246, U.C.T. #335, Elks Lodge #1326, Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association and the West Fork Hunting and Fishing Club. Ed was a former member of Kiwanis where he served as secretary for 17 years and past president. He was also a former

ambassador for the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. Ed formerly served as a district board member for the Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association, the McDonell Booster Club, St. Joseph’s Hospital Advisory Council, and he proudly served his community for numerous other organizations as well.

Ed enjoyed playing cards, boating, snowmobiling, traveling throughout Europe and the United States; he cherished spending time with his family, and was proud of his grandchildren’s academic and athletic achievements.

Ed is survived by his wife, Jan; four children, Stephen of Woodbury, Minn., Jeanine (Harry) Daniels of Brooklyn Center, Minn., Patrick and Michael (Kristine) both of Chippewa Falls; three step children, Susan (Daniel) Czelatdko of Eau Claire, David Zwiefelhofer of Ft. Myers, FL, Victoria Zwiefelhofer (fiance’ Eric Mueller) of Chippewa Falls; one brother-in-law, John Ojala of Vancouver, Wash.; grandchildren, Jacob and Shannon Horan, Bryce, Jordan and Victoria Chartrand and 10 step grandchildren, Ryan (Carly) Zutter, Chad Zutter, Kelsey and Sam Czelatdko, Cheney, Kaitlyn and Whitney Swedlow, Mitch Schulz, Kasi Heyde, Jake (Brittany) Schulz and Noah Zwiefelhofer; 3 step great grandsons, Hudson, Jaxon and Mason.

Ed is reunited in Heaven with his first wife, Margie, who preceded him in death on June 28, 2006; his parents; three sisters, Winifred Christoffers, Beverly Ojala and Elaine Oseth; and one grandson, Taylor Shea Horan.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on August 29 at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Chippewa Falls. Visitation was held August 28 at the Horan Funeral Home, Chippewa Falls.

Debra “Debby” Lynn Thauwald, wife of Minnesota funeral director Jeff Thauwald, age 59, of Spring Valley, Minn., died Monday afternoon, August 3, 2015, at her home, from cancer.

Debby was born September 17, 1955, in St. Cloud, MN, the daughter of David and Joan (Rondeau) Griggs. She was a graduate of Mayo High School in Rochester and the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Following graduation from college she worked for a number of years with her mother and father in their silk screening business,



IN MEMORIAM

Hiawatha Graphics, located in rural Rochester. She married Jeffrey Thauwald October 12, 1985, at her parent’s home, also in rural Rochester. The couple made their home in rural Spring Valley where Debby had her dog grooming business, Pet Grooming By The Park. When she hung up the shears she decided she would like to try her hand at substitute teaching, which she did within the Kingsland School District, for the last few years of her life.

Debby enjoyed traveling, politics, her animals and being with her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband, Jeff; and her son, Aaron of Rochester. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A visitation was held on August 6, at the Thauwald Funeral Home in Spring Valley.

Edward H. “Ed” Gerads, Minnesota funeral director, age 91, died Monday, August 31, 2015 at The Homestead of Rochester, MN.

Edward Henry Gerads was born February 11, 1924, to John and Marie (Heitzman) Gerads in St. Cloud, MN. Ed graduated from St. Cloud Technical High School in 1942. He served in the Navy Air Corps during WWII. Ed attended St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN and onto St. Cloud State University; then graduating from the University of Minnesota in the school of Mortuary Science. He became a licensed Funeral Director/Mortician in 1950.

Ed married LuWana F. Nordquist on August 30, 1947 at Minnehaha U.M.C. in Minneapolis, MN. He worked for Colbert Funeral Home in St. Cloud, MN from 1950-1956; then to become a partner and co-owner of Vine Funeral Home in Rochester until his retirement on December 15, 1988. Ed was a member of Christ United Methodist Church for over 58 years. He was a former member of the V.F.W and American Legion, Rochester Downtown Kiwanis Club and Oriental Shrine #7 of Rochester of which he was Past Watchman of Shepherds and former 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason. Ed was a member of AARP and AAA for over 40 years. He was a life member of North Star Lodge #23, St. Cloud, MN and Masonic Fraternity for over 50 years. Ed was a life member of St. Cloud Chapter #10, York Rite Masons, and past Commander of Home Commandry #5, Rochester, MN York Rite

Mason, Shriners of North America, Osman Shrine, St. Paul, MN, Rochester Area Shrine Club, Rochester Zagalas Osman Shrine Car Club, Rochester Chapter #193, Order of the Eastern Star.

