2025 PUB. 4 ISSUE 4 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MONTANA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION MChreirsrtmy as
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. 6 14 President’s Message 4 Strengthening Our Community By Bri Mulvaney, President, MFDA Executive Director’s Report 6 Honoring Our Legacy, Embracing the Future By Terri James, Executive Director, MFDA 8 Employees Posting Personal Opinions on Social Media What Can Employers Act Upon By NFDA 10 The Most Noticed Feature By Tim Collison, CFSP, The Dodge Company In Loving Memory 13 Mary “M’Lis” Eaton Dahl 14 2025 NFDA International Convention & Expo Recap October 26-29 2025-2026 MFDA Board Members BRI MULVANEY, President Axelson Funeral Home and Cremation, Butte Longfellow Finnigan Riddle Funeral Home, Anaconda 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 Retz 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 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 16 Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service Is Expanding to Belgrade! By Chris Remely, Funeral Director and Owner, Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service 18 Commissioner James Brown Leading Efforts to Safeguard Montana Seniors By Kaitlyn Wenzel, Policy Analyst & Public Outreach Coordinator, CSI 20 Montana Board of Funeral Service Update By Jim Axelson, Chair, Montana State Board of Funeral Service 22 2025 MFDA Associate Members 23 2025 MFDA Members Directors Digest | 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE BRI MULVANEY, President, MFDA What an incredible year 2025 has turned out to be — both personally and professionally. It’s hard to believe we’re already in the final stretch of the year! This has been an exciting and productive time for MFDA, marked by meaningful collaboration, continued growth and renewed connection across our network. Progress With US Alliance and Trust Account Development One of our key initiatives this year has been advancing our partnership with US Alliance and developing our trust account program. I’m pleased to share that we’ve made significant progress in establishing the new accounts and refining processes to ensure a smooth and secure experience for our members. The US Alliance team has been a strong partner — responsive, engaged and deeply committed to creating solutions that meet the unique needs of our member firms. We’re confident this partnership will deliver both operational efficiencies and long-term financial benefits to the MFDA community. Thank you to everyone who has contributed time, feedback and expertise to help move this project forward. Highlights From the NFDA International Convention & Expo in Chicago The NFDA International Convention & Expo in Chicago was a resounding success — both professionally and personally. It was wonderful to connect in person with so many of you from Montana, as well as with our current and prospective vendor members. The event was the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas and strengthen the relationships that make our association so special. A highlight of the trip was our dinner at Mia Francesca, where we shared great food and even better company. My husband, Nick, and I were delighted to spend time with Katherine Kosloski from US Alliance; Terry School and his brother, Rick, of The Davis Whitehall Co.; Richard Hall; Jim Asper; Vanessa Shook; Tyson and Kim Moore; Rick and Sally Evans; and Terri and Mark James. Evenings like that remind me how strong and genuine the connections are within our MFDA family — built on respect, shared purpose and friendship. Looking Ahead: Strengthening Our Member Community As we look to the months ahead, our focus remains on supporting member growth and engagement. Thanks to our partnership with US Alliance and all our associate members, as well as the past decade of dedication from Jim Brown, Terri James, and each of our past presidents and board members, the MFDA is in a financially healthy position. Because of this strong foundation, we’re now exploring ways to deliver even more value to our members. I look forward to connecting with many of you to hear your ideas on how we can continue to support your firms and communities. We’ll continue to provide resources that help you navigate industry changes confidently, while expanding professional development opportunities across the association. Your participation and insight are at the heart of MFDA’s success. I encourage you to stay involved, share your perspectives and help us build an organization that reflects our collective values and vision. Thank you for your continued commitment, collaboration and trust. It’s an honor to serve as your president, and I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the year ahead. With gratitude, Bri Mulvaney MFDA President Strengthening Our Community 4 | Directors Digest
Welcome to the final edition of the MFDA Directors Digest for 2025. As we wrap up another year, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside you at the Montana Funeral Directors Association (MFDA). It has been an honor to work with MFDA for over eight years, and I am proud to hold the position of executive director. On behalf of the families you support throughout Montana, please accept our heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering dedication and service to the communities you serve. Looking ahead to 2026, we are proud to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the MFDA — a remarkable milestone in our association’s history. Membership renewal notices will be mailed in December, and I’m pleased to share that association dues will remain unchanged, as they have for several years, despite the ongoing challenges of inflation. Earlier this fall, the association successfully held its online Fall District Meeting. We were fortunate to have