2025 PUB. 4 ISSUE 3 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MONTANA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION 2025 MFDA Convention and Trade Show
When your marketing is generating quality leads, your sales team is delivering happy customers, and your product is safe and secure, preneed becomes one less thing you need to worry about. Our mission is to make sure your entire preneed program is operating to its fullest potential. Grow Your Market Share With Total Confidence 2X your preneed with Precoa’s end-to-end marketing & sales program How to Grow with Precoa VISIT PRECOA.COM TO GET A FREE MARKET ANALYSIS ASK FOR A FREE MARKET ANALYSIS 1 GET A PROACTIVE MARKETING PLAN 2 2X YOUR PRENEED 3 SERVE MORE AT-NEED FAMIIES 4 27 MIN AVG COMMUTE COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Organizations ORGANIZATIONS 521 521 ORGANIZATIONS 521 ORGANIZATIONS 521 ORGANIZATIONS 521 ORGANIZATIONS 521 ORGANIZATIONS 521 COMMUTE TIME 0 5% 25% 20% 15% 10% OCCUPATIONS 0 5% 25% 20% 15% 10% Office Man Farm Labor Mach Office Office Office Office Office Office OFFICE ADMIN SUPPORT MAN. EXECUTIVE, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND MANAGERIAL FARM FARMING, FORESTRY, & FISHING LABOR HANDLERS, EQUIPMENT CLEANERS, HELPERS, & LABORERS MACH MACHINE OPERATORS, ASSEMBLERS, & INSPECTORS PROD PRECISION PRODUCTION, CRAFT, & REPAIR SPEC SPECIALTY SALES SALES SERV SERVICE TECHN TECHNICIANS & RELATED SUPPORT TRANSP TRANSPORTATION & MATERIAL MOVING RENT VS OWN 60% OWN 40% RENT AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME $56,732 MEDIAN INCOME 0 5% 25% < $10k $10 - $15k $15 - $25k $25 - $35k $25 - $35k <4 MIN 5–14 MIN 15–29 MIN 30–44 MIN 45+ MIN $25 - $35k $25 - $35k $25 - $35k $25 - $35k $25 - $35k 20% 15% 10% MARKET SHARE BY ZIP CODE 66047 66049 66046 66044 66025 97352 97489 ZIP City FH Cases Estimated Market Share Lawrence 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% Lawrence 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% Lawrence 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% Eudora 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% Baldwin City 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% Linwood 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% Tonganoxie 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% Perry 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% Lecompton 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% Tecumseh 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% Berryton 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% De Soto 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% Lawrence 52 100% 1,450 Other Lead Sources 4.0% 97045 97553 97266 97045 97352 97489 Mailable Households Estimated Return Rate Lead Source Distribution DEMOGRAPHICS DETAILS 66047 66049 ZIP City Population 55+ Population Lawrence 17,777 2,673 29 101 15,133 567 $52,211 $481,039 595 Lawrence 23,955 3,135 32 137 20,348 787 $63,283 $578,244 1,024 Median Age Estimated Deaths Caucasian African American Hispanic Median Income Avg. Net Worth DEMOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN Caucasion 83% African American 3% Hispanic 6% 8% Other OVER 55 14% 66046 Lawrence 16,851 2,346 28 96 12,949 849 815 $43,989 $313,113 66044 Lawrence 25,282 2,933 26 144 20,710 1,290 1,144 $32,293 $282,304 66025 Eudora 6,120 1,047 32 35 5,687 38 166 54,646 $394,608 66006 Baldwin 6,591 1,235 35 38 6,186 56 112 $63,324 $539,210 66052 Linwood 1,931 369 4 0 15 1,792 5 66 $60,999 $507,257 DEMOGRAPHICS DETAILS 66047 66049 ZIP City Population 55+ Population Lawrence 17,777 2,673 29 101 15,133 567 $52,211 $481,039 595 Lawrence 23,955 3,135 32 137 20,348 787 $63,283 $578,244 1,024 Median Age Estimated Deaths Caucasian African American Hispanic Median Income Avg. Net Worth DEMOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN Caucasion 83% African American 3% Hispanic 6% 8% Other OVER 55 14% 66046 Lawrence 16,851 2,346 28 96 12,949 849 815 $43,989 $313,113 66044 Lawrence 25,282 2,933 26 144 20,710 1,290 1,144 $32,293 $282,304 66025 Eudora 6,120 1,047 32 35 5,687 38 166 54,646 $394,608 66006 Baldwin 6,591 1,235 35 38 6,186 56 112 $63,324 $539,210 66052 Linwood 1,931 369 4 0 15 1,792 5 66 $60,999 $507,257
©2025 The Montana Funeral Directors Association (MFDA) | The newsLINK Group LLC. All rights reserved. Directors Digest is published four times per year by The newsLINK Group LLC for MFDA and is the official publication for this association. The information contained in this publication is intended to provide general information for review, consideration and education. The contents do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on as such. If you need legal advice or assistance, it is strongly recommended that you contact an attorney as to your circumstances. The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of MFDA, its board of directors or the publisher. Likewise, the appearance of advertisements within this publication does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any product or service advertised. Directors Digest is a collective work, and as such, some articles are submitted by authors who are independent of MFDA. While a first-print policy is encouraged, in cases where this is not possible, every effort has been made to comply with any known reprint guidelines or restrictions. Content may not be reproduced or reprinted without prior written permission. For further information, please contact the publisher at (855) 747-4003. 12 18 President’s Message 4 To Thrive, We Must Adapt By Bri Mulvaney, President, MFDA Executive Director’s Report 6 Our Future Is Bright By Terri James, Executive Director, MFDA 8 Congratulations, 50-Year Award Recipients! 