From the President - Nebraska Funeral Directors Association

Around the State
April 2013
From the President
Greetings,
Hopefully the snow storm we had this past weekend will be the last one of the year and we can
look forward to spring weather and shining up the golf clubs.
Vaughn Wright, Jon Reichmuth, Bill Lauber and I just returned from the Advocacy Summit in
Washington, D.C. We met with all of our representatives and senators to discuss retaining
Jim Wintz
the current exclusion of preneed burial funds from being counted as an asset when applying for
Medicaid. We also encouraged the creation of a comprehensive mass disaster and fatality plan on the federal
level. I personally wonder how efficient that would be considering the current state of affairs in our country. We
also discussed revising the FTC rule to include cemeteries and third party providers. That was well received by
everyone. It is always good to have a presence with the congressmen and women, and we were very impressed
with Deb Fischer.
It is important that you clearly understand how preneed contracts are interpreted by the Department of Health
and Human Services. As I have discussed before, any funds, such as cash advances, that are not considered
burial space items will be considered an asset if the fund is placed in a bank CD and will be counted towards
the $4,000.00 they can have and qualify for Medicaid. If the fund is placed into an insurance policy, then those
same funds that would not qualify as allowable burial space items would be considered a deprivation of assets.
This means that those funds would be added to any money the depositor had given away in the five years prior
to applying for Medicaid. They can give $4,000 away in that previous five year period and qualify for Medicaid.
Based on this knowledge, I think we must clearly document these matters and have the depositor sign a form
stating that they understand these provisions. This will avoid any future misunderstandings concerning these funds.
We will continue to meet with the Department of Insurance to discuss revisions to our burial preneed sales act.
Some of the wording needs to be changed, and the rules for individual trusts and master trusts need to be evaluated.
It would be nice to have one trust like some of our surrounding states
have and eliminate our complicated irrevocable trust and revocable
Table of Contents
burial space items trust. We would then not have to worry about
3
those items discussed in the previous paragraph. However, that Financial Report
appears to be a legislative process, and how our senators would Scholarships
3
perceive this is open to conjecture. We will see what happens.
NFDA Policy Board
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We will discuss reducing the hours of continuing education for an
insurance license with the Department of Insurance. Kansas has
accomplished this already so we have a blueprint to work from. The
sales tax issue has still not been decided so it is ongoing.
Legislative Update 5
Annual Business Meeting Notice
We will be meeting with the Department of Veterans Affairs in May
to request the opportunity to bill surviving family members, excluding
the spouse, for additional expenses that occur when we provide a
funeral for a veteran who qualifies for assistance from the Veterans
Aid Fund. In my last meeting in February with the Deputy Director
and the Administrator of the Fund, they were very receptive to this
request, but it needs to go before the commissioners. We will also
Funeral Professionals Week
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Classifieds
10
5
NeFDA PAC News
7
Vital Records System Update
9
Mass Fatalities Course Obituaries
Tri-State Convention
10
12-13
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continued on Page 3
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President continued from Page 1
request an increase for a cremation service when families
use a rental casket. As you know, we now receive $5,600
for a casketed funeral and $3,000 for a cremation. We
will discuss exactly what casket we have to provide and
if there can be an upgrade from the concrete grave liner
at the expense of the family.
Bill Lauber testified on LB 441 which deals with the
right of disposition. We see no reason at this time why
it will not pass.
Our board met on March 21 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm in
an attempt to allow more board members to attend
the meeting either in person or via phone conference.
We have had a rather poor attendance sometimes and
struggle to have a quorum. Being a board member is a
serious responsibility and attendance at these meetings
is very important as there are many things going on right
now that require our attention.
I sent a letter to some of the funeral firms who are not
members of our association and pointed out what the
association has accomplished not only for our members,
but for them as well. I particularly pointed out that their
dues would be paid for if they had just one Veteran Aid
funeral. We will continue to work to attain new members
and retain current members.
Please make plans to attend the Tri-State Convention
in Kansas City from May 5-8. It is a great opportunity
to connect with your peers and meet funeral directors
from Kansas and Missouri. It is like a mini national
convention and is well worth your time. We will be voting
on changing the treasurer position to a two-year elected
term and separating it from the secretary position. This
will give continuity to the treasurer position and will be
an improvement to the workings of our board. So far,
I have had no opposition to this concept.
We will continue to work hard to improve funeral service
in Nebraska and keep you informed on the issues.
Jim Wintz
President
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the
NeFDA Scholarship Committee. Applications must
be submitted to the NeFDA office by June 30, 2013.
Additional information regarding scholarships can be
found on the NeFDA website at www.nefda.org or
contact the NeFDA office at (402) 761-2217.
Financial Report
The Nebraska Funeral Directors Association continues
to be financially strong as we near the end of the first
quarter of the 2013 fiscal year. This strength can be
attributed to many things including a strong performance
of investment funds and a successful membership
renewal campaign.
This year, there was a 100% firm membership renewal
rate. Thank you everyone for your continued support of
your association. Don’t forget to register for the upcoming
Tri-State Convention in Overland Park, Kansas. It is
important to represent our state, as Nebraska’s share
of the profits is determined by our attendance numbers.
I am also happy to report that our relationship with our
partners has been very gainful. Nebraska had more than
$11.7 million worth of production with Homesteaders in
2012. As a result of this partnership, NeFDA has received
$13,609 from Homesteaders. We have also received
$10,000 from Federated Insurance and appreciate their
support of NeFDA. Your continued participation in these
partnerships will enable NeFDA the funds to continue to
provide members with continuing education programs,
legislative support, tools and other member benefits.