Ed is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lu Gerads, Rochester, MN; his children, Linda (Roman Pierskalla) Gustafson, Buffalo, MN and Lee E. Gerads, Rochester, MN; his grandchildren, Tim (Cindy) Gustafson, Joshua (Gina Mannarino) Gerads, Sarah (Justin) Smith, Jacob (Kelli) Gerads, Don (Amandah Wilhelm) Gustafson, and Michael Gerads; his great grandchildren, Lilix Gustafson, Troy Gustafson, Heidi Smith, and Charlie Smith. Ed was preceded in death by his sister Bertha and three brothers Val, Don and Emil.

A Funeral Service was held on September 9 at Christ United Methodist Church, Rochester, MN. with Reverend Elizabeth Macaulay officiating. Visitation was held on September 8 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home.

Richard C. Kramer, Minnesota funeral director, age 90, of Trimont, MN, was called to his eternal rest on Wednesday evening, September 16, 2015, at Temperance Lake Ridge in Sherburn, MN.

Richard Carl Kramer was born on May 19, 1925 to Carl C. and Viola (Stadt) Kramer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was baptized and later confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Welcome. Dick attended Welcome Public School until August of 1943, when he entered the Army Air Corps and was an Aerial Gunner and Assisted Flight Engineer on a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber, based out of England. Dick served twenty-eight missions until his honorable discharge in October of 1945. Dick was a graduate of Welcome High School and was associated with the class of 1944. He attended Mankato State College, prior to enrolling in the Mortuary Science Department of the University of Minnesota, graduating in June of 1948. On June 27, 1948, he was united in marriage to Betty Lohse at Trinity Lutheran Church in Welcome. After their marriage they made their home in Trimont where Dick was employed by his Uncle and Aunt, Elmo and Velma Stockdill at Stockdill Funeral Home. In 1966, he purchased the funeral homes in Trimont and Welcome changing the name to Kramer Funeral Homes. In 1980, they

purchased the funeral home in Sherburn.

In 1981, his son, Tom joined the funeral homes, changing the name to Kramer Family Funeral Homes. From 1950-1980 he also owned and operated the school buses for the Trimont School District: Kramer Bus Service. On May 11, 2011, Dick became a resident of Temperance Lake Ridge in Sherburn. Dick was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Trimont where he served on various church offices. He was a charter member of the Welcome American Legion Post #553, Life member of the Foster-Bernhardt American Legion Post #373 of Trimont, Life member of the Sherburn Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8261, Life member of the 8th Air Force Historical Society, Life member of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, member of National Funeral Directors Association, Minnesota Funeral Directors Association, Trimont Fire Department-retired, TASK, Trimont Area Service Klub, Trimont Chamber of Commerce, Sherburn Chamber of Commerce, Fox Lake Conservation Club, Sherburn Ducks Unlimited and at one time served as City Clerk for the city of Triumph.

Survivors include two sons, Steven (Lapita) Kramer of Wylie, TX and Thomas (Laura) Kramer of Trimont, MN; four grandchildren, Nytasha, Shawn, Martin and Robert; five great-grandchildren; sister, Kathryn Detert of Ceylon, MN; brothers-in-law, Donald Lohse of Waseca, MN, Bruce (Sandie) Lohse of Rochester, MN; sisters-in-law, Donna Mae Lohse of Mankato, Barbara Lohse of Fairmont, Virginia (Edward) Cosmillo of Shawnee, KS, Helen (Dennis) Klenz of Georgetown, TX; nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Betty Kramer on October 3, 2005; brothers-in-law, Harold Detert, Merle Lohse, Dale Lohse, Ronald Stokes; sisters-in-law, Thelma Lohse, Doris Stokes and other relatives.

