ISSUE 2 2026 PUB. 5 2026 mfda Convention and Trade Show June 14-16 Copper King Hotel & Convention Center
For assistance, please contact your Montana Funeral Trust Partner Representative. Call or text 701-527-7322 or email katherine@usalliancelife.com Katherine Kosloski US Alliance Life and Security Company-Montana Using the Montana Funeral Trust helps support the MFDA!
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) 563-3371 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 ©2026 The Montana Funeral Directors Association (MFDA) | MBR Connect, formerly The newsLINK Group LLC. All rights reserved. Directors Digest is published four times per year 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. PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 4 Excitement and Gratitude By Bri Mulvaney, President, MFDA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT 6 Celebrating 125 Years of MFDA By Terri James, Executive Director, MFDA 8 Winning Local Search With Google A Practical Guide for Funeral Homes By Welton Hong, Founder and CEO, Ring Ring Marketing 12 Convention Schedule 13 Convention Speakers 14 Convention Information, Events and More 16 MFDA Legislative Report By Brad Longcake, Government Affairs, MFDA 17 2026 NFDA Advocacy Summit Report Advocating for Montana Funeral Directors in Washington, D.C. By Chris Holt, Montana State Representative, NFDA IN LOVING MEMORY 18 Niles Fredrick Nelson IN LOVING MEMORY 21 Alan J. Trainer 22 The Threshold of Life Memorial How You Can Support Montana’s Organ and Tissue Donors TABLE OF CONTENTS 6 18 https://montanafda.org DIRECTORS DIGEST | 3
I am thrilled to host you all in Butte, America, for the 125th MFDA Convention this June 14-16. This event is always a highlight of our year, but this time it feels especially meaningful. Through the strength of our partnerships, particularly with US Alliance and our valued vendor associate members, we have been able to elevate the convention experience in ways that truly add value for each of you. From a professional photographer offering complimentary headshots to several thoughtful enhancements throughout the event, our partnerships have allowed us to create something both memorable and impactful. Our convention program is equally exciting and enriching. We are honored to feature presentations by John T. Hall, who will share his expertise and perspective on embalming and inspire us to continue to serve well and enthusiastically. John T. Hall’s energy for his work and our industry is contagious. In addition, our panel of speakers will bring diverse insights, experiences and forward-thinking ideas that I know will inspire meaningful conversations throughout the convention. For those joining us on the course, our golf tournament at Butte Country Club promises to be both enjoyable and challenging. Those who are not golfing are encouraged to join us on a Butte tour, sharing the colorful, rich history of Butte, led by the incomparable historian, Chris Fisk. His storytelling brings this community to life in a way that is both engaging and unforgettable. That same evening, Nick and I are truly honored to welcome you to our home for the opening dinner. Serving as your 125th president has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I am deeply thankful to the association for the opportunity and for the trust you have placed in me. The experiences, relationships and shared purposes we’ve cultivated will stay with me always. Thank you to my business partners, Mikel, TJ and Scott Stevenson, their parents, my husband and my parents for always encouraging me to go one step further. As I pass the torch, I do so with complete confidence in our incoming president, Rick Walter, and the outstanding PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Excitement and Gratitude By Bri Mulvaney, President, MFDA It has been a joy to work with Bri Mulvaney as the MFDA president over the past year. She is an exceptional leader, and I appreciate her friendship and dedication to the association. — Terri James, Executive Director, MFDA leadership team alongside him, including Jim Asper and Chris Holt. Additionally, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge our executive director, Terri James, for the excellent work she has done for us in her first full year in this position. Thank you, Terri, for your support, fresh ideas and unwavering diligence. The MFDA is in excellent hands, and I look forward to seeing the continued growth and success that lies ahead. Thank you again for the opportunity to serve. I look forward to seeing you all at the convention and celebrating everything that makes MFDA so special. With sincere gratitude, Bri Mulvaney President, MFDA 4 | MONTANA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
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
Welcome to the Spring 2026 issue of Directors Digest. As I pen these words, I find myself in Lincoln County attending the memorial service for Niles Nelson, a former president of the Montana Funeral Directors Association. Niles was in office when I joined the MFDA in 2017, and I remember fondly how his wonderful wife, Bobbi, assisted me at the registration table during the Bozeman Convention. They quickly became two of my favorite people. For those of us fortunate enough to have known Niles both personally and professionally, we have truly lost a remarkable friend and leader in the funeral service industry. His compassion and dedication in helping families during their most difficult moments have made a lasting impact. The wisdom and guidance he provided were invaluable, and his commitment to excellence inspired all of us to strive for the same. While we will deeply miss his presence, his legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate through the lives he touched. The MFDA was well represented at Niles’s service, and I know it meant a great deal to Bobbi. In mid-April, I had the honor of attending the NFDA Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. I encourage you to read Chris Holt’s article about the discussions with our Montana delegation. Chris has bravely decided to run for an At-Large position on the NFDA Board of Directors. MFDA President-Elect Rick Walter will proudly cast his vote for Chris at the Leadership Conference in August, where four candidates will vie for the position, and two will ultimately be elected. Chris delivered an impressive two-minute campaign speech in D.C., showcasing his dedication and vision. In this issue, you’ll find details about the speakers, schedule, activities and more for our 2026 Convention and Trade Show — an event celebrating our 125th anniversary as an association. We’re excited to welcome you to Historic Uptown Butte from June 14-16. History enthusiasts will be delighted by the historical trolley tour led by historian Chris Fisk. The tour will include stops at the cemetery to visit the graves of notable figures from Butte, including Evel Knievel. Participants will also visit the pit viewing stand, the Dumas Brothel, and more — all aboard the Butte Trolley. If you’re interested in joining the tour, please email me at info@montanafda.org. For those who prefer golf, mark your calendar for the annual MFDA Golf Tournament at the Butte Country Club. Lunch is included with both the tour and the tournament, ensuring a delightful day for all participants. Following the day’s activities, MFDA President Bri Mulvaney will host a welcome reception at her home on the golf course. We invite you to partake in prize giveaways and enjoy a delightful evening filled with delicious food and camaraderie! On Monday, we have an exciting lineup of speakers for our education series, where you can earn your required Continuing Education credits. Later that evening, we encourage you to engage with our vendors, participate in prize drawings, celebrate our past presidents and honor our members’ milestone achievements. On Tuesday, we will gather to remember and honor those in the MFDA family who have passed. I invite all families to join us for this heartfelt Service of Remembrance, as your presence will help us celebrate and cherish their lives. Also, the educational classes will continue, offering you the opportunity to earn additional credits. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT Celebrating 125 Years of MFDA By Terri James, Executive Director, MFDA 6 | MONTANA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
With high-quality education, renowned speakers and engaging events, we hope to see you — along with your employees and families — in Southwest Montana in just a few weeks. All the registration information and convention details you need are included in this issue. Brad Longcake, MFDA lobbyist, has been diligently monitoring the state government decisions that could affect the funeral profession. I highly recommend you read his article on these important issues. Recently, he, President Bri Mulvaney, Past President Steve Kirkegard, MFDA Board member Jim Asper and I attended a meeting with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). They discussed a proposal to limit crematory operating hours to 1,600 per unit annually, counting only time spent actively cremating remains and excluding time needed for heating and cooling. We shared our professional insights on how this restriction could adversely impact funeral services in Montana. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide you with updates. We’re also thrilled about our new MFDA Trust partnership with US Alliance and the positive impact it’s having! We would love to hear your feedback on how this partnership is benefiting your firm. Finally, as we commemorate our 125th anniversary, I invite you to share your stories and memories for possible inclusion in upcoming issues of Directors Digest. Photographs, stories and memories related to the association are welcome! Please feel free to reach out to me by phone or email; I, along with the board, am here to support you. You, our members, are the driving force behind MFDA’s success. Thank you for your hard work and dedication — congratulations to each of you! Good News, Bad News A favorite joke of Niles Nelson, shared at his funeral service: Tom and Larry, lifelong friends and baseball fans, made a pact that whoever died first would go to heaven, ask St. Peter if there was baseball there, then return to share what he’d learned. A week after Larry’s passing, Tom heard a voice coming from his baseball glove. “Tom … it’s me, Larry. I’ve got some good news and some bad news.” “What’s the good news?” Tom replied. “The good news is that they do have baseball in heaven — the stadiums are like Gardens of Eden, and the bats are made of solid gold.” “So, what’s the bad news?” Tom asked. “The bad news is … you’re pitching on Tuesday.” Pictured are MFDA Executive Director Terri James; MFDA Past Presidents Tyson Moore, Rick Evans, Steve Schnider (and wife Carla) and Bill Rothie; Lee Darlington; Fred and Sherry Nelson; and Steve and Denise Schnackenberg. Not pictured are Charlie Wilson, Craig Riddle and James Schnackenberg. DIRECTORS DIGEST | 7
