PUB. 3 2024, ISSUE 4 MCherrisrtymas OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MONTANA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION 2025 Membership Renewal Time
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©2024 Directors Digest | The newsLINK Group LLC. All rights reserved. Directors Digest is published four times each year by The newsLINK Group LLC for the Montana Funeral Directors Association 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 the Montana Funeral Directors Association 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 the Montana Funeral Directors Association. While the Montana Funeral Directors Association encourages a first-print policy, 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. 14 20 04 President’s Message Wrapping Up 2024 By Steve Kirkegard, President, MFDA 06 Executive Director’s Report Championing Montana’s Funeral Industry By James Brown, Esq., Executive Director, MFDA 08 It’s 2025 Membership Renewal Time! 10 NFDA Update By Chris Holt, State Association Representative, NFDA 12 NFDA News Breaking News: FTC Issues Report on Undercover Phone Pricing Sweeps By NFDA 14 2024 NFDA International Convention & Expo Recap 16 2025 Mid-Winter Conference Let’s Work Together! 17 Deathcare OSHA and Compliance Course 17 Congratulations, Kelly Lasater! MFDA’s Dennis Schoepp Memorial Scholarship Winner 18 In Loving Memory Barry Dean Brekhus Scott Lukkason Jayson Daniel Watkins 20 Judy Martz Memorialized With a Bronze Statue By Mike Cuffe, Montana State Senator 22 Montana Board of Funeral Service Update By Rick Walter, Board Member, MFDA 23 2024 MFDA Members Directors Digest | 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Steve Kirkegard, President, MFDA to, on a general basis, receive remains with more certainty than we are to ship remains out of Montana. This is untenable on many levels as firms are forced to drive to major airports in Denver and Salt Lake City, driving up costs for families and firms while at the same time stressing manpower. Also, the nation’s funeral firms are watching and waiting, not only for rulings on the updated FTC Funeral Rule and permissible formaldehyde exposure limit, but also for the advocacy and possible legal response by the NFDA and other member organizations to any administrative ruling deemed harmful to us as an industry. I believe with some certainty that the same thing you already know regarding the FTC is that online price disclosures will be one of a few changes that will be proffered. The MFDA trust committee and executive board has been working diligently to search for a new administrator for the Montana Funeral Trust. As you may now know, the New York Funeral Trust has informed the association that they will no longer be administering the trust, effective Oct. 1, 2025. With due diligence, we feel there are viable options for us moving forward. James Brown has been instrumental with his legal knowledge and ability to navigate the complex issues that affect the trust as a whole and the association as a fiduciary. In the future, it may be necessary to address the investment side of the trust through a Montana legislative bill that focuses on allowing different options in terms of what products we can invest in rather than relying solely Wrapping Up Hello fellow MFDA members, It seems like time has flown by and the new year has rapidly approached! I want to start by saying thank you to our membership, vendors and sponsors for making our association the success it has been. To our executive director, James Brown, our executive assistant, Terri James, and the executive board, thank you all for your insights and dedication to being an advocate for the funeral homes and families we serve. I had the pleasure of attending the NFDA conference in New Orleans in October and seeing the historic city of New Orleans for the first time. We had a very nice state dinner at the Olde Nola Cookery on Bourbon Street, and it was well-represented by Montana directors, staff and vendors. If you are a student of American history, New Orleans has abundant options to explore. The exposition hall gave folks the opportunity to visit with individual vendors and sponsors. Of note is the frustration with shipping human remains from airports in Montana. Delta and United cargo operations were present in the hall, and many had the opportunity to express a desire for improvement in airport operations. The airlines seemed receptive to the concerns and frustrations and promised to report our position back to those corporate positions responsible for the cargo side of their operations. What happens from there is impossible to predict, but, in visiting with some local firms, I find very little has changed up to this point. We are able 2024 4 | Directors Digest