Leili McMurrough from Worsham College of Mortuary Science present on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Funeral Rule. This program qualifies for continuing education (CE) credit for morticians in Montana. Additionally, I want to remind all members that the MFDA offers free OSHA training. If you are interested in taking the course online, please feel free to reach out to me anytime. The MFDA is committed to offering informative and engaging educational programs that enhance professional knowledge, promote best practices, and encourage continuous growth in our field. These programs demonstrate our dedication to helping members improve their skills, maintain high standards and achieve lasting success. This fall, I was thrilled to attend the NFDA International Convention & Expo in Chicago! The trade show was truly a standout experience, filled with wonderful opportunities EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT Honoring Our Legacy, Embracing the Future TERRI JAMES, Executive Director, MFDA 6 | Directors Digest
to connect with our valued associate member companies and invite potential new members to join the MFDA. One of the highlights for me was the therapy dog booth, where we were greeted by sweet chocolate and yellow Labradors — such a joy and an absolute favorite among everyone! Another memorable event was the MFDA dinner at Mia Francesca’s, where our group enjoyed a family-style meal in the restaurant’s charming “Coach House,” an atmosphere reminiscent of old Chicago. A heartfelt thank you to our generous dinner sponsors: Memorial Monuments, Federated Insurance and Precoa. The MFDA Board held its final meeting in November. The agenda included a review of the Association’s finances, a report from the Board of Funeral Service, updates on NFDA advocacy efforts, and planning for the 2026 MFDA Convention and Trade Show. This event is scheduled to take place from June 14-16 at the Copper King Inn in Butte. Please mark your calendars — we look forward to celebrating this milestone year together! The Board also received an update from the Montana Funeral Trust, presented by our new trust partners. This partnership, established after extensive research by the Trust Committee, officially began on Oct. 1 and is already showing great promise. We look forward to a long and successful collaboration with US Alliance. Although 2026 is not a legislative year, we will continue collaborating with MFDA lobbyist Brad Longcake to prepare for the 2027 legislative session. One of the priorities identified by our members is to define forms of disposition, a topic that the MFDA Board is committed to advancing over the next two years. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions about your membership or available member resources. Our goal remains simple: to ensure you have the tools and support needed to thrive in today’s challenging business environment. Thank you once again for being an essential part of the MFDA team and for all you do for your customers and communities. I am truly grateful for each of you. On behalf of the MFDA Board and myself, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy, safe and prosperous New Year. May 2026 be your best year yet. Directors Digest | 7
Employees Posting Personal Opinions on Social Media What Can Employers Act Upon By NFDA As more employees use social media as major communication tools, employers must know what they can and can’t do when it comes to disciplining or even terminating employees for their social media use. Employees going to social media to share their personal opinions on topics such as the assassination of Charlie Kirk has some employers wondering where the “line” is and how they can respond to protect the good name and reputation of their company. Whether employees post, comment or otherwise engage in social media activity, employers can generally act on such conduct as they would if it occurred in the workplace. But several protections may be available to an employee facing discipline for their postings. These include laws prohibiting harassment and violence, and laws protecting whistleblowers and employees who complain about workplace conditions. Legal Considerations • Private-sector and most non-profit employers are not bound by the First Amendment’s free speech protections, which only restrict government action. • Several states — including California, Colorado and New York — have statutes protecting employees from retaliation for lawful off-duty conduct. In addition, Connecticut, Louisiana, Minnesota, South Carolina and Wyoming are among the states that specifically protect off-duty political activity. These laws may prevent employers from firing or disciplining employees for expressing their personal views, unless those views have a clear, material impact on the business. • Even without a directed state law, the federal National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) could also provide your employees with protection. If the social media use relates, even indirectly, to the employee’s terms and conditions of employment, it may qualify as protected “concerted activity.” This is especially true if a post touches on workplace issues shared by coworkers (e.g., wages, benefits and working conditions as defined by the NLRA). SESCO’s Guidance on Employers’ Social Media Policy What Not To Include • Prohibitions on Work-Related Discussions: Employees have a legal right to discuss jobs, wages, working conditions and other employment issues. • Restrictions on Social Connections: Avoid language that limits employees from following or connecting with coworkers online. 8 | Directors Digest