11 Montana Earns National Award for Protecting Election Integrity 12 2025 MFDA Convention and Trade Show 17 Montana Board of Funeral Service Update By Jim Axelson, Chair, Montana State Board of Funeral Service 18 Preliminary Results of Personalities in Funeral Industry Workers By Teague McChesney and Madison Martinez, Psychological Research Team, MSU‑Northern 20 MFDA Featured Associate Member: Compassus 22 Montana Funeral Trust Update 23 2025 MFDA Associate Members 2025-26 MFDA Board Members BRI MULVANEY, President Axelson Funeral Home and Cremation bri@axelsonfuneralhome.com RICK WALTER, Vice President Longfellow Finnigan Riddle Funeral Home, Anaconda rick@anacondafuneralhome.com (406) 727-1368 JIM ASPER, Treasurer Asper Funeral Homes, Shelby, Custer, Cut Bank, Conrad jim@asperfh.com (406) 434-2172 CHRIS HOLT, Secretary, NFDA State Association Representative Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, Helena chris@aswfuneralhome.com KASSITY SORLIE, Southcentral District Governor Smith Funeral Chapels, Billings kassity@smithfuneralchapels.com FRED NELSON, Western District Governor The Lake Funeral Home, Polson flatheadpolson@centurytel.net JESSIE SATHER, Southwestern District Governor Longfellow Finnigan Riddle Funeral Home jesswldwmn@yahoo.com BROOKE GIEKE, Eastern District Governor Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home, Miles City brooke@stevensonandsons.com AUSTIN ASPER, Northcentral District Governor Asper Funeral Homes austinasper@gmail.com KATIE BACA, Future Development Leaders Director Just Cremation Montana, Missoula katie@missoulafuneralhomes.com STEVE KIRKEGARD, Immediate Past President Bullis Funeral Home and Cremation, Hardin skirkegard@yahoo.com TERRI JAMES, Executive Director info@montanafda.org Cover Photo: MFDA Past President Steve Kirkegard and MFDA President Bri Mulvaney Directors Digest | 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE BRI MULVANEY, President, MFDA Hello from Butte, Montana! It’s hard to believe we’ve swiftly approached Montana’s beautiful “two-week” fall season! Summer is always short but sweet. The 2025 MFDA Convention and Trade Show in Billings was a tremendous success thanks to the strong participation of our members and the generous support of our sponsors. I want to recognize our new MFDA Trust partner, USAlliance, for their enthusiasm and efficiency in rolling out the new trust. I will be checking in with members to ensure the transition is smooth and that resources meet your needs. Two key themes emerged from the convention and the NFDA Leadership Conference in Napa Valley, California: alternative forms of disposition and employee retention. Families are increasingly inquiring about alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction. In a breakout session with other state association presidents, I learned several states have rushed to legalize these disposition alternatives — but without rules, regulations or licensing requirements. This has created fear and some chaos for each of these states’ professionally licensed disposition providers. The “cart before the horse” approach raises real concerns for Montana as we prepare for the future in legalizing more forms of disposition. That’s why MFDA’s top priority is active participation in shaping the language for rulemaking on emerging forms of disposition, ensuring both the integrity of our profession and the protection of the families we serve. An emerging challenge for our business is workforce retention. At the convention, our keynote speaker, Leili McMurrough, highlighted the demographic shift of the workforce and the necessity to bridge generational differences and build loyalty — a message echoed at the NFDA To Thrive, We Must Adapt 4 | Directors Digest
Your Local, Family-Run Supplier of Caskets, Urns & Vaults At Medallion Vault & Casket, we’re a second generation family-run funeral supplier providing personal, friendly and professional service to our funeral home clients. Get in touch to learn more about how we can serve you! (406) 652-6605 • medallionvc@outlook.com www.medallioncasket.com Leadership Conference. The reality is clear: Baby boomers won’t work forever, and Gen Z won’t stay without purpose and balance. This raises key questions: • How do we balance the expectations of four generations in one workplace? • How do we support younger team members while meeting professional demands? • What is the cost of failing to adapt? High turnover drains both finances and morale. Retention demands a mindset shift from “they’re lucky to be here” to “we’re lucky to have each other.” While each funeral home may approach employee retention differently, adaptation is essential. I will ensure the MFDA continues providing education and resources to help members navigate workforce changes to carry forward our profession’s legacy. As MFDA president, I will support you, our members, as we adapt to a changing workforce. I will ensure we have a strong voice in legislation on alternative forms of disposition, and I will be diligent in strengthening our relationships with our sponsors so the MFDA will continue to thrive. Serving as your MFDA president is the greatest honor. To do so alongside our new executive director, Terri James, and my fellow board members fills me with gratitude. Thank you for your trust and support. With appreciation, Bri Mulvaney MFDA President Directors Digest | 5
Our Future Is Bright EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT TERRI JAMES, Executive Director, MFDA “Friends are the sunshine of life.” — John Hay As I write this article from my deck on an early Sunday morning, I am reminded of how blessed I am to live surrounded by such beauty. My father purchased the land I live on in the early 1960s, and I think of him fondly as I enjoy my morning tea. He loved this land and worked hard to maintain it. As we all know, Montana weather can change in the blink of an eye, so I truly cherish the warm sunshine on this summer day. The MFDA Convention and Trade Show, held at the Northern Hotel in Billings, was a fantastic event! This issue of the magazine highlights all the key moments, and I encourage you to check it out. Thank you to all our sponsors and attendees for making this event a success. Bri Mulvaney of Axelsons Funeral Home in Butte and Longfellow Finnigan Riddle in Anaconda was elected to serve as your new MFDA president. I look forward to working with Bri over the next year. Many thanks to Steve Kirkegard for serving as the MFDA president from 2024 to 2025. Steve did an outstanding job representing the association. During the convention, the MFDA membership approved the MFDA officers, board of directors and district governors for the 2025-26 term: • MFDA President: Bri Mulvaney • MFDA Vice President: Rick Walter • MFDA Treasurer: Jim Asper • MFDA Secretary: Chris Holt • MFDA Immediate Past President: Steve Kirkegard • NFDA Policy Member: Chris Holt • Eastern District Governor: Brooke Gieke • Southcentral District Governor: Kassity Sorlie • Northcentral District Governor: Austin Asper • Southwestern District Governor: Jessie Sather • Western District Governor: Fred Nelson • Future Development Leader: Katie Baca 6 | Directors Digest