Trust Wisely When it comes to serving your families, trust Montana Funeral Trust. •Funds are 100% government-backed •Quarterly audit ensuring investments are fully secure and properly managed •24/7 online access, convenient forms make the Trust consumer-friendly Take advantage of this exclusive MFDA member benefit! mft@montanafuneraltrust.org | 844.206.0049 | www.montanafuneraltrust.org Montana Funeral Trust on government securities. The board has also retained outside counsel to ensure the transition will comply with Montana law. By the time you peruse this article, we will have been through the fall 2024 District Meeting together via Zoom. The platform seemed to be well-received by our members, with fall sessions online and spring meetings held in person. The MFDA wants you to know that our advocacy is dedicated to protecting our members from things like the elimination of the BFS and creating opportunities for individual members to get their continuing education credits with quality offerings in terms of educational topics. I am glad we can now relax in front of the television, after months of siege from political advertisements! Thank you, members, for all you do. We hope to some of you at the 2025 Mid-Winter Conference on Feb. 5-6, 2025, at the Great Northern Hotel in Helena. Have a meaningful and blessed holiday season with family and friends. My Best, Steve Kirkegard TOTAL: $13,105.96 *pricing varies with collection practices and market conditions SMALL METALS MATTER Did you know 1 fine troy ounce of gold or palladium is worth $2,000 more than 1 pound of cobalt or titanium? 800-523-0968 | info@garfieldrefining.com IMPLANTS & MISCELLANEOUS 113 pounds $203.24 DENTAL MATERIALS 3/4 lbs $12,902.72 Directors Digest | 5
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT James Brown, Esq., Executive Director, MFDA Welcome to our final 2024 edition of Director’s Digest. Another year is on its way out, and another Montana Legislative Session it on its way in — which reminds me of a famous quote by Gideon Tucker: “No man’s life, liberty or property are safe while the Legislature is in session.” The 2025 Montana legislature will convene on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. In turn, the legislature is slated to finish later than usual with a sine die date of May 9. This last day is significant because it means the legislative session will bump against NFDA’s Washington Policy Summit, which is set for April 9-11, 2025. The annual fly-in is the Association’s best opportunity to speak directly with all of our congressional delegation about federal issues and policies which impact Montana’s funeral industry. As such, MFDA always encourages any and all of its members to join us in Washington, D.C., to meet with our two senators and Montana’s two House members. But, just because the annual trip to our nation’s capital does not yet happen for a few months, MFDA’s policy and legislative work continues year-round on behalf of you, MFDA’s membership. Speaking of Washington, D.C., as of the date I am writing this, the United States Congress is adjourned due to the Nov. 5 election date. Congress is set to reconvene in late November and early December to conclude its budget and legislative work for the year. As a result of the recent election, the Republican Party now has control of both the U.S. House and Senate. And, as part of that year‑end legislative crunch, MFDA is working with Montana’s congressional delegation to ensure that as much of MFDA’s regulatory relief agenda is enacted into law as possible. Turning back to Montana, the 2025 Legislative Session will be a tough one for legislators. If you have picked up a newspaper or turned on a news broadcast over the last several months, you have heard that property tax is a hot button issue. What is more, the Medicaid coverage expansion bill enacted by the 2019 Montana Legislature is up for renewal this coming session. Medicaid expansion is always a controversial topic. And, with Montana experiencing record budget surpluses, you can bet there will be a lot of political posturing and a lot of wheeling and dealing to get the constitutionally required House Bill 2, the state spending bill, enacted into law. Speaking of the 2025 legislature, the recent election outcome results in the Republican Party having, once again, control of both the Montana State Senate and House of Representatives. However, unlike 2023, the Republicans do not have a super majority — though Republicans still have a heavy majority going into the January session. Further, Republicans maintained control of all statewide offices, including governor. Championing Montana’s Funeral Industry 6 | Directors Digest
The Association is pleased to announce the dates when MFDA will be hosting its biannual State Legislative Advocacy Meeting. MFDA has scheduled Feb. 5-6, 2025, as the dates for the membership to come to Helena to meet with their legislators and their professional colleagues to advocate on behalf of Montana’s funeral industry. As we get closer to these dates, MFDA will provide more detail on the planned legislative dinner and associated advocacy activities. In the meantime, make sure to mark those February dates on your calendar and make your plans now to meet us in Helena at the Great Northern Best Western Hotel. As previously discussed, strong legislative advocacy and good public policy are two of the major benefits the association provides to its members. For the last several years, the MFDA Board of Directors has stepped up its public profile and is doing even more outreach to Montana’s elected officials and to the public about the great work done by Montana’s funeral providers. However, to maximize our efforts, the association needs your input as to the legislative and regulatory issues most important to your business. We also need to know what MFDA can be doing better to maximize your membership dues. So, let us hear from you before the session starts