Winning Local Search With Google A Practical Guide for Funeral Homes By Welton Hong, Founder and CEO, Ring Ring Marketing If you run a funeral home, one of the most important questions you should be asking is simple: “When a family in my community experiences a death and searches online for a funeral home, do they find us?” Today, the journey to selecting a funeral provider often begins with a search engine. A son who lost his father types “funeral home near me” into Google. A daughter living in another state finds herself trying to find a reputable funeral home in her mom’s hometown. Or someone who just lost a loved one in the middle of the night asks a question like, “What funeral homes are open right now?” In those moments, the funeral homes that appear in local search results — especially in Google’s map listings — hold a powerful advantage. Over the years, I’ve watched countless marketing trends come and go. Some transformed industries. Others barely made an impact. But one principle has remained remarkably consistent: Local search rewards businesses that build trust and demonstrate real engagement in their community. The tactics evolve. The principles don’t. Here are several realities every funeral home owner should understand about local search today. Google Is Watching What People Actually Do Many funeral home owners assume their local search ranking is determined strictly by technical SEO work behind the scenes. In reality, Google pays close attention to behavioral signals — what people actually do when they encounter your business online. When someone clicks on your Google Business Profile, calls directly from the listing, requests directions to your funeral home or reads through your reviews, those actions signal to Google that your business is legitimate and relevant. These engagement signals matter. Especially for newer funeral homes — or if your funeral home recently changed hands or suddenly has a new name — it’s important that real people are interacting with your listing. When staff members, vendors or visitors use Google Maps to navigate to your facility, it reinforces the idea that your funeral home is a real destination people seek out. Think of it as digital foot traffic. The more authentic interaction Google sees, the more confidence it has in your listing. Your Google Business Profile Is Still Your Most Important Marketing Asset Despite all the discussion around AI search tools and new platforms, your Google Business Profile remains the center of local visibility. When someone searches for a funeral home in your area, the map listings — often called the “local 3-pack” — dominate the top of the page. Funeral homes that appear there receive the majority of clicks and calls. A strong profile should include: • Accurate business information • Proper service categories: funeral home, cremation service, mortuary, etc. • Professional photos of your facility • A clear description of your services • Frequent updates and engagement Many funeral homes set up their listing once and rarely revisit it. That’s a mistake! Google rewards businesses that keep their profiles active and current. The Right Words Still Drive Clicks Ranking well is only half the battle. The other half is convincing a family to call your funeral home. The language used in titles and descriptions plays a major role in that decision. Certain phrases can influence how families perceive your funeral home before they ever visit your website or dial your number, such as: • “Trusted funeral home serving families in [city].” • “Family-owned funeral and cremation services.” • “Compassionate funeral care for over 50 years.” 8 | MONTANA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
Families searching for funeral services are often overwhelmed and grieving. They are looking for reassurance that they are contacting someone experienced, respectful and trustworthy. Clear, confident messaging helps them make that choice. AI Search Is Changing How Families Research Funerals Search behavior is becoming more conversational. Instead of typing short phrases, people increasingly ask questions like: • “What funeral homes are near me?” • “How much does cremation cost in my area?” • “What is the difference between cremation and burial?” • “Do funeral homes handle everything after someone dies?” • “How quickly do you need to arrange a funeral?” • “What should I do when someone dies at home?” • “What questions should I ask a funeral director?” • “Can a funeral home help with paperwork and death certificates?” AI-driven search tools now guide users through follow-up questions that help them refine their choices and move closer to selecting a provider. What this means for funeral Rethinking the future, together. Visit Batesville.com/New to learn more. ©2025 Batesville Services, LLC DIRECTORS DIGEST | 9
homes is straightforward: Your online presence must support multiple stages of the decision process. Not everyone who visits your website is ready to call immediately. Indeed, many of them are anticipating a loved one’s death — not knowing if it will come tomorrow, next week or next year. They are still learning about funeral planning, cremation options or what to expect when that day comes. Funeral homes that provide helpful information — articles, guides and answers to common questions — build credibility long before the phone rings. And credibility is what ultimately converts a searcher into a family you serve. Reviews Matter More Than Ever — Especially the Words Inside Them Most funeral directors understand that online reviews matter. What’s changing is how search systems evaluate those reviews. Artificial intelligence can now analyze the text within reviews to better understand the services your funeral home provides and the experiences families have had. A short review that simply says “great service” is positive. But a review like this is far more powerful: “The staff treated our family with incredible compassion when my father died. They guided us through every step of the funeral and made