• Requests for Private Social Media Credentials: Do not require employees to share their account passwords. • Bans on Pay or Benefits Discussions: Attempts to prevent these conversations can violate labor laws. • Prohibitions on Media Contact: While employees have the right to speak to the media, you can require them to specify that they speak as individuals, not company representatives. What To Include • Clear Examples of Unacceptable Behavior: Specify that hate speech, discrimination, bullying, retaliation, threats of violence or condoning acts of violence on social media platforms will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. • Practical, easy-to-understand rules that apply to employee behavior online: • Respect Company Values: Communicate company values to employees and encourage them to align their online conduct with those values. • Update Privacy Settings: Employees must regularly review and update their social media privacy settings. 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 • Do Not Share Internal Information: Prohibit posting confidential business information, financial details or sensitive customer information. • Think Before You Post: Remind employees that posts can have personal and professional consequences. • Anything required by specific state laws. This article was provided by SESCO Management Consultants. NFDA’s Endorsed Provider partner, SESCO Management Consultants, offers free or discounted access to a wide variety of information and services, including free, unlimited telephone and email consultations, an employee handbook development checklist, compliance recommendations and more. For more information on NFDA’s partnership with SESCO and the services they provide, please visit nfda.org/endorsedproviders. Directors Digest | 9
The Most Noticed Feature By TIM COLLISON, CFSP, The Dodge Company When the mouth of the deceased seems too wide, it’s likely that the cheeks lack fullness, the chin is not as wide or pronounced as it should be and the jaw line is sharper or more clearly defined than it was in life. These changes are caused by the loss of tissue mass in the face. We know that when muscle tissue atrophies, it shrinks or diminishes in size. Especially when the muscles are arranged in a circular manner and capable of contracting as they are around the eyes and the mouth and to some extent the nares, if this tissue atrophies or becomes desiccated, it will distort the normal shape of the feature. Simple gravity and the shrinkage of the tissues supporting the mouth will cause it to flatten and will cause the corners to pull outward and downward. When the embalmer positions the mouth, unless he or she compensates for this loss of foundation, there will be a tendency to have a very flat mouth which doesn’t exhibit a normal size or curvature. Keep in mind that the anatomical outer limits for the mouth are the centers of the eyes. Remember too that the thicknesses of the upper and lower integumentary lip have probably diminished when the subject is of advanced age or has died of disease. Knowing these two things, the embalmer can compensate for loss of underlying muscle and fat and can create a natural looking mouth. Can You Put a Smile on Their Face? I think when funeral directors hear this request, we sometimes cringe. However, what most families usually mean is that they would like their loved one to have a pleasant expression on their face. The appearance of the mouth is the primary determining factor in creating a pleasant expression. The position of the mouth is arguably the single greatest source of complaints regarding the appearance of the deceased. “The lips don’t look right.” “The mouth is too wide.” “He looks angry.” “My dad never wore lipstick.” All of these comments are familiar to us. Let’s break down the causes of some of these problems. The Lips Don’t Look Right Without a photograph, it is difficult to know how someone’s mouth appeared during life. Generally, problems arise because of the amount of upper and lower mucus membrane (the reddish portion of the lip) which we determine should show. Especially when there has been a loss of weight and a corresponding loss of muscle tissue, the lips may flatten and lose their natural curvature. The absence of teeth or dentures also makes it necessary for the embalmer to “guesstimate” the best position for the lips. By making sure that we have restored the underlying foundation when positioning the mouth — whether we do that by using a mouth former, cotton treated with Kalip or Inr-Seel — we can simplify the determination of the line of closure, and thus the amount of upper and lower mucus membrane which is visible. The Mouth Is Too Wide Of all the comments about mouths from family members, this one is probably the most commonly heard by funeral directors. If the mouth of the deceased appears too wide, the cause will probably be found amongst the issues listed in the previous paragraph. To fully understand the changes in facial features which are produced by aging and sickness, we need to look at the foundation of the facial features. The shape of a person’s face is determined by layers of skin, subcutaneous fat, muscle and bone tissue. A change in any of these components will ultimately change the appearance of someone’s face. No matter whether it is the result of age, trauma or disease, the slightest change will be noticeable to those viewing the deceased. Most often when the appearance of the mouth is unnatural, there are other corresponding anomalies in the face which may not be commented upon. This is because people viewing a remains normally focus on the mouth and eyes rather than other features. 10 | Directors Digest