on Jan. 6. And, we look forward to seeing you in both Helena and in Washington, D.C., in 2025. As this will be the final Director’s Digest before the year’s end of 2024, let me take this opportunity to remind you that you will have seen your membership renewals hit your mailbox around the middle of December. The MFDA has a well-deserved reputation for maximizing your dues, while keeping the increase of dues in check — despite rising costs. MFDA has one mission, and one mission only — that is to champion Montana’s funeral industry. Whether it is advocacy services, member relations, community outreach or providing access to vendors and providers, when you renew your membership with MFDA, your membership gives you unmatched access to a variety of benefits designed to benefit your business, your customers and the communities you serve. Terri James and I have enjoyed serving you these past nine years. We look forward to seeing you in the coming new year. We promise to keep our New Year’s resolution, which is to make MFDA even stronger in 2025. And that’s no small goal, given that estimates demonstrate that only about 8% of people keep their resolutions all year long. Thanks for being a part of team MFDA. Regards, James Brown MYSHIELD® IT’S OUR BUSINESS TO PROTECT MFDA MEMBERS Safety Training Resources and HR Support at Your Fingertips Commercial Insurance Property & Casualty | Life & Disability Income | Workers Compensation | Business Succession and Estate Planning | Bonding Federated Mutual Insurance Company and its subsidiaries** | federatedinsurance.com 23.02 Ed. 1/23 *View A.M. Best Rating Guide information at www.ambest.com. **Not licensed in all states. © 2022 Federated Mutual Insurance Company Access industry-specific training, sample forms and policies, an employee handbook builder tool, and more 24/7 with mySHIELD®. Scan to learn more about mySHIELD®. The content of this publication is for general information purposes only. Consult with a qualified professional when you have detailed questions regarding any topic in this publication. Directors Digest | 7
It’s 2025 Membership Renewal Time! Renew your membership today! As a member of the Montana Funeral Directors Association, you are part of an active and vibrant organization. For more information, please call (406) 449-7244. You may download, print and fill out one of three applications below by scanning the QR codes. MFDA Firm Member Application Licensed Funeral Home or Crematory https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c02e66e5ffd20763015223e/t/674bd5f13 d94900e35406adc/1733023217943/2025+MFDA+Firm+Application.pdf MFDA Non-Firm Member Application Licensed Funeral Director https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c02e66e5ffd20763015223e/t/674bd67c120a991 5ade23cae/1733023357417/2025+Non-Firm+Member+Application+%281%29.pdf Associate Member Application Sponsors, Supporters and Vendors https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c02e66e5ffd20763015223e/t/674bd637120 a9915ade22ff0/1733023287860/2025+Associate+member+application.pdf 8 | Directors Digest
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
NFDA Update By Chris Holt, State Association Representative, NFDA Well, here we are starting a new year. Wow, how time has passed. Here’s an update on what the NFDA has coming up. We will be flying into D.C. for the Advocacy Summitt in April of 2025. With the new administration and some new Montana lawmakers it should be an interesting event. This is our opportunity, as MFDA, to join NFDA in meeting with the Montana delegation and their staff to bring our issues and concerns to Washington, D.C. It is always an interesting and fascinating experience going on Capitol Hill and engaging with our lawmakers. If anyone has the time and wants to come and advocate for our industry, this is a great opportunity to do so, and I am humbled and honored to represent Montana with the NFDA to advocate on your behalf. 10 | Directors Digest
As usual we are still working on the main issues that face our industry: • Health Savings Accounts. New legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives, the Funeral Coverage Act of 2024 (H.R. 7963), would designate funeral expenses as a qualified expense eligible for coverage under Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). This means that families who have saved money for healthcare expenses can use those funds for funeral and burial expenses after the person dies and no longer needs the money for healthcare costs. • The Consensual Donation and Research Integrity Act (S. 2191/H.R. 4275). This has been introduced in both the House and Senate and will provide the secretary of Health and Human Services with oversight and authority over facilities that receive donated human bodies and body parts for education and research. The bill will protect the dignity of donors and give families peace of mind by creating standards for inspection, chain of custody, labeling and packaging, and proper disposition. • We are still not in the clear with the EPA and formaldehyde. It seems there is still some discussion and rumblings on the effects of formaldehyde in our industry. We were told there will be some more panel meetings and studies to come. Stay tuned. • The Funeral Rule is being reviewed by the FTC. This issue is to keep on our radars. There are meetings and committees on the revisions, but nothing has been implemented or moved on yet. We need to keep this in mind and wait and see what will transpire with the new administration — I'm not sure how this will play out. I want to thank everyone for their service to individuals and families in their communities. Remember, the MFDA works for all of us in our industry and with the NFDA. Wishing all a Happy New Year. God bless. Directors Digest | 11