a very difficult time easier.” That type of review gives search systems — and future families — much stronger signals about your professionalism and care. Encouraging families to leave thoughtful, detailed feedback is becoming increasingly valuable for both reputation and search visibility. Citations Still Matter — But Not Just in Directories For many years, local SEO strategies focused heavily on directory listings. Those still play a role. Consistent listings across major directories help confirm that your funeral home is legitimate. But another type of visibility is becoming increasingly important: unstructured citations. These include mentions of your funeral home in places such as: • Local newspaper coverage • Community organization websites • Chamber of Commerce listings • Charity or community event pages • Industry publications or “best of” lists These references help search systems understand that your funeral home is part of the broader conversation within your community. In other words, visibility today extends beyond directories to the entire online ecosystem. ESTABLISHED 1931 CALL US TODAY! (406) 452-8129 MontanaGranite.com Four Generations of Serving Montana "Our goal has always been to produce the finest granite memorials possible." — Daren Rummel, Owner, Montana Granite Industries, Inc. 10 | MONTANA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
Every Funeral Home Needs a Plan for Google Business Profile Suspensions This is an issue many funeral directors overlook — until it happens. Google Business Profile suspensions can occur unexpectedly due to verification issues or algorithmic errors. When that happens, the impact can be immediate. Your map listing disappears, calls drop and advertising options may be restricted. The best way to prepare is to maintain proper documentation and ensure your profile information is always accurate and verifiable. Google may occasionally require businesses to confirm their legitimacy through documentation or even video verification of the facility. Having a plan in place can prevent a temporary issue from becoming a serious disruption. Local Search is an Ecosystem The biggest takeaway for funeral homes is this: Local SEO is no longer about one tactic. It’s an interconnected system where multiple signals reinforce each other. Your Google Business Profile creates visibility, reviews build credibility, citations confirm legitimacy, content answers families’ questions, and user engagement proves real people value your business. Together, those signals help search engines determine which funeral homes deserve to be seen. Consistency Across the Web Matters More Than Most Funeral Homes Realize One frequently overlooked factor in local search strategy is the consistency of your business information across the internet. Search engines constantly cross-reference your funeral home’s name, address and phone number across multiple sources. If those details appear differently on directories, social media pages or association listings, it can create confusion for search algorithms. Even small differences — such as abbreviating “Suite” in one place but spelling it out in another — can weaken the confidence search engines have in your listing. Maintaining consistent business information across platforms helps reinforce legitimacy and strengthens local rankings. It also ensures that families who discover your funeral home on different websites can easily reach you. Search May Bring Families to You — But Trust Makes Them Choose You Families looking for a funeral home are often making one of the most emotional decisions of their lives. They are selecting the professionals who will guide them through a deeply personal moment of loss. In that moment, they are not simply comparing services. They are evaluating credibility, compassion and professionalism. When families find you online, they look for signals that your funeral home is dependable. The search may bring them to your website or your Google listing, but it is your empathy, transparency and reputation in the community that ultimately earns their trust. For funeral directors, that has always been the foundation of the profession — and it remains the foundation of successful marketing today. Conclusion Local search continues to evolve, especially as AI reshapes how people ask questions and evaluate options online. Yet the core principle remains the same: Families choose the funeral home they trust. Funeral homes that combine strong local search visibility with authentic credibility will not only be found — they will be chosen. Welton Hong is the founder and CEO of Ring Ring Marketing, which has helped over 600 small businesses grow their revenue through online marketing strategies. He is also the author of “Making Your Phone Ring with Internet Marketing for Funeral Homes.” Visit www.ringringmarketing.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and X. Every Choice Matters – Choose Federated® DriveSAFESM Federated DriveSAFESM Telematics can help your employees improve their daily driving habits. This combination of mobile app, in-vehicle tag, and online portal allows you to measure, rank, and provide feedback on employee driving behaviors so you can help them become safer drivers. Scan to learn more about Federated DriveSAFESM Telematics and how you can help your employee drivers stay safe behind the wheel. Federated Mutual Insurance Company and its subsidiaries* federatedinsurance.com | *Not licensed in all states. 25.08 Ed. 2/26 © 2026 Federated Mutual Insurance Company The content of this publication is for general information purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or an offer of insurance. Coverage will be determined solely by the terms of your policy, if approved for issue. Consult with a qualified professional to discuss questions specific to your circumstances. Helping Your Employees Stay Safe Behind The Wheel DIRECTORS DIGEST | 11