If the mouth is turned down at the corners and for some reason the angulus oris eminences are not visible, this will leave the mouth with an appearance of a neutral or even negative expression. To understand this, examine your own face in the mirror. Begin by totally relaxing your face. See the position of the corners of your mouth and observe the flatness just above the corners. Now think of something pleasant and allow yourself to smile just slightly. As you look in the mirror, notice how the corners of your mouth begin to turn up and the eminences above them become more evident. This slight change in the position of the corners of the mouth and the angulus oris eminences makes a tremendous difference in the appearance of the deceased, just as it made a tremendous difference in your own face as you watched it in the mirror. For the embalmer to be able to establish this expression on the mouth, there must be sufficient foundation for the upper and lower integumentary lip. It’s quite advantageous to use a material such as Inr-Seel for any filling which must be done, since this mastic material is able to be molded with greater success than cotton, and Inr-Seel will maintain the position you leave the features in. When the foundation has been put into place, then the mucus membrane portion of the lips should be placed into proper position. When the positioning of the mouth is completed, the corners should be positioned as has just been explained. If the mouth does not want to stay in that position, you may need to remove some Inr-Seel or add more of it. The embalmer will find there is no substitute for practice in achieving success with this. The establishment of the angulus oris eminences can be achieved by using the blunt end of an aneurysm hook. The eminence is slightly elevated in comparison to the upper integumentary lip, with a border curving in toward the mouth. The Mouth Looks Too Full There can be several reasons why the mouth of the deceased can look full or, on some individuals, pursed. If the mouth has been overfilled with cotton or Inr-Seel, or if the mouth former has not been properly fitted, these things can cause the lips to protrude unnaturally. Another explanation may be that the mouth has been closed too tightly. Especially if the deceased does not have their own teeth and dentures are unavailable, it is common to close the mouth without leaving the proper spacing between the mandible and the maxilla. When the mouth is closed too tightly, the integumentary lip will push out, producing a full or pursed expression. The embalmer must rely on his or her own judgment to determine the amount of space between the upper and lower jaw so as to produce a natural looking mouth closure. When someone has their own teeth or dentures, you should position the jaws so that there is a 1/8” to 1/4” gap between the upper and lower rows of teeth. When teeth or dentures are missing, the embalmer must add this distance to the estimated space the teeth or dentures would have taken up when determining how to position the jaws. One sure sign that the mouth has been closed too tightly is unnatural looking skin folds. These will usually occur in two places. One is directly beneath the root of the nose, in the philtrum. This fold will be horizontal and will disappear when the tension on the injector needle has been relieved slightly. The other folds which can be seen when the mouth is closed too tightly are at the corners of the mouth. If you have creases here which disappear when the injector needles are loosened slightly, the mouth was probably closed too tightly. Since it is more closely examined than any other feature on the deceased, extra attention to foundation building and positioning of the mouth is essential to ensure the satisfaction of the family. The appearance of the mouth will also determine the first impression of all the other individuals viewing the deceased — and therefore their first impression of you as a professional. One of the most frequent questions we get asked is regarding lip cosmetizing. I’ve been asked countless times whether we manufacture “a good lip color.” Well, as the saying goes, “There’s good news, and there’s bad news.” The good news is that Dodge manufactures several blended cosmetics which will provide a natural cosmetic treatment for lips. The bad news is that we don’t manufacture a lip cosmetic which is perfect for every set of lips, or even one cosmetic which can be used for every male (or female) of any one race. The sad truth is, if you desire a perfect lip cosmetic to be used on each deceased body you treat, you will need to blend it yourself. While the cosmetic which is in the jar on your shelf will, in many cases, provide an acceptable color, in many cases it will not. Knowing how to blend other cosmetics into this base lip color is the tool which will help you achieve superior results in every case. There are several different cosmetics which are compounded to be used on the mucous membrane portion of the lips. I can remember when I was first around the funeral home in my hometown 40 years ago seeing bottles of Merthiolate sitting on the shelf in the preparation room. Since we used this product at home for cuts and scrapes, I assumed that it was in the preparation room for the same reason. I found out later that this was the lip cosmetic which was used on most of the male calls. Surprisingly enough, Directors Digest | 11