The individuals just mentioned are volunteering their time to assist the association and Montana’s funeral industry. Serving on the MFDA board demands a significant commitment of both time and effort. If you see any of these individuals, please take a moment to thank them for their dedication. I was fortunate to attend the NFDA Leadership Conference in Napa, California, earlier this month. The state executive meetings provided valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t in state associations. I take pride in representing Montana, and I feel for the new interim executive director from Colorado, as it will take years to resolve the issues created by a lack of proper regulation. A few years ago, you may remember that Montana faced the possibility of losing the Board of Funeral Service due to insufficient funds to support it. The MFDA lobbied to increase the death certificate fee to help the Board of Funeral Service regain financial stability. With the passage of this legislation, there is now a surplus in their fund, which allows your license fees to be abated in 2025. The MFDA’s lobbying efforts are a valuable benefit of your membership. The MFDA board faced the challenge of finding a new administrator for the trust. To address this, a trust committee was formed that included Steve Kirkegard, Bri Mulvaney, Jim Asper, Rick Walter, Chris Holt and Tyson Moore. We held numerous meetings with various companies interested in managing the trust, and after careful consideration, the MFDA board chose USAlliance. Beginning Oct. 1, USAlliance will offer an interest rate of 2.99%. This rate will benefit consumers, funeral homes and the association. We are excited about this new partnership and look forward to its potential. If you would like more information about the trust, please contact Katherine Kosloski at katherine@usalliancelife.com. Additionally, MFDA will host a webinar with Katherine at 4 p.m. on Sept. 24 to answer any questions you may have. Please join us for the fall district meeting on Nov. 6 from 4-6 p.m. This meeting will be held virtually and will include two CE credits for FTC training. Mark your calendars for the 2026 Convention and Trade Show, taking place from June 14-16 in historic Butte, Montana, at the beautiful Copper King Inn. MFDA will be offering education credits and hosting our annual golf tournament. For those who prefer not to golf, we will also provide an underground mine tour and a tour of the Headframe Spirits Distillery. The Mining City boasts many exciting attractions, including one of Montana’s most visited landmarks, the legendary grave of Evel Knievel. I look forward to celebrating the 125th anniversary of MFDA alongside you. Make sure to take some time to enjoy the sunshine! I appreciate the opportunity to be your executive director, and I’m committed to leading us to great success. Thank you! Directors Digest | 7
Congratulations, JAMES AXELSON James Axelson has dedicated over 50 years to the funeral service industry, and MFDA is proud to recognize such professional excellence. We had the chance to sit down with James to learn more about his career and his experience in the industry. The following are excerpts from our conversation. Tell us about yourself. I was born and raised in Butte, Montana. I’ve never been outside of Butte except for mortuary college, and that was back in the time of the dinosaurs. I’m happily married to my wife of 46 years. I have two incredible sons, their incredible wives and four grandchildren, who are the light of my life. I am a third-generation funeral director, which is not uncommon in my industry. Both of my grandparents and parents were funeral directors, as was my brother Steve Axelson, who passed away in 2023. Of note, my mom was the first woman on the MFDA board back in 1972. Montana used to be a dual licensing state, and her license, when she passed away in 2012, was the last remaining funeral director’s license. I have been incredibly honored to have been appointed by two different governors in the state of Montana to three different terms on the Board of Funeral Service. I currently serve as the chair, and I will complete my third term on the board in 2027. What do you consider to be the most significant change you’ve witnessed in the profession over the past 50 years? Probably the largest change is the wider acceptance of cremation, which has existed for a long time, but more recently, has become more common in our society. In my grandparents’ and parents’ generations, cremation was something that rarely occurred. As I came into the profession, that was starting to evolve. Looking at 50-Year Award Recipients! James Axelson (left) and Fred Nelson (right) with their 50-year award plaques 8 | Directors Digest
cremation rates today, Earth burials seem to be more of an exception rather than the norm. What is your greatest career accomplishment? One of my mentors told me that, in addition to being a really great funeral director, it was also my job to replace myself and carefully bring on others so that the profession continues to keep the high standards and dignity that it’s known for. I’ve been absolutely honored to mentor some incredible young men and women in this profession. That is the most gratifying and most rewarding thing. It has been an honor to pass on the wisdom and instruction from my mentors. How has MFDA helped you throughout your career? Being surrounded by peers in my profession has paid me rewards that are innumerable. When I’ve been in a situation that I’ve not faced before or some problem that needs another set of eyes, being able to call another MFDA member has definitely made me a better funeral director. Without those men and women that I’ve relied on heavily through the years, I think I really would have been lost in the profession on a lot of different occasions. I was so thrilled that