Convention Schedule Copper King Convention Center, Butte SUNDAY JUNE 14 9:00 am-11:00 am MFDA Board Meeting 10:00 am-11:00 am Registration 11:00 am MFDA Annual Golf Tournament Vendors are welcome to attend and meet the funeral directors. OR Guided Tour of Butte This features an underground mine tour, a visit to Headframe Spirits and more. RSVP to Terri to reserve your spot for the golf tournament or the Butte tour at info@montanafda.org. 4:00 pm-5:30 pm Vendor Set Up 4:00 pm-6:00 pm Convention Registration 6:00 pm-9:00 pm Welcome Reception, Home of MFDA President Bri Mulvaney Prizes for Golf and Tour Games MONDAY JUNE 15 8:00 am-9:00 am Registration 8:30 am-9:00 am Vendor Breakfast 9:00 am-10:30 am Guest Speaker John T. Hill Embalming Techniques 1.5 CE 10:45 am-12:15 pm Membership Meeting/Election Only MFDA firm and individual members may attend. 2 CE 12:15 pm-1:00 pm Vendor Lunch 1:00 pm-2:00 pm Guest Speaker Kqyn Kuka Ethics Presentation, Cultural Biases 1 CE 2:00 pm-3:00 pm Guest Speaker Fr. Russell Radoicich History of Funeral Traditions and Symbols in the Church, Their Spiritual and Physical Meanings 1 CE 3:15 pm-4:15 pm Guest Speaker John T. Hill Keeping the Fire Lit, Motivational Speech 1 CE 4:30 pm-6:30 pm Registration 5:00 pm-6:00 pm Vendor Reception 5:45 pm Vendor Giveaways and Prizes 6:30 pm Dinner and Awards Families are welcome to attend. Keynote Speaker Secretary of State Christi Jacobson Milestone Awards, Associate Member of the Year and Past Presidents Honored, Recognition of Years of Service to the Montana Funeral Profession Award New Officers Announced TUESDAY JUNE 16 7:30 am-8:00 am Breakfast 8:00 am-8:30 am MFDA Board Meeting 8:30 am-9:15 am Service of Remembrance 9:30 am-10:15 am Panel Discussion 1 CE 10:30 am-11:15 am Guest Speaker John T. Hill Educating the Public on Embalming Open to the public. 1 CE 11:15 am-11:30 am Wrap Up 11:30 am Vendor Meeting 12:00 pm Teardown *Schedule subject to change 12 | MONTANA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
Convention Speakers FATHER RUSSELL RADOICICH Dean of the Pacific Northwest, Protopresbyter-Stavrophor, Serbian Orthodox Christian Church Father Russell Radoicich is a dedicated and respected priest within the Serbian Orthodox Christian Church. Serving as the parish priest of Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church in Butte, Montana, he has played an instrumental role in maintaining and expanding the church’s outreach and spiritual life. Under his leadership, the parish has thrived, offering steadfast support to the Orthodox Christian community in Butte and the surrounding areas. Beyond his immediate parish, Father Russell has extended his pastoral efforts by providing guidance to several mission communities across Montana. Known for his deep commitment to the Orthodox Christian faith and tireless missionary work, Father Russell has contributed significantly to the growth of the Orthodox Christian presence in Montana. His efforts have included the establishment of mission churches in neighboring communities, strengthening the faith throughout the state. Holy Trinity Church in Butte, under his leadership, has remained a cornerstone of the local Orthodox Christian community, often described as a kind of cathedral for Montana. Through his dedication to liturgical life, spiritual guidance and fostering unity among Orthodox Christians, Father Russell continues to inspire and lead. Father Russell has been honored for his service and leadership with several distinctions. He has been elevated to Dean of the Pacific Northwest and awarded the “Jeweled Cross” and “Shield.” Additionally, he has been bestowed the title of Protopresbyter-Stavrophor (First Among Priests and Staff/Cross-Bearer). Father Russell is married and has been blessed with four children. KQYN KUKA Tribal Liaison and Diversity Coordinator, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Kqyn Kuka is a descendant of the Blackfeet Nation and is the tribal liaison and diversity coordinator for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP). Kqyn develops, implements and administers agency diversity initiatives and programs. She has established and maintains strong relationships with tribal partners through a respectful government-to-government approach to diplomacy. A veteran state game warden with 13 years’ experience in enforcement, Kqyn studied fisheries and wildlife at the Salish and Kootenai College in Pablo, Montana. Currently in her fifth year as FWP’s tribal liaison, Kqyn works tirelessly to advocate for partnerships within Indian country across all FWP programs. Her slogan and working philosophy is, “From Stranger to Neighbor.” JOHN T. HILL Licensed Undertaker and Clinical Coordinator, Hill Mortuary Service & Seminars John T. Hill is a licensed undertaker in seven states and serves as the clinical coordinator for Pierce Mortuary Colleges, including Gupton-Jones, Dallas Institute and Mid-America. Based in North Carolina, he also works with James Funeral Home and Northlake Memorial Gardens. As owner of Hill Mortuary Service & Seminars, John provides trade embalming and continuing education nationwide. In 2024, he founded the RESTORE Program to instruct and inspire high standards of quality care in embalming, restorative art and open casket viewing. John’s passion and dedication extend beyond serving grieving families; he desires to further this sacred profession by educating and showing the value, purpose and benefit of funeral service. He strives to keep embalming and the preparation of the dead a relevant and continual practice. He aims to mentor and motivate current and aspiring funeral professionals, empowering them to excel, serve with excellence and make a difference. DIRECTORS DIGEST | 13