NFDA NEWS Breaking News: FTC Issues Report on Undercover Phone Pricing Sweeps By NFDA FTC staff issued a report on the commission’s undercover Funeral Rule phone sweep it conducted in 2023, which is available by scanning the QR code. The report presents the FTC’s findings on its ability to obtain price information from funeral providers by phone from the agency’s first-ever undercover Funeral Rule phone sweep. www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/staffreport_-calling-for-funeral-services.pdf About the Phone Sweep As you are aware, the FTC placed calls to 278 funeral providers from February through December of 2023. For each of the randomly selected funeral providers, there were three attempts to reach the provider by phone during business hours (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) and up to three attempts outside of business hours. On the calls, FTC staff asked for pricing information, typically for direct cremation, cremation and a memorial service, and cremation with a viewing. Key Findings of the Report The FTC’s report asserts that they were “unable to obtain price information after business hours” from 26% of the funeral providers they called (73 providers), and they were unable to obtain price information from 7% of the providers during business hours (21 providers). The report also shows that, in many instances, multiple calls were needed to obtain price information from a funeral provider. After business hours, staff either had to call more than once or wait for a return call from nearly 70% of the funeral providers called during the sweep. During business hours, staff had to call multiple times or wait for a return call for about 30% of the funeral providers called. Finally, the report details that half of the funeral providers called answered at least some questions about pricing with estimates or ranges rather than actual prices. The report also notes that at least 33% of the funeral homes provided package pricing for at least one service on a call (such as cremation with a viewing) without giving itemized price information for that service. In addition, staff found that at least 37 funeral providers quoted different prices for the same services on different calls. While the FTC has previously reported on this phone sweep, this report is focused on how long it took to get the information and how many times they had to call. Remember, many of the findings just listed, in and of themselves, are not violations. It is generally acceptable to use an answering machine, have nonlicensed personnel defer to licensed individuals to provide the information, and have a policy of only providing the required information during business hours. 12 | Directors Digest
Indeed, this report appears to be intended to advance the position that requiring funeral providers to post their prices online, where they would be available to consumers 24/7, is beneficial to consumers. How to Protect Your Firm NFDA published a Legal Alert on the FTC’s phone sweep in February 2024 when the results were initially announced. We reminded our members that while nothing has changed with regard to the Funeral Rule or its enforcement, there are several elements to remember now that the FTC has appeared to shift its enforcement procedures from in-person to via telephone: • You must give accurate information from your General Price List (GPL), Casket Price List and Outer Burial Container Price List to anyone who calls and asks about your prices or offerings. • You cannot require callers to give their names, addresses or phone numbers before you give them the requested information. You can ask callers to identify themselves, but if they refuse to do so you still must answer their questions. • You cannot require consumers to come to the funeral home in person to get price information. • You can use an answering machine or answering service to record incoming calls. However, you must promptly respond to questions from callers on an individual basis. • As an example, your answering machine can have a message telling consumers to call a specified number during business hours for information about prices and offerings. You need to provide the requested information when consumers call during those hours, or you can have an answering machine or answering service take consumers’ names and phone numbers so that you can return the calls at your earliest convenience. • You may have a (nonlicensed) employee answering your phones respond to easier questions regarding your offerings and prices by referring to the printed price lists, but the employee must refer more difficult questions to a licensed employee. If a licensed employee is unavailable when the call comes in, the employee can take a message so a licensed employee can return the call later. • You do not have to give price and other information after business hours if it is not your normal practice to do so. You can tell consumers