some liquid lip rouges which are still available today are very close in color to the antiseptic I saw on the shelf years ago. The most common forms of lip cosmetics available are liquid and cream rouges, as well as cream cosmetics specifically compounded for warm color areas. Some of these would include Kalochrome Youthful, Adult and Old Age. There are also corresponding Perma Pigments and there is a Kalon pigment named “Lip Color.” The manner in which they are used is determined by their composition. The liquid and cream rouges are both translucent coloring agents which should be lightly applied to re-introduce redness to the mucous membranes. While they vary slightly in terms of intensity, their sole purpose is to re-establish red coloring lost in death. There is no covering or concealing imperfections or blemishes when one uses these cosmetics. Additionally, liquid and cream lip rouges will not adhere to waxed areas with any degree of success. The other types of cosmetics which can be used for lips are those which contain pigments. The vehicles in various formulations of pigmented cosmetics include oil, paraffin and mineral spirits. The use of these pigments is the most common method for cosmetizing lips. Such cosmetics can both re-establish natural color, cover discolorations and adhere to wax. The color of the mucous membrane of the lip is composed of three complexion pigments: red, melanin (brown) and carotene (yellow). It follows then that any blended cosmetic used on the lips should also be composed of these three pigments and should be adjusted with the addition of one or more of these components. At one of the funeral homes where I was employed, we were the recipients of free cosmetics because one of the funeral director’s relatives was a sales representative for a large cosmetic manufacturer. The cosmetics we received did come in handy in some cases, especially mascara, eyeliner and fingernail polish. A problem occurred, however, with the lip cosmetic we were given. Apparently, the only lipstick which was available to us for free was a shade called Sweet Rose. I believe a layperson who saw this color would call it pink. While Sweet Rose did have its use, I quickly learned that it had to be blended with Light Brown Blending Kalochrome for use on most males. One key element in adjusting lip cosmetics properly for various subjects is bearing in mind that a determinant factor in complexions is melanin content. In most cases, if the lip color does not look natural, it’s because there is too little brown. When there are complaints about the lip color of the deceased, it’s most often that the lips are too red or too purple. Especially when it is not convenient to completely remove the lip cosmetic and reapply a different color, the addition of a small amount of brown cosmetic over the surface of the lips will often rectify this situation. Another point to consider is that the pigmentation of the lips is not consistent over the entire surface. Just as the rest of the complexion has variegation of color, so does the red portion of the lips. Here there are areas of greater red concentration as well as greater brown, so irregular coloration is not something to be avoided. On the contrary, lips will appear more natural if one avoids a constant color across the surface. One simple technique for creating color variegation is applying small spots of Light Brown Blending Kalochrome randomly on the lip surface and then stippling lightly. Applying the cosmetic to the lip surface is generally accomplished using a small (1/4” or less) chisel-shaped brush. Many cosmeticians use this style because it will leave a sharply defined edge of cosmetic material. However, if the mucous membrane portion of the lips is closely examined, one will see that there is no definite margin visible. The red portion of the lips merge with the surrounding integumentary and has no definite border. This is an advantage to the cosmetician, because there’s no need to recreate natural lip coloring with perfect symmetry — the lips are not naturally symmetrical. Here’s another method of applying lip cosmetic which may produce a more natural appearance: Rather than tracing the border of the lips with the brush and filling in the remainder of the lip surface with cosmetics, begin at the line of closure and apply the cosmetic toward the margins of the lip with vertical brush strokes. This will naturally diminish the amount of cosmetic at the borders of the lips and keep an indistinct margin between the mucous membranes and the integumentary. When someone views a deceased individual for the first time, they focus first on the face as a whole, then the mouth specifically. With that in mind, it makes sense for us to study this area and notice its nuances. The physiology of the mouth and lip surfaces are specific to each individual. The care we take to observe and correct changes caused by death reflects the level of pride and professionalism we have in caring for the deceased and the families who have chosen us to serve them. This article has been edited for length and clarity. It originally appeared in the Summer 2025 issue of Dodge Magazine and is being shared with permission. 12 | Directors Digest
Mary “M’Lis” Eaton Dahl June 12, 1928-Sept. 8, 2025 Mary “M’Lis” Eaton Dahl came into this world singing on June 12, 1928, in Buffalo, New York. Her parents were Margaret “Orien” and Frank Eaton. She moved to Bozeman in 1938 at the age of 10. Her family moved to South Black, directly across the street from the Dahl family. The Dahls had three handsome, mischievous boys, and M’Lis hoped that one of them would notice her. M’Lis thrived in Bozeman. She had five horses, played sports, danced, sang and was part of the rifle club. Her lifelong best friends were the “dizzy dozen.” They were best friends from fourth grade until their 90s. Her goal in life was to share her voice to give joy to others. She sang while she swept floors, did dishes, danced or prayed. M’Lis sang in choirs at Gallatin High in Bozeman and led sing-alongs and dance classes at the Elk Horn Dude Ranch, where she was also a great ranch hand and baseball player. While working in Yellowstone Park in the ‘50s, M’Lis sang in bars and used the tips she earned to finance her college tuition and voice instruction. Michael Finnegan, M’Lis’s maternal grandfather in Spokane, set her up with a prestigious voice coach so she could perfect her craft and pursue her dream of being a professional singer. She married Bernard Dahl on July 6, 1950. Bernard loved to take her to piano bars on Saturday nights. He was so proud of her. Dahl was a choir director at