CONVENTION REGISTRATION To register to attend the convention, visit montanafda.org/2026-convention to access the Member Registration form. Submit your completed registration form via email at info@montanafda.org, or by mail to: MFDA PO Box 1003 Dillon, MT 59725 HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS Copper King Hotel & Convention Center 4655 Harrison Ave. Butte, MT 59701 Convention attendees must reserve their own rooms. To make a room reservation, call the Copper King Hotel & Convention Center at (406) 533-6960 and identify yourself as part of the Montana Funeral Directors Association group block. SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Convention sponsorship opportunities are still available! Sponsors will receive: • Recognition at the convention • Signage at sponsored event • Verbal recognition at sponsored event • Access to attendee list • Website and newsletter recognition To register or learn more about available opportunities, visit montanafda.org/2026-convention to access the Vendor and Sponsorship Registration form. EVENTS & ACTIVITIES Register for convention events and activities via email at info@montanafda.org or by phone at (406) 449-7244. Awards Gala & Dinner — June 15 Copper King Hotel & Convention Center Time: 6:30 pm Cost: Included for convention attendees; $65 for non-attendees Hear from our keynote speaker, Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobson, and take part in congratulating the achievements of this year’s award recipients and association honorees! Families are welcome. Golf Tournament — June 14 Butte Country Club 3400 Elizabeth Warren Ave. Time: 11:00 am Cost: $100 (includes lunch) Butte Trolley Tour — June 14 Butte-Silver Bow Chamber of Commerce 1000 George St. Time: 11:00 am Cost: $25 (limited seating, includes lunch) This 3-hour trolley tour, led by a local expert, will provide an overview of Butte’s rich mining and cultural history dating back to the mid-19th century. Participants will enjoy a tour through the National Historic Landmark District, including the Copper King Mansion, Dumas Brothel, World Museum of Mining, Berkeley Pit Viewing Stand, Mai Wah Museum, Clark Chateau, Montana Tech and much more, with a final stop at Headframe Spirits for locally produced refreshments. Convention Information, Events and More 14 | MONTANA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
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MFDA Legislative Report By Brad Longcake, Government Affairs, MFDA MFDA has been extremely busy working on several items since the beginning of the new year. Many of the items we’ve been working on are the result of the work we completed in the 2025 legislative session. MFDA has been afforded the opportunity to participate in several interim committee meetings these past few months. These critical opportunities to interact with our legislators are vital to MFDA’s success in advancing our ideas and solutions to the challenges our industry faces. One item we’re working on currently is House Joint Resolution 27, an interim study brought by the legislature to study laws related to morticians and funeral services. MFDA is actively working with all key stakeholders, including the legislature, the Department of Labor & Industry, the Board of Funeral Service and others. The study is comprehensive and will require many meetings and feedback from our members to ensure no stone is left unturned as we work to bring the profession into the 21st century. There are several areas of interest where MFDA will actively participate, providing expertise and solutions to questions that have previously been raised. MFDA is also actively participating in the Governor’s Licensing Reform Task Force, specifically on the Healthcare and Barriers Subcommittees. These groups meet weekly and serve as an additional conduit for insight and input on the challenges many MFDA members are facing. As we work through this process with these subcommittees and the full Task Force, we’ll continue to advocate for our members and provide insight and solutions. Another area of interest for MFDA is additional forms of disposition. We are currently working with several stakeholders and legislators to craft verbiage for this issue and will provide more information once we have a more complete work product. 16 | MONTANA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
From April 14-18, NFDA hosted its 2026 Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. The Montana Funeral Directors Association was represented by Executive Director Terri James, incoming President Rick Walters, and me, as Montana’s representative to the NFDA. We had the privilege of traveling to our nation’s capital to advocate for MFDA to our members of Congress. Both the weather and political climate in D.C. were hot! We arrived past the peak of the cherry blossoms, but late spring weather was in full effect. Construction was everywhere, and the city was busy! On Wednesday, the 15th, we enjoyed coffee and a photo opportunity with the Montana delegation. There were many people from Montana there to see our congresspeople, and we enjoyed the brief time we spent with them. On Thursday, the 16th, we hit Capitol Hill to advocate with our legislative members and their staff on the issues our profession is facing today. Across the whirlwind of meetings and tours of the various buildings and offices, we must have walked miles, but it was well worth the effort. We met with the staff of