Terri was the one who was named our executive director after Jim Brown’s retirement. Jim did an incredible job, and when he came on board, the association was floundering a little bit. Jim was able to right that ship and start to get us going on a completely different trajectory that has been wonderful for the association. I’m sure Terri will continue that because she brings an exuberance and a fire that I know the association is truly going to enjoy. What is the best advice you have received? The best advice I ever received was to always remember the incredible trust that has been placed in me by families. They were trusting me with the most important thing in their life, and there was nothing more important to them than the person being taken care of. My mom told me that you are going to suffer the emotions and cry those tears, but to cry them in private. The family does not need you to hold their hand and cry with them. The families are looking for the one person who can bring some semblance of rationality to the irrational situation. Don’t allow your emotions to overwhelm you to the point that you can’t serve that family. My mentors once told me that it’s OK to not have all the answers and not to say anything. People, especially during visitations, will say, “God only takes the best” or “Your little girl is now in God’s garden.” Those things may sound lofty and poetic, but they do nothing to serve the family. I tell families just to be patient with people when they say those kinds of things. It’s the best they can do. But sometimes, there are no words. Any last thoughts? When they told me that I was getting an award for 50 years in funeral service, I thought, “Wow, that went by fast,” because I truly went from getting out of mortuary college, blinking, and suddenly it’s 50 years later. The award is quite an honor, and it’s very nice of them to remember me this way. FRED NELSON Fred Nelson has dedicated over 50 years to the funeral service industry, and MFDA is proud to recognize such professional excellence. Currently, he is a funeral director at The Lake Funeral Home & Crematory in Polson, Montana. We had the chance to sit down with Fred to learn more about how he got started in the industry and what he has learned over the course of his career. The following are excerpts from our conversation. Tell us about yourself. I was born and raised in a small town in southern Idaho. There, I got to know a funeral director who became a family friend and got me interested in the general industry. But when I was in high school, there was a tragedy involving three of my friends. We were all supposed to go to a movie one night, but my folks said, “No, you’re not going.” In the moment, I was not happy about that. Tragically, my other three friends lost their lives in a car accident that night, and I was devastated. From then on, I decided to go into the funeral service industry. I started my apprenticeship in Boise, Idaho, the day after I graduated from high school. That was in 1962. I got my license in Idaho in 1966 and moved to Montana in 1975, and I’ve been serving the people of Montana for 50 years. Directors Digest | 9
What do you consider the most significant changes you’ve witnessed in the profession over the past 50 years? Back when I started, traditional funerals and burials were the way people paid their respects to the deceased. Things have really changed lately. I’ve noticed that people are moving away from what I call “traditional funeral services,” and they’re doing what they call a “celebration of life.” It’s just a different way of honoring each person. One thing I’ve noticed is that some ministers and priests do services the way they want to have them conducted, not the way families want them conducted. It’s been hard for me to adjust to that, but you have to go with the flow. It’s not all ministers or priests, but it drives people away from the funerals. Listening to families and honoring their traditions is the way we serve and support families in these difficult times. I’ve also noticed that people don’t attend funerals like they used to. It seems that people are busier, and the atmosphere is changing. To me, the service doesn’t do the deceased any good, but it’s for the family and people to say their last goodbyes. What is your greatest career accomplishment? At my age, I enjoy still being active enough to serve people and serve them the way they need to be served. One example that happened later in my career was when the funeral home I was working at had a funeral director suddenly pass away. We had funerals scheduled that same week as his, and the families wanted to cancel those services. However, myself and one other felt ready to come back and provide the funeral services for those families instead of canceling them, so we did. How has MFDA helped you throughout your career? MFDA makes sure to give us enough opportunities for CE so that we can keep up our certifications. They also help us network very well with the other funeral directors. If you have a question or a problem, they come back with an answer and are always willing to help. I’ve seen other states not do so well and have the mindset that it’s your problem to get your CE taken care of. We don’t want to end up like some of the states where they’re doing away with licenses for funeral directors and morticians. We need to keep those licenses. We run respectable businesses, and I don’t want to be classified as someone who disposes of dead bodies. I want to keep this an honorable profession. What is the best advice you have ever received, and how has it applied in your daily life? Years ago, a funeral director told me to treat people the same way I wanted to be treated, whether it’s in the profession or in everyday life. If you don’t treat people the way you want to be treated, it’s downhill from there. You have to respect everybody if you want to be respected, whether you agree with what they do or not. Any last thoughts? We need to get more people into the profession — people who really want to serve others, not just have a job. This profession is not a regular 8-5, Monday through Friday. It’s 24/7/365. It’s nights, weekends and holidays. You give up a lot of your time, and it’s not an easy profession. But it’s a profession that I’m very proud to be a part of. 10 | Directors Digest