who call during non-business hours that you will provide the information during regular business hours. However, if a consumer calls after hours to inquire about an at-need situation, and it is your practice to make funeral arrangements during nonbusiness hours, you should provide the price or other information the consumer requests. • You must give certain information to people who call, but the Rule does not require you to send callers a GPL. Similarly, you do not have to send a GPL in response to mail inquiries about funeral goods and services. Of course, you certainly are free to send a GPL to someone who calls or writes for information if you wish to do so. However, if a telephone or mail inquiry is followed up by a meeting at the funeral home or elsewhere, you must provide a GPL at that time. The FTC has noted that they consider it a violation for a funeral home to promise to send a GPL, but instead only provide a list of package prices that did not meet the requirements of a GPL. It is always important to remember, whether in person or on the phone, you must not misrepresent any law or requirement. It is also important to note that some states require funeral providers to mail a price list upon request. You should check to see what the requirements are in your state. Finally, we recommend asking at the end of the conversation with any caller inquiring about your prices or offerings, “Do you have any additional questions?” or “Is there any other information I can provide you?” This catch-all will help to ensure you are in compliance and there is nothing left unanswered. While the change in administration in the White House and recent federal court rulings stemming from the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Loper-Bright will certainly affect the FTC and its current review of the Rule, it is too early to determine exactly how. While this report seems to indicate the FTC is currently charging ahead on its current path, an anticipated new chair of the FTC will certainly result in some alteration. Rest assured, NFDA has been — and will continue to be — your steadfast advocate in Washington, D.C., ensuring the voice of funeral service is heard. We are closely monitoring every development and engaging directly with the FTC to protect your interests and those of the families you serve. We’re watching this issue like a hawk and will keep you informed of all relevant updates as they happen. Your NFDA team is here for you every step of the way. Directors Digest | 13
2024 NFDA International Convention & Expo Recap Hurricane Ida was a deadly and extremely destructive hurricane in 2021. Not only was life disrupted for the living, but several of the small town’s cemeteries — and others across the region — were damaged by a massive tidal surge. Pictured is the Davis Whitehall booth at the NFDA Expo. 14 | Directors Digest
The Montana dinner at Olde Nola Cookery was sponsored by Precoa, The Davis Whitehall Co., Federated Insurance, and Medallion. The NFDA Welcome Reception was held at Mardi Gras World. We could see how the parade entries have been made since 1932. Directors Digest | 15
2025 Mid-Winter Conference Let’s Work Together! Great Northern Hotel Helena, Montana WEDNESDAY, FEB. 5, 2025 12:30 p.m. MFDA Board Meeting Iron Horse Lunch served 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Cocktail Legislator Reception THURSDAY, FEB. 6, 2025 Earn up to 6 CE Credits 8:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Registration Foyer 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. 1 CE Gov. Greg Gianforte — Invited Welcome and Association Update • Steve Kirkegard, MFDA President • Jim Brown, MFDA Executive Director Report on MFDA Bill • Brad Longcake, MFDA Lobbyist 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. 1 CE Estate Planning • Rose James, Attorney 11:10 a.m.-12 p.m. 1 CE Healing With a Purpose, And How Do We Assist Families as They Heal • Dennis Beverlin, Regional Consultant, Precoa 12:00 p.m.-12:15 p.m. Lunch 12:15 p.m.-1:00 p.m. 1 CE VERS (Vital Record Event Registration System) • Annie Kurtz, State Registrar/Section Supervisor 1:15 p.m.-2:15 p.m. 1 CE Lions World Vision Institute (LWVI) • Lisa Sokoloski, LWVI • Mike Meyer, Regional Development Manager, LWVI Register today or secure your spot as a vendor by scanning the QR code. https://montanafda.org/new-page-1 16 | Directors Digest
Deathcare OSHA and Compliance Course Kelly Lasater! MFDA’s Dennis Schoepp Memorial Scholarship Winner The largest safety and OSHA compliance course in funeral service, cemetery and cremation industries. FREE to all MFDA members! Contact Terri at info@montanafda.org for login information. Congratulations, Kelly Lasater has been awarded $2,500 through the Dennis Schoepp Memorial Scholarship. Kelly is currently studying mortuary science at Des Moines Area Community College and works at the Dahl Funeral Chapel in Billings, Montana. Well done, Kelly! Directors Digest | 17