A Celebration of Life Service for Richard C. “Dick” Kramer was held September 23 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Trimont with Rev. John Meyer officiating. Visitation was held September 22 at the Kramer Family Funeral Home in Trimont and one hour prior to the services at the church. Messages of sympathy may be sent to the family on line at www.kramerfuneralhome.com.


Did you know that our 110 Managing Partners:

• Set their own prices

• Determine their own service offerings

• Select their own vendors

Carriage Services’s decentralized operating model allows local Managing Partners to continue to run their operations as owners. If you are considering succession planning but want to maintain operational control over your business and be treated as a partner, please directly contact:

High Performance through Passion and Partnership

GrowthDriven byDecentralization & Partnership

Ken StephensDirector of Corporate DevelopmentDirect: 713-332-8452Email: Ken.Stephens @CarriageServices.com

Michael CumbyCumby Family Funeral ServiceDirect: 336-906-7153Email: Michael.Cumby @CarriageServices.com

David J. DeCarloVice Chairman/PresidentDirect: 713-332-8413Email: Dave.Decarlo @CarriageServices.com

• Make all staffing decisions

• And are truly treated as a partner

3040 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 300, Houston, Texas 77056 T 713-332-8400 F 713-332-8401

www.carriageservices.com/partners

Question: An employee recently finalized her divorce and has provided the court record with her new name. Can I change her name on her personnel records before she provides the updated social security card and other ID?

Response: As an initial matter and from an employment law perspective, an employer is not required to have an employee redo employment documents when the employee’s last name changes, but there are certain changes that the employer may want to make as a best practice. With regard to payroll, we are not aware of any wage/hour or other employment law that would require an employer to change the employee’s name so long as she is properly paid for all hours worked. That said, if the employee changes her name with the Social Security Administration, there is less chance of confusion if the employer changes the employee’s name on payroll documents so that the employee’s name and Social Security number will match (primarily for tax purposes).

If the employee has provided you with court documentary evidence that her name has been lawfully changed, and it is just a matter of waiting for new documentation to arrive, then we do not see any reason not to make changes internally, at least to her company email address, name plate,

etc. If you need an updated Social Security card to change the W-4, then of course you must wait for that (see below for more on this).

Note that when an employee changes his or her name, the employer is not required to have the employee update the Form I-9. The USCIS addresses this on its webpage as follows: “When an employee changes his or her name (for example, when an employee marries), an employer may but generally does not need to note the name change on Form I-9. However, if the employer is completing Section 3 for reverification purposes or because the employee was rehired within three years, then the employer should: Note the name change in Section 3 of Form I-9; note the reason for the name change on the form, if the employee offers a reason for the change; and store any proof of the name change the employee may voluntarily give you with the form. There is no requirement that employees show proof of a name change for the Form I-9. When reviewing List A or List C documents in the reverification process, the employer should make sure that any document presented with a new name reasonably appears to be genuine and relates to the person presenting it.” See http://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/complete-correct-form-i-9/complete-section-3-updating-and-reverification/

completing-section-3-reverification-and-rehires for more information.

Thus, while updating the Form I-9 is not, per se, statutorily required (nor is there is any specific time frame required), Section 3 of the Form I-9 provides a place where the employer can update and designate the employee’s new name (in block A), and we recommend that the employer do so if it learns an employee has changed her name. The employer need only attach a note or copy of official documentation (i.e., marriage license or divorce decree, etc.) to support the new name that is being designated. For additional information and particularly in regards to properly reporting income and withholding taxes and other requisite deductions, you may wish to consult with a local tax professional relative to this and any other applicable tax forms (including W-4 and any state tax documents) and/or reporting obligations you may have as to an employee who experiences a legal change in name.