Montana Earns National Award for Protecting Election Integrity one,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “We’re grateful to be recognized with the 2025 NASED Innovators Award, which signifies our commitment to serving our Montana voters.” “Secretary Jacobsen was proud to partner with the Montana Funeral Directors Association to create a meaningful impact by supporting families during the challenging time of losing a loved one,” added Elections Director Austin James. “The secretary aimed to provide a simple and gracious way to support families during their grief, and we’re pleased that our brochure and legislative changes made this possible.” Funeral homes across Montana have requested the brochure to include in their grievance packets, and the Montana Funeral Directors Association shared their gratitude for the partnership earlier this year: “We are thankful to Secretary of State Jacobsen and election officials across the state for the partnership. Our members have found Secretary Jacobsen’s brochure extremely helpful in providing information to families.” The NASED Innovators Award highlights innovative training procedures, technologies, partnerships and practices from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories. Under Secretary Jacobsen’s leadership, Montana was named the recipient of the award for the first time. Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen proudly announced that Montana received the 2025 National Association of State Election Directors (NASED) Innovators Award. Secretary Jacobsen’s “Death of a Loved One” initiative was recognized and honored during the 2025 NASED Summer Conference in Oklahoma City. Earlier this year, election workers and funeral directors joined Secretary Jacobsen at the Montana State Capitol to celebrate the “Death of a Loved One” initiative’s filing into Montana law. The project, which included House Bill 248, sponsored by Rep. Braxton Mitchell (R-Columbia Falls), simplifies and eases the process for a family to remove a deceased loved one from Montana’s voter rolls. It allows families to cancel a loved one’s voter registration with an obituary published by a funeral home, media organization or other entity. Secretary Jacobsen also established partnerships and collaborations with Montana’s funeral home leaders, creating a brochure that families receive as part of their grievance packet from the funeral home. The brochure gives families simple instructions on how to cancel a loved one’s Montana voter registration. “Our goal through my ‘Death of a Loved One’ initiative was to balance the important task of voter list maintenance with a compassionate and accessible experience for families struggling with the loss of a loved Directors Digest | 11
The 2025 MFDA Convention and Trade Show was held at the Northern Hotel in Billings, which has consistently been a gracious host for our association. This year, we welcomed 118 attendees and 18 vendors. The educational sessions were excellent, allowing participants to earn 7.5 continuing education credits during the convention. Additionally, we honored our past presidents who attended the event: • Steve Kirkegard, 2024 • Chris Holt, 2020-21 • Shawnee Krauszer, 2014 • Terri Stevenson, 2008 • Shane Salisbury, 2006 • Steve Schnider, 2005 • Irene Dahl, 2001 • Jered Scherer, 1992-93 MFDA also presented awards to members ranging from 5 to 50 years of service. Fred Nelson and Jim Axelson both received awards for 50 years of service. MFDA was also delighted to have Steven Spann, the NFDA secretary, and his wife in Billings to swear in the officers for 2025-26. Congratulations to the new board of directors! MFDA past presidents in attendance (L-R): Chris Holt, Shawnee Krauszer, Terri Stevenson, Steve Schnider, Irene Dahl, Jered Scherer, Steve Kirkegard, Shane Salisbury 2025 MFDA Convention and Trade Show 12 | Directors Digest
Steven Spann, NFDA secretary Bri Mulvaney being sworn in as the 2025-26 MFDA president Matt Coon accepting his 30-year award plaque from MFDA executive director, Terri James Randy Wilke accepting his 35-year award plaque from MFDA president, Bri Mulvaney Steve Schnackenberg with his wife, Denise, and his 30-year award plaque Shane and Ann Salisbury with their 30-year award plaques Charlie Fisher with his 25-year award plaque and MFDA executive director, Terri James Todd and Terri Stevenson accepting their 40-year award plaques from MFDA executive director, Terri James Congratulations to all 2025 Achievement Award recipients. Directors Digest | 13
2025 MFDA Golf Tournament players MFDA Board of Directors MFDA Board of Directors getting sworn in Celebrating MFDA’s former executive director, Jim Brown, for his years of service to the association 14 | Directors Digest
Associate Member of the Year presented by MFDA executive director, Terri James, to Timeless Traditions owner Jacqueline Bean Honoring former Executive Director Jim Brown. Todd Stevenson, of Stevenson and Sons, read a letter of congratulations from Gov. Greg Gianforte. Jim also received a video message from Sen. Steve Daines thanking him for his leadership of the association. Exceptional speakers for continuing education classes A beautiful Service of Remembrance was held to honor those we have lost in the MFDA family over the past year. The service featured live vocals, guitar and a flag presentation by the Honor Guard. The most rewarding part of the convention is networking, reconnecting with old friends in the same industry and forming new friendships with incoming members. Save the date! Join us in historic Butte on June 14-16 next year for a great event. Don’t miss it! MFDA President Bri with her parents and husband, Nick Directors Digest | 15
ADVERTISE HERE! RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY! 801 676 9722 sales@thenewslinkgroup.com RESEARCH SHOWS: • The average ROI for print advertising is around 130%. – Electro IQ • 56% of consumers trust print marketing more than any other advertising method. – AllBusiness.com • Print media has a 90% brand recall rate, the highest among all advertising channels. – Sonder & Tell Don’t just take our word for it! PRINT ADVERTISING isvital for success.