Sens. Daines and Sheehy and Rep. Downing to discuss various issues and to express our appreciation for their work in Congress on behalf of Montana. We discussed various veteran-related bills pending in Congress, along with a proposal to add funeral expenses to Health Savings Accounts as covered expenses for beneficiaries of those accounts when someone passes. Another issue we discussed is the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would repeal the federal estate tax and the generation-skipping transfer tax, provide certainty for long-term succession planning, and protect local, small-business ownership. The Consensual Donation and Research Integrity Act, which would regulate full-body donations for medical research/education, is still pending, despite the surprising lack of federal regulations in this field. Lastly, the IRIS Act, legislation concerning formaldehyde manufacturing and use, aims to limit the EPA’s use of Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) chemical assessments in regulations. It seeks to block IRIS data as a “tier 1” source, which proponents of the Act view as flawed scientific data and as an overreach in formaldehyde studies for funeral professionals and manufacturers. The discussions were productive, and we were warmly welcomed by everyone we met with, who were very receptive to the issues we raised. On Friday, we had the opportunity to witness NFDA lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and to see the changing of the guard. It was an emotional and profound experience for all. All in all, our trip to D.C. was a great success. Over 200 morticians spent the day on Capitol Hill to advocate for funeral services. We will keep everyone posted as these issues continue to evolve, and we look forward to attending the Advocacy Summit again in 2027. 2026 NFDA Advocacy Summit Report Advocating for Montana Funeral Directors in Washington, D.C. By Chris Holt, Montana State Representative, NFDA DIRECTORS DIGEST | 17
IN LOVING MEMORY Niles Fredrick Nelson Nov. 7, 1952-April 19, 2026 Niles Fredrick Nelson, 73, passed away peacefully at his home in Libby on April 19, 2026. A visitation was held on April 23 at the Schnackenberg and Riddle Funeral Home Chapel in Libby, Montana. The funeral was held the following day at the Libby Assembly of God Church. Niles served two terms as both board member and past chairman of the Montana State Board of Funeral Service and had also been a member of the Montana Coroners Association, the Montana Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors Association, the American Society of Embalmers and the Cremation Association of North America. To honor his service and commitment to MFDA and the funeral profession, we would like to share the story about Niles’ journey into the profession and the career that followed, told in his own words. I was born on Nov. 7, 1952, at the base hospital in Ft. Benning, Georgia, while Dad was serving with the Seventh Cavalry in Korea. Mom assured me, however, that I was indeed made in Montana from genuine Montana parentage — Mom being from Anaconda and Dad from Kalispell. I lived in Polson, where Dad had his first job as a band teacher, and then we moved to Libby in 1957 when I was a whole 4-and-a-half years old. Dad was the director of music at Libby Public Schools throughout my entire childhood until my graduation from Libby High School in 1971. While in my junior year, I became hopelessly attracted to a little blond-haired, blue-eyed girl named Bobbie Brown, who was one year my junior. Never pooh-pooh the notion of love at first sight! The knot was tied in 1973 and has remained that way for over 50 years. I moved to Missoula and attended the University of Montana (U of M), with a stint in the Army in the middle of the process. I majored in sociology and social work and played with the U of M Jazz Workshop band and the U of M Wind Ensemble to break the monotony. Sociology is about as interesting as watching a lake dry up. In those years, most colleges of mortuary science were private schools, and to meet the licensure requirements of two academic college years in addition to one year of mortuary college, this time at U of M was necessary. Most of those private colleges are now gone and have become part of community colleges that offer an AA degree with an “all-in-one” approach to mortuary science education. This is a much better way, in my opinion. During that time, my interest in funeral service increased as Bobbie and I lived in the upstairs apartment of Livingston & Malletta Funeral Directors in Missoula. While working previously for the city of Libby during high school, my main job was taking care of the cemetery. During that time, I worked with Mel Vial, the mortician at our local funeral home. I learned much about funeral service from him, but based on some negative experiences he had in funeral service, he attempted to try and talk me out of it. “What the hell do you want to do this for?!” was his favorite counsel. “It’s a big world out there, and there are lots of other opportunities besides this,” was another. You can see how well I followed his advice. 18 | MONTANA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