IN LOVING MEMORY Barry Dean Brekhus June 19, 1957-Oct. 22, 2024 After a courageous battle with cancer, Barry Dean Brekhus, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, mentor and friend, passed away peacefully on Oct. 22, 2024, with his loving wife, Bobbie, by his side. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the doctors, nurses and caregivers at Billings Clinic who guided them through every difficult step of his treatment with so much care and kindness. Barry was born in Mohall, North Dakota, on June 19, 1957, and grew up in Kenmare, North Dakota, with his parents, Harvey and Mildred Brekhus, and two younger siblings. He graduated high school in 1975 and from mortuary school at Mount Hood Community College in Gresham, Oregon, in 1980. Barry moved to Billings shortly after earning his degree in funeral service and went to work at Michelotti‑Sawyers, providing funeral services to families in Billings and the surrounding area for 44 years. He was incredibly dedicated to each family he served and continued to do the work he loved until the end. In 1994, Barry married the love of his life, Bobbie. They enjoyed their 30 years together, especially the time they shared with daughter Grace (Jason) Ruff, and three grandsons, Kai, Kamdon and Knox. Barry’s grandsons were the light of his life. He shared a unique and special bond with each one of them. Barry encouraged Kai to join Cub Scouts as a first grader and took him to all his den meetings and events as Kai worked up to the rank of Life Scout. Being part of Kai’s transition from a little boy to a young man gave Barry immense joy. He looked forward to watching Kamdon play football and soccer and cherished having breakfast with him every morning before school this last year. Grandson Knox read to Grandpa and played with his toys on the couch beside him. Barry got a kick out of every goodbye from Knox with his, “Gimme a kiss, Grandpa.” A few days before he passed, Barry learned a fourth grandchild was on the way. He deeply loved and was so incredibly proud of his daughter and grandchildren. He lamented knowing he would not be there to meet the newest addition to their beautiful family. Barry had a gentle, patient and calming way about him and could always make you laugh with his quick, dry wit. He recently celebrated 39 years of sobriety and was a grateful and active member of Alcoholics Anonymous. Barry was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Brekhus. Following a family graveside service, Barry’s urn was placed in Bobbie’s family plot (Lambert) at the Shorthill Cemetery near Livingston. Scott Lukkason April 25, 1956-Oct. 17, 2024 Scott Lukkason, 68, died Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at Benefis ICU following cardiac arrest. Scott was born on April 25, 1956, to Joe and Dai Lukkason in Great Falls. He graduated from Three Forks High School in 1974. He attended Montana State University before graduating from San Francisco College of Mortuary 18 | Directors Digest
Science. In 1978, Scott married Shirley Todd. They lived in Three Forks, and Scott worked at K&L Mortuary. He eventually returned to Bozeman and completed his bachelor’s degree in English in 1982. During that time, he also completed a ministry training program through the Bozeman Church of Christ. He worked as a campus minister in Bozeman. They moved to Minneapolis, and Scott worked as a minister for the Minneapolis Church of Christ. After returning to Montana in 1986, he worked for many years as a funeral director in Billings, Great Falls and Ellensburg, Washington. He retired from funeral service in 2015, and Scott served as a minister and elder for the Great Falls Church of Christ until his death. Scott was a faithful and devoted husband, father, brother and grandfather. He was a passionate disciple of Jesus, loved to study the Bible and dedicated his life to helping others grow closer to the Lord. He was known for his optimism, joyful smile, compassion and service to others. Scott was an avid hunter, hiker, cyclist and lifelong learner. Scott is survived by his wife, Shirley; sons, Chad (Sara) and Todd (Amanda); brother, Ross (Sue); and grandchildren, Hannah, Heidi, Gage, Levi, Silas, Amira and Amaya. The viewing took place at O’Connor Funeral Home at 2425 8th Ave. N., on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, from 5:00 p.m.‑8:00 p.m. A funeral service was held Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at the Great Falls Church of Christ at 1300 6th St. NW, with viewing at 11:00 a.m. and the funeral at 12:00 p.m. The burial followed at Highland Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Great Falls Church of Christ. Condolences for the family may be shared at www.oconnorfuneralhome.com. Jayson Daniel Watkins Nov. 25, 1968-Sept. 13, 2024 Jayson Daniel Watkins, 55, passed away at home in Kalispell on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. Jayson was born on Nov. 25, 1968, in Iowa and raised by Paul and Diana Watkins. He graduated from Arapahoe Community College in 1998 with a degree in mortuary science. Jayson wore many titles: husband, dad, brother, son, papa, friend and, perhaps his most well-known attribute, funeral director. He served many communities throughout his 26 years as a funeral director in Montana, Oregon and Arizona, where he owned his own funeral home. He had a passion for helping people, and he was able to do that in the funeral industry. Jayson found serenity and joy in the mountains, forests, rivers, lakes and oceans. He was a true outdoorsman, avid hunter, fisherman and skier. His adventurous spirit took him on travels around the world. He was a lifelong Seahawks fan who enjoyed listening to classical rock. Most importantly, he was a family man who loved cooking and hosting barbecues that were surrounded by loved ones. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. Jayson will forever be remembered by his wife, Danielle Teske-Watkins; his children, Jayson Watkins (Kimberly Boulger), Kayla (Patrick) Finlan, Kyleigh and Bayleigh Burgoyne; grandchildren, Alexia and Makayla Brabham, Jayson, Adynn, Roman and Jasper Watkins, and Patrick and Willow Finlan; his father, Threan Leach, his siblings; John (Teri) Watkins, Gary (Sarina) Watkins, Linda Wright, Jody (Falicia) Watkins and Kimberly (Tracy) Wood; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in passing by his dad, Paul Watkins; his mother, Diana Watkins; daughter, Feleshia Brabham; granddaughter, Emma Finlan; and his brother, Keith Watkins. A celebration of Jayson’s life was held on Saturday, Sept 28, 2024, at 12 p.m., at the Canvas Church, 255 Summit Ridge Dr. in Kalispell, Montana. Directors Digest | 19
Judy Martz, Montana’s first woman to become governor, was memorialized with a larger-than-life bronze statue at the state Capitol in Helena. The bronze statue of Judy Martz stands near the entry to the governor’s office on the second floor. On July 29, 2024, the statue was unveiled during a moving ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda with an outpouring of praise from members of both parties. Included were her current children, Gov. Greg Gianforte, members of Judy’s staff, current politicians, and veteran Democrat legislator Diane Sands. Former Gov. Marc Racicot was in attendance as well. He had selected Judy to serve beside him as lieutenant governor for his second term, 1986‑90. She was then elected as governor and served from 1990-94. “Life is like a turtle!” Judy often said. “It can never move forward unless its neck is stuck out!” Those attending the unveiling wore shiny pins depicting a turtle moving forward, led by an extended head. Judy never hesitated to take on a cause that she believed in. I don’t believe she considered herself a “women’s-libber.” She just felt she could handle the task — sometimes Judy Martz Memorialized With a Bronze Statue By Mike Cuffe, Montana State Senator Judy Martz's funeral was held in the Butte Civic Center with over 1,000 people in attendance. 20 | Directors Digest
with a motherly attitude. Breaking the glass ceiling of Montana’s top executive office was a great challenge. Working with a frugal government budget, much of her tenure focused on economic activity and industrial development. She joined the movement, “Shovels of Solidarity,” as it passed through Missoula and headed to Nevada. Eureka native Bill Gwynn gave mill owner, Jim Hurst, the idea to start the protest as the U.S. Forest Service refused to allow a washed-out bridge to be rebuilt. As a result, a local woman couldn’t access her private land. Gwynn, my sister’s husband, told Hurst, my lumber mill partner, that we should take our shovels down “and help that woman build that bridge.” Thousands of shovels were loaded on a huge highway truck, and the “world’s longest picnic trailer” was built on wheels. The local VFW post loaded up a school bus of interested folks and they were joined by a colorful old truck from Kalispell with blazing horns and waving flags. Then Gov. Judy Martz signed a gold-painted shovel to add to the entourage. They were greeted with a big party when they arrived in Jarbidge, Nevada. The greeters included senators, congressmen, and state and county officials who had gathered to protest federal land access restrictions. The mill in Eureka is long gone now, thanks to a lack of access to U.S. Forest Service timber. The beautiful bronze depiction of Judy was created by Gareth Curtiss, the same artist who created a similar piece depicting longtime U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield and his wife, Maureen. While governor, Judy was proud to unveil the beautiful Mansfield bronze statue 20 years before the dedication of her own statue. Judy was also a popular Olympic speed skater, and her husband, Harry, operated a large garbage collection business in Butte, Montana. In the years before running for office, she had served on staff for Sen. Conrad Burns, and her many other activities included helping develop the High Altitude Speed Skating Center for Olympic class training in Butte. Mike Cuffe came to know Judy when she was campaigning alongside soon-to-be Montana Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court, Carla Grey. Mike and his lumber mill partner, Jim Hurst, gave her a tour of their operation and logging sites in the Tobacco Valley. Their friendship grew over the years. Mike would often attend Grizzly football games with Judy and her husband, and the group even went on a trip to watch the Grizzlies play Randy Moss and Marshall University in West Virginia. It was on that trip that Judy shared with Mike her great frustration at how the press treated her. Nevertheless, she kept on pushing forward with a brilliant smile on her face and her head leading the way. Judy’s ability to have grace under fire set an example of resilience for Mike and all those who knew her. Directors Digest | 21