By JIM AXELSON, Chair, Montana State Board of Funeral Service Montana Board of Funeral Service Update The State Board of Funeral Service held its third quarterly meeting on Aug. 5, 2025, in Helena. Of larger note were discussions related to HB 246 and HJ 27. HB 246 references “Substantial Equivalency” or “Substantially Equivalent” licenses for individuals wishing to become licensed in the state. The most substantial change now allows the board to review individual qualifications and work experience. It also addresses any identified gaps so that applicants aren’t excluded just because requirements were met in a different format or sequence. The board’s executive officer, Susie Osborne, prepared a comprehensive table that compared education, examination and experience requirements covering all 50 states. This table is available to anyone who requests it from Susie Osborne. After board discussion, a motion was passed to approve the 2025 substantial equivalency by state list for use by the Montana board. Joint Resolution HJ 27 requests an interim study relative to morticians and funeral services in the state. It will encompass but not be limited to an examination of ways to improve clarity and consistency of existing statutes, as well as providing a model for alternative forms of disposition, such as alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction. The results of the study will be reported to the 70th Legislature. Our executive director has reached out to Rep. Denise Baum, and we have been assured that the board will be an integral part of these discussions as the resolution moves forward. The board certainly encourages and is most desirous of state licensees’ comments concerning HJ 27. Please direct your comments to Susie Osborne at susan.osborne@mt.gov. A review of the board’s financial status was provided by the fiscal department. The effects of the abatement of licensing fees on the board’s finances seem to be fairly minimal at this point in time. While the board cannot know the financial landscape for the coming year, it is hoped that the abatement policy will be able to be continued into the next licensing period. The fiscal department will have more solid financial projections for the board at our second meeting in 2026 and the licensees will be apprised of their advice and recommendations going forward. The board continues to wait for the appointment of a new public member. We are hopeful that this might occur before our November meeting. We are uncertain as to the cause for the delay but are not capable of accelerating this process since it is at the behest of the governor’s office. The full board’s next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 10:30 a.m. in the fourth-floor conference room at 301 S. Park Ave. in Helena. As always it is an honor to be able to serve on the board. Please do not hesitate to contact me at (406) 490-4264 at anytime with concerns, questions or suggestions. I very much enjoy and look forward to your comments and input. Directors Digest | 17
Preliminary Results of Personalities in Funeral Industry Workers A recent dual-survey study shines an unusually bright light on the people who guide families through loss. Sixteen funeral-service professionals, drawn from the Montana Funeral Directors Association Convention, completed two validated assessments: the 60-item HEXACO Personality Inventory and the 96-item VIA Character Strengths questionnaire. Taken together, these tools sketch a living portrait of temperament and values. The first notable finding lies in the HEXACO scores themselves, which measure six facets of personality: Honesty-Humility, Emotionality, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness and Openness. Conscientiousness registered a group mean of 4.21 on a five-point scale, driven chiefly by very high diligence (average 4.58). That numerical peak fits the daily realities of funeral work, where every certificate must be filed and every timing detail is checked twice. Honesty-Humility followed closely at 3.81, anchored by sincerity (4.06) and fairness (3.95). When practitioners say, “There are no hidden fees,” the psychometrics suggest they probably mean it. Emotionality, by contrast, sat lower at 3.06. In practical terms, the staff keep their composure: They empathize without becoming overwhelmed. Extraversion and Openness both hover near 3.5. This results in a profile that is sociable and intellectually curious without tipping into showmanship or novelty seeking for its own sake. Layered on top of those big picture traits are the rankings from the VIA Character Strengths questionnaire, which assesses 24 different character strengths. Here, the previously described pattern becomes even clearer. Nine of 16 respondents, an outright majority, showed Honesty as their single strongest quality. Curiosity and Humor tied for a distant second, each endorsed twice and solidified the value of the previously mentioned HEXACO model findings. Once every strength is mapped back to its virtue, it was found that the Courage domain dominates: honesty, bravery, perseverance and zest collectively account for more than half of the group’s top picks. Humanity, the virtue family that hosts kindness, love and social intelligence, takes a respectable second place with three endorsements. Wisdom and Transcendence claim two each, while Justice and Temperance receive none. The absence of Justice-type leaders does not mean staff are unjust; it simply means no one sees teamwork or fairness as the one trait that defines them. Likewise, Temperance’s blank column flags a relative scarcity of people who self-identify primarily with prudence or self-regulation. Those self-regulation signals become louder when we flip the lens to bottom-ranked strengths, with Self-Regulation and Love being named as the lowest common shared character strengths, each cited three times. Low Self-Regulation dovetails neatly with HEXACO Prudence scores, which, while respectable, trail By TEAGUE McCHESNEY and MADISON MARTINEZ, Psychological Research Team, MSU‑Northern 18 | Directors Digest