While living at Livingston & Malletta, John Malletta noticed my extreme interest and desire in funeral service and encouraged me to go to mortuary college as soon as possible. In late December 1974, Bobbie and I headed for Southern California, where I enrolled in the California College of Mortuary Science at Los Angeles (now part of Cypress Community College), living upstairs of a small, family-owned mortuary in the downtown district. The semi-retired owner and his son operated the place, and the elder became a wonderful mentor to me in embalming, funeral directing, public relations and funeral service in general, based on his many years of experience. We need more mentors in this profession. I will forever be grateful for the patience, encouragement and teachable moments and more that he so generously gave to me. In December 1975, I graduated with fellow Montanans John Michelotti from Billings and Bill Carter from Plains. During our absence from Montana, John Malletta acquired Geraghty Funeral Home in Missoula. Upon our return, he placed me at that location, which was managed by Fred Nelson. In retrospect, I feel very blessed to have had more excellent mentorship at that point in my career working under the direct supervision of Fred, a well-experienced funeral director and embalmer, along with John Malletta and occasionally Tom “Tim” Geraghty, both past presidents of MFDA. In 1976, we returned to Libby to work for Mel Vial, who had acquired the Gompf Funeral Homes of Libby and Eureka. (I think at that point, he was glad I ignored his advice.) We also started our family: We had two sons and later assisted in raising two nieces and a nephew, all of whom were the same age group as our sons, thus becoming our own “Brady Bunch.” It was a very happy memory for us. Later, I became the manager of the business and then acquired ownership of it in 1992 in partnership with my wife, Bobbie. Ownership comes with long hours but has many rewards as well if you are willing to work for it. During this time, we began to renovate our facility, a 90-year-old wood frame structure; there were almost no plumb walls or square corners, and every wall we opened was like Pandora’s Box. We began to wallpaper our chapel when we discovered two days later that we would need it the next day for a service. So we parked the kids in sleeping bags in the lobby and worked all night to get it done, with a finish time the next morning at 6:30 a.m. Those times will either bring you closer as a married couple or lead to homicide. We settled, thankfully, for the former. My unending thanks during this process go to my associate (and later successor) Steve Schnackenberg, an experienced carpenter, for his assistance. During my tenure as a funeral director and coroner in this territory — stretching from the Canadian border to the Idaho panhandle and from Libby over to the Flathead County line — it is not too much for me to say that this has been the experience of a lifetime. Distances between locations make things hectic, and winter driving can be fraught with difficulties. But when leaving one of our locations for home after a service, there is this incomparable sense DIRECTORS DIGEST | 19
of satisfaction knowing that you have done something incredibly meaningful for the living that will stay with them always. It seems more spiritual in recrudescence than just a commodity, skill or job. In 2008, we sold our business interests to our most valued employee, Steve Schnackenberg and his wife, Denise, knowing that the families we serviced would be in good, competent hands. A year later, on a sunny June morning, I had an enjoyable conversation with Dennis Schoepp, a very close friend and colleague in Columbia Falls. A little over an hour later, his associate called me in a panic, saying Dennis was on his way to the hospital in an ambulance and that it looked very bad. Bobbie and I loaded up the car and headed for Columbia Falls, receiving a call halfway there from his wife saying that they wanted her to “pull the plug” as he was brain dead. For the next 13 months, we resided in Whitefish as interim managers of the Austin Funeral Home and the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls, which was a very interesting experience that we gladly did in honor of our friend Dennis and his wife, Kenria. Dennis served as president of MFDA on two separate occasions and also served on the NFDA Policy Board; he was a very active member of our association, serving our profession well. During my tenure on the MFDA executive board and later as president, I missed Dennis deeply. Our MFDA scholarship in Dennis’s memory, so generously funded by his wife Kenria, is a very appropriate tribute and acknowledgment of his service to us all. In 1997, I was appointed by Gov. Marc Racicot to serve on the State Board of Funeral Service and was later re-appointed by Gov. Judy Martz for an additional term. During that time, the board re-vamped laws and regulations, both MCA and administrative, almost entirely and added new sections. The last total re-vamp was done in 1962 with many band-aids added on through the years, with almost nothing regarding cremation, pre-need and cemeteries, so the task was daunting. I have huge respect for the talent and intelligence of my fellow board members in accomplishing this monumental task, along with the assistance of the adjunct committee of MFDA past presidents, Rick Evans and Dean Whitesitt. I was amazed that this massive piece of work made it virtually unscathed across both floors of the legislature; I later found out this was indeed a miracle! I have come to realize that our ongoing professional development and the well-being of funeral service in Montana (or any state) lies, to a large degree, in the relationships we have with one another. I believe this is what our founding MFDA members had in mind over a century ago, and it remains the same. This story was originally published in the 2022 Issue 2 of Directors Digest. To read his complete obituary or leave condolences and memories, scan the QR code or visit www.schnackenbergfh.com/obituary/Niles-Nelson. 20 | MONTANA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
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