Holy Rosary Church, and she enjoyed singing for the Billings Symphony Choir, in musicals around town and for weddings and funerals. M’Lis shared her love, the power of her voice and her creativity to comfort and empower others. M’Lis earned an undergraduate degree and a master’s degree in religious studies from Gonzaga University, as well as a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from Eastern Montana College. At age 40, M’Lis began painting with oils and watercolors, and her beautiful paintings are displayed in her family’s homes. She became a chaplain at the age of 70 and worked at both St. Vincent’s and the women’s prison in Billings. M’Lis and Bernard were lovingly cared for in their later years at home by the devotion of their family. Her faith, family, music and art were the fabric of her life. M’Lis was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, John Bernard Dahl, her grandchildren Marion Stroebe and Simon Reinhart, her great-grandchildren Cash Taylor and Imogen Hutchison and her son-in-law Mike Cater. M’Lis is survived by her children Mary Cater, Teresa Stroebe (Conrad), Ann Denise Dahl, Linda Reinhart (Dale), John Dahl (Brenda), Anita Jones (Reese), Irene Dahl (Mark Peterson) and Deana Dahl (Dave Wendell), her brother Mike Eaton, her sister Evie Nelson and 24 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephew, and one great-great-grandchild. The family is deeply grateful to the entire team at Riverstone Hospice, including Linda, Corey, Jessica, the Michelles, Corrine, Manny, Kristy and McKenzie. Memorials may be made in her name to St. Vincent de Paul (3005 1st Ave. S., Billings, MT 59101), Alice Kane Dahl Nursing Scholarship Foundation (PO Box 172750, Bozeman, MT 59717) or Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter (1549 E. Cameron Bridge Rd., Bozeman, MT 59718). A vigil service was held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, at Dahl Funeral Chapel in Billings. A funeral mass was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 12, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Billings. A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 15, at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Bozeman. IN LOVING MEMORY Directors Digest | 13
2025 NFDA International Convention & Expo Recap October 26-29 Representatives from Garden City Funeral Home enjoy the NFDA Chicago tour. Tyson and Kim Moore, Rick Evans and Vanessa Shook enjoy the Sky Deck at the Willis Tower during the Chicago tour. 14 | Directors Digest
MFDA members enjoyed a family-style dinner together at the Coach House. A heartfelt MFDA Dinner at Mia Francesca in Chicago thank you to our dinner sponsors. Dinner attendees included MFDA Executive Director Terri James and husband, Mark; Rick and Sally Evans, Tyson and Kim Moore, and Vanessa Shook from Garden City Funeral Home; Jim Asper from Asper Funeral Home; Bri and Nick Mulvaney from Axelson Funeral Home and Cremation, and Longfellow Finnigan Riddel Funeral Home; Richard Hall from Dahl Funeral Chapel; Katherine Koloski from US Alliance Life and Security Company; and Terry and Rick School from Whitehall Davis Co. Directors Digest | 15
Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service Is Expanding to By CHRIS REMELY, Funeral Director and Owner, Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service in Belgrade. But the residents of Belgrade were accustomed to traveling to Bozeman for many of their necessities. And even though there was a Dokken-Nelson Belgrade location to serve families, many of them still insisted on making funeral arrangements in Bozeman. As such, the Belgrade doors were closed a few years later, and Dokken-Nelson returned to running all of their operations out of Bozeman. As the years went by, the idea of having a Belgrade location was always in our minds. We saw the explosive growth in Belgrade and the west Gallatin Valley and knew it was only a matter of time before it would make sense to have a second location in Belgrade to better serve this area of our community. Discussions of a Belgrade location began to percolate again several years back, but then came the pandemic. Belgrade! For more than 100 years, Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service has been serving the Gallatin Valley. And if walls could talk, the history would come pouring out. There are death records dating back to the late 1800s, and records of families who lost multiple loved ones to the Spanish Flu in the early 1900s. Throughout Dokken-Nelson’s history, there have been a variety of business names, owners and locations. But the name Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service has been in place since 1954, and it has been located at 113 S. Willson in Bozeman since 1936 — with the building being added to the Montana National Register of Historic Places on Dec. 21, 1987. Dokken-Nelson is a pillar of our community and has a legacy of serving multiple generations of families. In the early 2000s, Dokken-Nelson attempted to have a presence 16 | Directors Digest