the rest of the Conscientiousness facet bundle. In day-to-day practice, that might show up as skipped lunch breaks, rushed paperwork after a long service or difficulty pivoting between tasks. Love ranking low suggests certain staff perceive a gap in close emotional connection, either with colleagues or with clients. Single mentions of Humility, Bravery and Appreciation of Beauty round out a tail that is thin yet instructive: No acute weakness dominates. Gender added one more shade to the portrait. Although the sample was small (six women and 10 men), a chi-square analysis flagged a non-random distribution of signature strengths. Women clustered in Curiosity and Social Intelligence, whereas men leaned toward Humor and Kindness, though both groups met on the common ground of Honesty. In a workplace context, that means mixed-gender teams already contain complementary assets: Women bring investigative thinking and nuanced reading of emotional cues, and men contribute levity and tangible acts of care. Leaders can thus assign roles — for example, family-intake meetings, after-care follow-ups and community-outreach events — by matching those natural inclinations rather than forcing the fit of employees. One might wonder whether these results generalize beyond funeral homes, and in many ways, they do. Any profession that navigates high stakes, strict regulations and intense human emotion — think hospice care, emergency medicine or family law — would benefit from the same combination of forthright diligence and measured empathy. What this study adds is empirical confirmation that such a blend does indeed manifest in the wild, not merely in professional ideals. Moreover, it shows that blind spots are measurable and therefore coachable. When Self-Regulation lags, leaders need not rely on guesswork; they can deploy evidence-based tools. The same principle applies to Love, Justice or any other virtue: You cannot manage what you do not measure. In summary, funeral-service professionals emerge from this dual-survey analysis as diligent truth-tellers who keep their composure amid sorrow but could gain from deliberate work on self-care and relational depth. Their Courage provides the ethical steel, Humanity supplies enough warmth to soften the edges and sporadic sparkles of Wisdom and Transcendence keep curiosity and humor alive. By reinforcing existing strengths and patching the identified gaps, funeral organizations can create a culture that is not only legally compliant and operationally smooth but also resilient, compassionate and ready for the evolving needs of the families they serve. Rethinking the future, together. Visit Batesville.com/New to learn more. ©2025 Batesville Services, LLC Directors Digest | 19
Please tell us about Compassus. What makes the company unique? Compassus is a national health care company specializing in hospice, palliative and home health care. Its primary mission is to provide compassionate, patient-centered support for individuals with life-limiting illnesses and complex needs. Operating hundreds of community-based locations across the United States, including Montana, Compassus brings together medical experts, caregivers and support staff to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families. What makes Compassus unique in Montana is its locally operated teams of healthcare professionals who understand regional needs and values, ensuring continuity of care through integrated services. Patients receive comprehensive medical, emotional and spiritual support in the comfort of their homes, while Compassus Montana is recognized for its dedication to quality, integrity and community involvement, tailoring end-of-life care to meet the unique preferences and circumstances of Montana residents. What service areas do you cover in Montana? Compassus Hospice generally provides care within a 60-mile radius of our Bozeman and Billings offices, but we are always looking for ways to say “yes” to patients who live outside those areas. Our goal is to offer the gift of hospice to all who need it; if we are unable to serve a patient due to distance, we are committed to helping families connect with other resources and support within their community. Below is a list of counties we can provide care and serve patients in: • Big Horn • Broadwater • Carbon • Gallatin • Golden Valley • Jefferson • Madison • Meagher • Musselshell • Park • Stillwater • Sweetgrass • Wheatland • Yellowstone MFDA Featured Associate Member: COMPASSUS What would you like funeral directors to know about your profession? Funeral home directors should know that hospice care focuses on quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses, providing comfort, dignity, and emotional and spiritual support rather than curative treatments. Hospice uses a multidisciplinary team of nurses, social workers, chaplains, aides and volunteers to help both patients and families through the end-of-life journey. Importantly, hospice offers counseling and bereavement support for families before and after a patient’s passing, which can be a valuable resource for funeral directors to recommend. Hospice staff often help with advance care planning and funeral preferences, making coordination with funeral homes smoother. It’s also important to note that hospice serves patients with a wide range of illnesses, not just cancer. Trained in cultural and spiritual sensitivity, hospice teams can assist in honoring family traditions and rituals. At the time of death, hospice typically handles medical notifications and provides initial support, communicating directly with funeral homes as needed. Through open collaboration and communication with hospice organizations, funeral home directors can more effectively support families and ensure seamless care during this challenging time. 20 | Directors Digest