Montana Board of On Oct. 22, 2024, the full Montana Board of Funeral Service met in Helena. The meeting started off on a somber note as Board Chair Jim Axelson and Board Executive Officer Susie Osborne both acknowledged the recent passing of Board Member and Montana Funeral Director Jayson Watkins. Jayson was a longtime Montana funeral director and general manager at Buffalo Hills funeral home in Kalispell as well as a conscientious member of the Montana Board of Funeral Service. The board welcomed two new members. LiElla Kelly is the new public member on the board, and Chris Holt is the new mortician member of the board. Congratulations on being appointed to the Board of Funeral Service! The board meeting was attended by Kevin Bragg who is the bureau chief for the office of professional licensing and registration for the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. Mr. Bragg commented on several bills that will be introduced in the 2025 Montana Legislative Session. Some bills fall under the realm of standardizing pathways to professional licensure in the state of Montana. According to Mr. Bragg, the intent of the bills is to clarify, standardize and streamline application processes across the broad range of occupational licensing. Other bills that will be introduced detail processes for complaints and complaint resolution. The Board of Funeral Service asked that copies of the various bills be sent to all board members for further education. Board Executive Officer Susie Osborne has provided these copies, and the Montana Board is working to better understand and clarify the effects of the bills. The Board had a lengthy discussion on Funeral Service Licensing fees. We are quite aware of the disproportionate fees in Montana and are working By Rick Walter, Board Member, MFDA Funeral Service Update www.timelesstraditionsgifts.com diligently to find a pathway forward to help change the fee structure in Montana. The Board discussed the need for regular reports from the state inspectors who are tasked with ongoing inspections of mortuaries and crematories. We asked that an ongoing agenda item be placed for a report from the Department of Labor and Industry inspector. This was a customary practice in the past but has not been taking place. I would also like to mention that, with the untimely passing of Jayson Watkins, a seat on the board has opened for a licensed mortician. If you are interested or know someone who is interested, please apply. Overall, I would say that the board meeting was incredibly positive. We are having regularly scheduled meetings and moving forward for the betterment of funeral service in Montana. I am excited to see the progress that is being made. 22 | Directors Digest
2024 MFDA Members Anderson Stevenson & Wilke Funeral Home Asper Funeral Homes — Shelby Austin Funeral & Cremation Services Axelson Funeral and Cremation Service Bell Mortuary Benton Funeral Home Big Sky Cremations & Twitchell Funeral Service Blaine County Funeral Chapel Bullis Mortuary Brundage Funeral Home Clayton-Stevenson Memorial Chapel Cloyd Funeral Home Columbia Mortuary Creel Funeral Home Dahl Funeral & Cremation Dahl Funeral Chapel of Bozeman Darlington Cremation and Burial Service Daly Leach Memorial Chapel Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service & Crematory Franzen Davis Funeral Home & Crematory Frontier Funeral Home Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home Garden City Funeral Home and Crematory Holland & Bonine Funeral Home Johnson Gloschat Funeral Home Just Cremation Montana Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral & Crematory Services O’Connor Funeral Home Poplar Chapel Pondera Funeral Home — Asper Perkins Funeral Home — Cloyd Remington Letcher Funeral Home Retz Funeral Home Rockman Funeral Home — Asper Schnackenberg Funeral Home Schnider Funeral Home Silha Funeral Homes Simple Cremation Montana Shrider Thompson Funeral Home & Crematory Smith Funeral Chapels Laurel — Columbus Smith Funeral Chapels Smith-Olcott Funeral Chapel Stevenson And Sons Funeral Home — Forsyth Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home — Miles City Stevenson Funeral Homes Inc. Stevenson Wilke Anderson & Retz Funeral Home Sunset Hills Funeral Homes and Crematory Sunset Memorial Funeral Home The Lake Funeral Home & Crematory Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home Whitesitt Funeral Home LLC Wilderness Funeral Home — Chinook Wilderness Funeral Home — Malta Wilderness Funeral Home — Havre Wier Funeral Home Whitted Funeral Home Individual Members Jim Axelson Brian Bell Matt Coon Donna Dawson Keith A. Kneeland Retired Members Kent Bell Terry Bullis Greg Kirkwood Robert Ross Lifetime Members William Bray Gary Bidwell Dennis Croxford Gary Croxford David Fulkerson Donald Hoffman Niles Nelson Introducing Generations™ by Batesville® A new line of caskets for sustainable-minded familes © 2023 Batesville Services, LLC 42% of consumers are interested in purchasing sustainable caskets*. Shown: Promise™ As seen at ‘23 NFDA convention Scan to learn more. PRESENTING Generations features 3 new casket designs using fast-growing, abundant U.S. hardwoods, water-based finishes with low VOCs, natural cotton interiors, and minimal metal elements. Crafted for use in burial or cremation, Generations makes a statement in the showroom with distinct styles and aesthetic qualities that appeal to today’s environmentally-conscious families. *Source: Batesville 2023 LAUNCH YOUR SALES Boost Your Business by Advertising Here! (801) 676-9722 sales@thenewslinkgroup.com CONTACT US TODAY! Directors Digest | 23
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