Fast forward to January of 2025. One of our goals in the new year was to figure out where and what a Belgrade branch could look like. We talked about the importance of easy access for families, the location and traffic patterns for getting to various cemeteries, and having a facility we could be proud of that embodies the Dokken-Nelson brand. We started researching which properties may be available to lease, if there were options to consider for purchase, and what would make the most sense as we sought to check the boxes for what we would need to accomplish our goal. We literally drove up and down the streets of Belgrade looking for available real estate and made multiple phone calls. And then came that fate-filled day. We met with a commercial real estate agent and discussed potential opportunities — some were worth considering, but none that met all of our criteria. As we were wrapping up the conversation, we asked one last question, “Are there ANY other properties available?” He mentioned there was a place that had just come on the market a week prior, and he gave us the address to go look at it. Within a few days, we scheduled a tour and we saw the potential for how it would fit our needs. The location was amazing (it’s in downtown Belgrade, south of the railroad tracks), and we submitted an offer shortly after. In full transparency, the hardest part about the potential opportunity was the fact that four small businesses were located in the building. We knew if the transaction went through, they would have to be rehomed. After much prayer and due diligence, we signed on the dotted line. The same day we closed on the building, we notified each business in person that we were the new owners and that our plan was to occupy the building. We shared with them that we are both Montana kids and small business owners in Bozeman, and that we had been providing our services to the Belgrade community and beyond for decades — but we now wanted to be able to do so in their backyard. They were all extremely gracious and understanding, for which we are truly grateful. As an olive branch for the difficult news, we provided them each with a month of free rent to help with moving costs, gave them more than the required 90-day notification, and researched potential locations for some of the tenants. So why are we telling you all of this? Because we don’t believe our business was more important or deserved to be there more than the businesses that were relocated. It truly was a hardship and one of the most difficult decisions we’ve made as a business. But each of them understood, and most had had some interaction with Dokken-Nelson and knew the reputation of the business. We truly believe the legacy of Dokken-Nelson helped ease the transition. As such … we are excited to announce that we are opening a Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service branch location at 107 S. Broadway in Belgrade just after the new year. Construction is full steam ahead on the remodel, and we have obtained both our Belgrade business license and a temporary State of Montana Mortuary Branch License (pending inspection). We wholeheartedly believe it is the right next step for both Dokken-Nelson and our community. And we are committed to providing the same exceptional care in Belgrade while making our services more accessible throughout the Gallatin Valley. If you’re in the area after the first of the year, please stop by either location and share a cup of coffee with us. And a big thank you to many of you who have been friends, mentors and supporters of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service through the years. We appreciate you! Rethinking the future, together. Visit Batesville.com/New to learn more. ©2025 Batesville Services, LLC Directors Digest | 17
Commissioner James Brown Leading Efforts to Safeguard Montana Seniors Scams are on the rise nationwide, but what is Montana doing to prevent them? The Office of the Montana State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI), is leading statewide efforts to protect consumers from financial fraud, scams and deceptive investment practices. Under the leadership of Commissioner James Brown, CSI has strengthened its public awareness campaigns, coordinated with local organizations and developed targeted outreach to safeguard Montanans, particularly the state’s senior population, who are most at risk of exploitation. In my role, I work directly with organizations like the Montana Funeral Directors Association in communities across the state to educate consumers about emerging types of fraud and arm them with the knowledge that they need to stay safe. We always emphasize to consumers that “you are your first defense.” Public awareness is the most powerful tool in preventing fraud, and CSI’s educational outreach efforts are designed to make that message heard in every corner of the state. CSI’s Fraud Prevention Efforts The CSI’s mission is both to protect consumers and to hold financial wrongdoers accountable. These investigations often involve close collaboration with community members, local leaders and federal partners when cases cross jurisdictional lines. In addition to enforcement, CSI prioritizes prevention. Through public outreach, community presentations and educational materials, the office helps Montanans recognize red flags before they become victims. One of the key frameworks we teach is recognizing the “four Ps” of scams: scammers Pretend to be someone trustworthy, present a Problem to be solved or a Prize to be gained, Pressure you to act quickly, and ask for Payment in an unusual way. Understanding these behaviors can prevent costly mistakes. By KAITLYN WENZEL, Policy Analyst & Public Outreach Coordinator, CSI CSI has previously partnered with the FBI, state legislators and senior living facilities across the state to host events and fraud-awareness presentations. These collaborations ensure that information reaches those most vulnerable to scams, especially older adults who are frequently targeted. Through these partnerships, attendees have learned practical strategies to verify information, safeguard personal data and report suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities. The Rising Threat of Crypto ATM Fraud One of the newest and fastest-growing fraud trends that we are seeing at the CSI involves cryptocurrency ATMs, which are machines that convert cash into digital currency such as Bitcoin. While these machines may look harmless in gas stations or convenience stores, these devices are increasingly being used by criminals to pull off various kinds of scams. A recent case shared during a CSI outreach event in Kalispell illustrates the danger. A Bozeman resident received a call from someone pretending to be from Apple, claiming their computer had been hacked. The caller instructed the individual to withdraw $36,000 and deposit it into several cryptocurrency ATMs to ensure that they were not charged with a crime. In reality, the money was sent directly to a scammer’s digital wallet and was unrecoverable within seconds. Community Outreach Across Montana CSI’s outreach efforts span large and small communities alike, from the Flathead Valley to eastern Montana. Presentations held in senior 18 | Directors Digest