In creating a continuum of care for families, what, in your experience, is the best way to build relationships with funeral homes, and vice versa? The best way to create a continuum of care for families and build strong relationships with funeral homes is through open communication, early collaboration and shared commitment to supporting families holistically. Hospice providers can work with funeral homes by initiating conversations about end-of-life planning early, ensuring families understand their options and receive guidance before a crisis occurs. Joint education efforts, such as workshops or informational sessions for the community, foster mutual understanding of each organization’s role and available resources. Hospice teams should share bereavement support, grief counseling and other services with funeral homes, so families continue to receive care even after funeral arrangements are complete. By honoring families’ wishes, respecting cultural or spiritual values and maintaining compassionate, open lines of communication, hospice and funeral homes can build trust and provide truly comprehensive support through every stage of end-of-life and beyond. Are there any commonalities amongst hospice and funeral professionals? Hospice and funeral professionals are dedicated to supporting families with compassion, empathy and respect during end-of-life and bereavement. They provide guidance, education and resources to help families navigate choices and cope with loss, including grief support. Both professions value teamwork and clear communication to ensure seamless, high-quality care for families. More About the Compassus Team Matt Dillon I was born in Lewistown, Montana, and moved to Billings at a young age, where I spent my childhood enjoying the outdoors and playing sports. I attended Montana State University Billings, pursuing both academic and athletic goals. I earned a bachelor’s degree in health administration with a minor in business administration and went on to complete my master’s in health administration in 2020. After graduating, I jumped straight into the senior living industry, driven by a desire to give seniors the care they deserve. This journey led me to join the Compassus Montana team, where I am proud to continue serving our community. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful wife and daughter, as well as our two Goldendoodles, Tuff and Timber. Cameron Axelson I grew up in Butte, Montana, and began working in the funeral home with my dad at a young age. I have worked in or adjacent to the industry for nearly 30 years. I graduated from the University of Montana with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and began my professional career in the tissue banking industry. I worked on both the clinical and community development side for over 14 years before working as a contractor in the precious metals industry for several years while completing my master’s degree in healthcare administration from Grand Canyon University. After graduating, I was recruited by Compassus and am happy to be able to put my skills to use in serving the Montana population for their hospice needs. When I’m not working, I enjoy going on adventures with my wife, son and daughter, spending time in the woods, listening to music and hanging out with our dog and two cats. To learn more about Compassus, reach out to: Billings Office: (406) 294-0785 Bozeman Office: (406) 556-0640 matthew.dillon@compassus.com cameron.axelson@compassus.com Directors Digest | 21
Dear Association Members, We’re thrilled to announce the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Montana Funeral Trust through a strategic partnership between the Montana Funeral Directors Association (MFDA) & US Alliance Life and Security Company – Montana. What This Means for You Starting October 1st, US Alliance will become the new administrator of the Montana Funeral Trust. This transition brings enhanced stability, excellent customer service, and increased growth; benefiting your funeral home, your clients, and the strength of the association as a whole. Guaranteed Growth – For Everyone Whether you're enrolling new customers or have existing funds in the Montana Funeral Trust, you’ll now enjoy a guaranteed 2.99% growth rate, locked in for five years starting October 1. That means: Better value for the families you serve Stronger returns on pre-need funds Increased confidence in the trust’s long-term performance Act Now – Ensure Seamless Access by October 1 To make sure your funeral home has access to the new system on Day One: Complete your enrollment form today at https://forms.office.com/r/8RtAh8hvVZ or email me directly at katherine@usalliancelife.com. As a thank you, everyone who enrolls will receive a FREE customized YETI tumbler! What’s Next? As we approach October 1st, you'll receive personalized information about your funeral home’s trust accounts and access details. We’re committed to keeping communication clear, timely, and helpful every step of the way. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me or to the Executive Director of the Montana Funeral Directors Association, Terri James. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to review the updated forms, suggest any changes, and play an active role in helping the MFDA ensure the needs of the community are met. Your input is valuable and appreciated. Warmly, Katherine Kosloski Montana Trust Partner Representative Cell Phone: 701-527-7322 Email: Katherine@usalliancelife.com Meet Your New Montana Trust Partner Representative Hello! I’m Katherine Kosloski, your dedicated Montana Trust Partner Representative. I’m here to ensure your transition into this new chapter is smooth, straightforward, and successful. I look forward to working alongside you to grow your business and serve your families better than ever. Montana Funeral Trust Update Scan the QR Code to enroll today and receive a free YETI tumbler!
2025 MFDA ASSOCIATE MEMBERS DIAMOND LEVEL PLATINUM LEVEL GOLD LEVEL SILVER LEVEL MEMBERS Ballyhoo Printing and Design Compassus Hospice Dodge Company Lions World Vision Institute Pure Country Weavers Salt Lake Community College Mortuary Science Program American Crematory Equipment Best Western Premier Great Northern Hotel Federated Insurance Montana Med Express Select Bankcard The Davis Whitehall Co. United Heritage Life Insurance Company Directors Digest | 23
15 S. Idaho St. Dillon, MT 59725 This magazine is designed and published by The newsLINK Group LLC | (855) 747-4003 Phone: 800.658.3813 / Fax: 208.888.2677 memorialmonumentsinc.com 598 W. Franklin Rd., Meridian, ID 83642 A Better Way To Remember MEMORIAL MONUMENTS INC
www.thenewslinkgroup.orgRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg3NDExNQ==