In addition, you may want to contact any benefit plan carriers for additional obligations to change the employee’s name on related documents. The personnel file should reflect the employee’s former and new name to avoid any confusion prospectively (i.e., if there are managerial changes in the future, etc., the file should make clear that the former and new name refer to one and the same person).

© 2014 Advisors Law Group, All Rights Reserved

To learn more about the Federated Employment Practices Network®, contact your local Federated Marketing Representative, or visit federatedinsurance.com.

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Did you know that our 110 Managing Partners:

• Set their own prices

• Determine their own service offerings

• Select their own vendors

Carriage Services’s decentralized operating model allows local Managing Partners to continue to run their operations as owners. If you are considering succession planning but want to maintain operational control over your business and be treated as a partner, please directly contact:

High Performance through Passion and Partnership

GrowthDriven byDecentralization & Partnership

Ken StephensDirector of Corporate DevelopmentDirect: 713-332-8452Email: Ken.Stephens @CarriageServices.com

Michael CumbyCumby Family Funeral ServiceDirect: 336-906-7153Email: Michael.Cumby @CarriageServices.com

David J. DeCarloVice Chairman/PresidentDirect: 713-332-8413Email: Dave.Decarlo @CarriageServices.com

• Make all staffing decisions

• And are truly treated as a partner

3040 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 300, Houston, Texas 77056 T 713-332-8400 F 713-332-8401

www.carriageservices.com/partners


The guy a couple streets over is a great big jerk.

He’s one of those bad apples Mom always told you about: sour, rotten, and not anybody you’d ever pick. No, he’s not exactly your idea of Friend Material but you do admire his green thumb. He deserves every gardening award he gets.

That’s another thing Mom always said: everybody has their positives, and in “Find the Good” by Heather Lende, you’ll see how they’re often easy to spot.

Tiny little Haines, Alaska, population “about 2,000,” is a lot like that TV show where everybody knows your name – and that includes Heather Lende, the obituary writer at the local newspaper. She, in fact, knows more than most

about her neighbors, and she knows that every one has good in them.

“Find the good.” That’s her mantra when she meets with families of the deceased and sets out to write about the “truths” that will “outlive the facts of this person’s life…” A priest once said that Lende has a “calling” for

pulling those from grieving minds, but the fact is this: “People lead all kinds of interesting and fulfilling lives, but they all end.” And, like a grumpy, curmudgeonly miner who spent his early days with a hard heart, people change and soften. Like the beloved father who taught his daughters to fish on a boat he’d made by hand, accidents happen. Like the Native American elder who couldn’t

read, so he became a “skilled listener,” or the father who quit a lucrative job to spend time with his family, people adapt. And they die.

But before they were gone, did they find their deepest desire? Did they embrace a dream? Did they, like an elderly woman who loved her trampoline, know happiness? When an older man left his belongings to charity, Lende found box after poignant box of greeting cards he’d saved, and a story. Did he find the sense of family he didn’t know he’d missed?

Being an obituary writer can make one angry, sad, and tearful. “Every recent death dredges up every other loss, which compounds the grief,” but finding the good.

“This,” says Lende, “is what I do.”

“Find the Good” Book Reviewby Terri Schlichenmeyer, The Bookworm Sez LLC


TO MFDA’S 2015 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

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

Asphalt Associates Brad Larson www.asphalt-associates.com

Assured Decontamination Services Perry Ebner www.deconservices.com

Aurora Casket Company Roger Ruth, Andi Waterhouse, Brent Wermes www.auroraadvantage.com

Avalon, Inc. Daniel Seman www.avalonsecurity.com

Baines Professional Vehicles John Baines www.4hearse.com

Batesville Nicki Mikolai www.batesville.com

Brown-Wilbert, Inc. Dave Gavin, Christopher Brown, Andrew Brown, Bruce Bratton, Brett Jacobsen, Maleia Kavitz, John Schmitt, Jeff Bauer, Jerry Brown www.brown-wilbert.com