centers, libraries and retirement communities often draw strong attendance, showing Montanans’ eagerness to protect themselves and their neighbors. The office’s educational events are tailored to each audience’s needs, whether it is a presentation to investment advisors, bankers or an educational game of fraud bingo to residents of a senior living facility. These conversations underscore the importance of early detection and communication within families and communities to prevent scams. Protecting Montana’s Financial Future Financial crimes can cause real, devastating harm by draining savings, breaking trust and creating lasting emotional trauma. Commissioner Brown’s leadership has focused on proactive strategies that combine education, enforcement and partnership. While technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics used by scammers. CSI’s approach evolves alongside them. Montanans value integrity, hard work and community, but those same traits can make residents more trusting and therefore more at risk of manipulation. CSI’s mission is to preserve that trust by promoting transparency and accountability throughout the financial system. Every outreach event, every conversation and every investigation contributes to a safer and more informed Montana. By staying alert, verifying information and reporting suspicious activity, all Montanans play a role in building a stronger line of defense against fraud. Remember, you are your first defense, not only for yourself, but for the families you serve! Directors Digest | 19
By JIM AXELSON, Chair, Montana State Board of Funeral Service Montana Board of Funeral Service Update The State Board of Funeral Service held its last quarterly meeting of the year in Helena on Nov. 5, 2025. All board members were present, except for the public member whose appointment is still pending. I have contacted the governor’s office to inquire as to when the appointment might happen, but as of yet we have received no response. Hugh Pratt, our board member management section chief, provided an update on the department’s ongoing outreach programs in the state, aimed at better educating the public on the department’s distinct roles and gathering feedback from towns across the state. Much of this information was included in the board member training sessions held in September. Glen Disque of the Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program provided the board with updates on the administration of apprenticeships in Montana. He provided a working template for the mechanics of apprenticeship training in the state. His office will continue to rely on the board’s advice and input regarding best practices and licensing requirements. The programs currently in place are mostly a hybrid of time-based and competency-based design, with a mentor ratio of one mentor to two apprentices. The hourly requirements for different apprenticeships currently span from 4,000 to 6,000 hours before licensure. The board was very appreciative of Mr. Disque’s work, as it provides us with a reliable methodology for measuring an apprentice’s progress. Board member Chris Holt provided a report from his attendance at the 2025 NFDA Leadership Conference. A copy of his report is available from our executive officer, Susie Osborne, and I highly recommend that everyone obtain a copy. The report is extremely informative and outlines some of the challenges currently facing the industry. The board truly appreciates Mr. Holt’s dedication to attending these meetings and providing all of us a broad view of what is occurring beyond the state level. Executive Officer Susie Osborne and board member Denis Pitman attended the Regulatory Board Member Training held in Rogers, Arkansas, in September. At both the Helena board member training and in Arkansas, boards were reminded that they are vital to the protection of community safety, but that they must continue to demonstrate that they are relevant, active and effective. There is also a continuing focus on clarifying the definitions of lawful and unlawful practices permitted by the licensing an individual holds. While the board is keenly aware of the shortage of licensed morticians, not only in Montana but across the nation, this should not be a cause for us to lower our requirements. We must ensure that there is clearly defined criteria for what is allowed or prohibited under a particular license. Mr. Pitman also asked about the last time that our board examination was reviewed or updated. With no definitive answers, our executive officer will make inquiries and provide a report. The board’s screening panel heard five complaints, four of which were dismissed and one that was held over for additional investigation. Susie Osborne presented the financial report to the board, which showed that the organization is fiscally sound. The board will revisit our financial statements at the first meeting in 2026. The board is allowed to retain its apportionments two times with any overage being returned to the state’s general fund. The amount to be returned this year is substantial and prompted a brief discussion to avoid violating open meeting requirements. 20 | Directors Digest
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