Children’s Grief Connection Coral Popowitz www.childrensgriefconnection.com

Contemporary Concepts Ryan Bergan www.contemporaryconcepts.net

Cousineau McGuire Michael Sharkey www.cousineaulaw.com

Dodge Company Gregg Bright www.dodgeco.com

Doric Dealers of MN Matt Wieser, Todd Weiser www.wieser-doric.com

Federated Insurance Jeff Stephenson www.federatedinsurance.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 DonationMike Burakowski www.life-source.org

MAS CommunicationsMary Reeves www.mascommunications.net

Medical Disposal Systems, Inc.Warren Winkelman www.mds-mn.com

Memorial ProductionsHeidi Edwards www.memorialproductions.com

MessengerBob Hoaglund www.messengerstationery.com

Midwest Medical Examiners OfficeAngie Chalmers www.midwestmedicalexaminer.com

Minnesota Lions Eye Bank Sara McFee www.mnlionseyebank.org

Northern Design Caskets Scott Haiby

Northwestern Casket Co. David Koll www.nwcasket.com

Peterson Law Office Bill Peterson www.petersonlawoffice.com

Pinnacle Group Bob Michaelson, Cory Michaelson www.pinnaclegroup4u.com

Pluto Legal Cheryl Vos www.plutolegal.com

Robert L. Archbold, LLC Robert L. Archbold www.robertlarchbold.com

Scene Clean, Inc. Randy Burg www.scenecleanmn.com

Shepart Dawson Grover www.shepart.com

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


For Sale - Funeral Home in NE Minnesota in Cook. Same original owners since inception in 1983. The firm doea 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].

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].

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].

Rehkamp & Horvath Funeral Directors and Almlie-Horvath Funeral Service in Southwest Minnesota. Our team of progressive funeral directors serves approximately 200 families through several locations in Southwest Minnesota. We are seeking an experienced director who is capable of management level decision making and possesses strong communication skills. Marshall is the home to 14,000 residents, yet swells to 25,000 workers daily. Also home to Southwest Minnesota State University and the Schwan Food Company, many young professionals and many amenities. Responsibilities include all customary tasks present in a funeral home including removals/embalming/ cosmetics/arrangements/pre-planning/ and administrative tasks. Negotiable and competitive compensation package including salary, paid time off, simple IRA match, cell phone reimbursement, etc. Resumes accepted via email at [email protected] or mail to P.O. Box 1092, Marshall, MN 56258. For more information, consult www.rehkamp-horvath.com or call (507) 532-4522 and ask for Quinn or Seneca.

Rowe Funeral Home and Crematory of Grand Rapids, MN, is looking for a quality licensed funeral director or apprentice. You should be proficient in using computers and other associated technologies. We offer an excellent on call schedule that is shared evenly with three other funeral directors with regularly schedule time off to enjoy the many outdoor activities that the Grand Rapids area has to offer. Please contact us by either e-mailing a cover letter with current resume to [email protected] or mailing to Rowe Funeral Home, ATTN Ken Spangler or David Huso, 510 NW 1st Ave., Grand Rapids, MN 55744. Should you wish to speak directly with Ken or Dave, please call 218-326-6505. Compensation is dependent on qualifications and experience, with all inquiries kept confidential.

Licensed Funeral Director/Intern in Mankato, MN. Mankato Area Funeral Homes are seeking a Licensed Funeral Director/Intern that is passionate about funeral service and desires to be part of a progressive team. Our organization offers competitive compensation, as well as many benefits including employer paid medical insurance, flex plan, flexible schedule, 401K Plan with a 5% employer match, and paid vacation. Mankato is a Micropolitan area with a population exceeding 55,000 and all the conveniences of a larger city with the peace of mind and quality of life in a smaller town. To learn more about our organization and about Mankato, please visit the following websites: www.mankatomortuary.com and www.mankatomn.gov. If you are interested, please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected].

Family owned and operated funeral home, has openings for licensed funeral director, intern, and management positions in Montana and North Dakota. For more information, visit our website at www.stevensonandsons.com. If you are interested or have any questions please call Joe or Todd Stevenson at 406-853-4460 or office number 406-232-4457 or email your resume to [email protected].

Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City, SD and the beautiful Black Hills, has an immediate opening for a full time South Dakota licensed funeral director with a minimum of 2-4 years of experience. Responsibilities would include all aspects of funeral service. We offer an excellent compensation and benefits package that is second to none and we are employee owned. We value outstanding customer service and communication skills. Please email your resume to [email protected]. For more information about our firm you may visit www.kirkfuneralhome.com.

Licensed Funeral Director/Funeral Director Intern Opportunities

CLASSIFIEDS


Licensed Funeral Director/Manager in Crookston, MN. We are looking for an experienced Funeral Director who is interested in being part of a progressive company in the beautiful city of Crookston, Minnesota. Our organization offers competitive compensation, as well as many benefits including employer paid medical insurance, flex plan, health savings account plan, flexible schedule, 401K Plan with a 5% employer match, and paid vacation. Crookston is the county seat of Polk County, with a population of approximately 7,800, where the banks of the Red Lake River rise, the pulse of the Red River Valley beats, and where life gets a little simpler away from it all. To learn more about our organization and about Crookston, please visit the following websites: www.vertin.com, www.crookston.mn.us and www.stenshoehouske.com. If you are interested, please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected] or simply call to visit confidentially about this opportunity. Don Kiffmeyer Email: [email protected] Office:218-643-5595 Cell: 701-640-9454.

Henry W. Anderson Mortuary (Apple Valley/Minneapolis) is looking for an experienced full time MN licensed funeral director with experience as an arranger as well as in the embalming room. Job responsibilities include: arranging, embalming, working funeral/memorial services, dressing, casketing, community PR, taking and making first calls, evening visitations, light maintenance, working with the MR&C system, and other normal office duties, etc. NO NIGHT REMOVALS OR NIGHT EMBALMING! Contact Tim Anderson, 612-729-2331 [email protected]

We are currently looking for a licensed funeral director to join us at Vosseteig Funeral Homes. We serve approximately 140 families per year from our five rural funeral homes. We are located in the southwest part of Wisconsin (Vernon County) with our main funeral home in Viroqua. We have four satellite facilities located in Westby, Viola, DeSoto, and Gays Mills. This position requires proficiency in embalming, restorative art, and all aspects related to funeral service. Excellent communication skills, compassion, and integrity will help define the successful candidate. Applicant needs to be detail-oriented and able to work both independently as well as in a team. 3-5 years of experience is preferred. We are looking for someone interested in a career with us, not just a job. The call schedule is every other night and every other weekend. Temporary housing is available as well as a retirement plan and contribution toward health insurance.

Please send cover letter, current resume, and salary requirements to [email protected] or mail to Vosseteig Funeral Homes P.O. Box 88 Viroqua, Wi 54665.

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. 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.

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.

Virginia/Hibbing, Minnesota - Range Funeral Home, cooperatively owned, has an immediate opening for a full-time licensed funeral director or intern to join our team. Duties include but are not limited to removals, embalming, family arrangements, working funerals and visitations. Applicants must be able to work well on a team as well as independently. Funeral Directors are on a three person rotation. Please send cover letter and current resume to [email protected], ATTN: Bryan or mail to Range Funeral Home, 911 16th St. N. PO Box 4, Virginia, MN 55792, (218)741-1481.

Mahn Family Funeral Home in Red Wing, Minnesota, a family-owned funeral home, has a position for a full-time Minnesota licensed funeral director or intern. Responsibilities would include all aspects of funeral service. Individual must be a self-motivated person that is able to think independently and work without direct supervision. This position comes with competitive salary based on experience, flexible schedule, paid vacation, retirement plan, health insurance and other benefits.

The historic and scenic community of Red Wing, located in Southeastern Minnesota on the Mississippi River, has plenty of year around social, community and recreational activities. Please send resume to [email protected] or call 651-388-3343. Inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.

Licensed Funeral Director/Funeral Director Intern Opportunities

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