Gary Straatmann
Secretary/Treasurer
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3
Policy Board Update
March 4 & 5, 2013
Washington, DC
Our lobbyists continue to monitor all aspects of funeral service legislation. Here are a few of
the highlights:
•
In 2014, tax on insurance premiums to pay for Obamacare
•
Taxes, still up in the air
•
TSA is resurrecting the screening process, first on a trial basis
•
CDC has hinted at some kind of an electronic death certificate project but will not Jon Reichmuth
divulge specifics
•
Department of Transportation is looking into banning lithium batteries on all flights; pacemakers in human remains could be a problem
•
Photo companies are checking websites looking for copyrighted photos being used on websites without permission. You should check your website to make sure that you are in compliance.
•
Alabama and Texas have mandatory pricelists on their websites
Current policy positions with active work being done:
•
Work to find safer embalming chemicals
•
Work to have funeral directors more involved in Mass Fatality planning
•
Preserve SSI/Medicaid exemption for prearranged funerals
•
FTC - work for a variable basic service fee and easing of price list distribution requirements
As NFDA works with FTC to include all providers of funeral goods and services, a recent meeting with a
supportive congressman suggested that the funeral rule should be sunseted. The thought behind this is that
with the current congressional make up, it would be the best chance we may ever have to accomplish this.
This was discussed in length among the policy board and it was agreed to table this issue until the states had
a chance to discuss this with their boards and members.
Another issue discussed was that the burden would fall to the states and there could be a lack of regulation
and at the very least, a wide range of regulations. NFDA would develop a model law. This could also create
a real public relations problem.
Finally, Rep. Lee Terry is chairman of a subcommittee that oversees FTC. I think it would be prudent for
Nebraska to raise money for a campaign contribution, possibly at the convention in Kansas City, in addition to
requesting that NFDA also contribute to him. They are very aware of his subcommittee seat. I hope we will
have time to discuss this at the board meeting and begin a dialog with the membership.
Jon Reichmuth
NFDA Policy Board Representative
Jim & Carla Wintz, Vaughn & Tina Wright, Jon Reichmuth and Bill & Christy Lauber were able to meet with all of
the Nebraska Senators and Congressmen. They are pictured here with Congressmen Fortenberry & Smith.
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Legislative Update
Bill
LB 441
Name Of Bill
“Change Provisions Relating to the Control of Dead Human Remains”
Status
Held in Committee
NeFDA Position
In Favor
NeFDA’s sponsored bill, LB 441, introduced by Senator Les Seiler of Hastings, would amend
sections of the Funeral Directors and Embalmers Practice Act (Section 38). This was our
second attempt with the legislature, and we testified in front of the Judiciary Committee in
February. Yours truly testified to the committee to explain the reasons why this bill deserves
William Lauber
favorable passage. Greg Easley, representing the Nebraska Cemetery Association, also testified
in favor of the bill. No one testified in a neutral capacity; however, Don Wesely, representing the Nebraska
Trial Attorneys, was against the bill. He said that the trial attorneys will oppose any proposed legislation that
contains draft language that includes “uniform liability protection.” However, he admitted that funeral director
state statutes already have uniform protection in its current laws. Also, John Likos, representing himself as legal
counsel for NORS, testified against the bill, stating that LB 441 would make donating organ and tissue “more
difficult.” When asked by the committee to show where our bill specifically states any conflicts, Mr. Likos could
not specifically say.
Bottom Line: The basic premise and reason for introducing LB 441 is that the bill examines and addresses
circumstances that we as funeral directors face from time to time that create issues that will stalemate, delay
or stall funeral arrangements and/or dispositions.
At the time of writing this for the newsletter, the bill is held in committee. With the help of our lobbyists, the work
by Senator Seiler and his aides, and favorable comments by the Judicial Committee members, there remains a
chance LB 441 can get out of committee. However, without LB 441 being a “priority bill,” the chances of them
getting to our bill will be tough. Read below as to what happened to LB 441 after LB 420 was amended.
LB 420
“Provide Authorization for Disposition
Human Remains based on
Military Documents”
General File
In Favor
Introduced by Lincoln Senator Amanda McGill, LB 420 is a bill that seeks to clarify authorization of disposition
of a military member’s remains when the death occurs while serving on active duty. When one is called to serve
in the military, they are directed (although not required) to complete a Department of Defense Form 93 (DOD
Form 93). This document serves as a guide to the DOD should a casualty happen. Once completed, the form
designates beneficiaries and directs the DOD as to where death benefits are to be paid to family members.
Current Nebraska funeral statutes make it difficult to incorporate the DOD Form 93 instructions, causing conflicts.
Bottom Line: Deployment and any resulting casualties should not result in further trauma made worse by
legal battles. Thus, NeFDA is in favor of LB 420. I suggested to our lobbyist that we make an amendment to
combine both our bill (LB 441) and Senator McGill’s bill into one bill. LB 420 will be the underlying bill that will
carry her language as well as ours.
William Lauber
NeFDA Legislative Chairman
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PAC Information
Thanks to the generous contributions of NeFDA members, funds were distributed to 16 legislative candidates. Of
those who we distributed funds to, ten won their legislative race.
Your donations help open doors of communication with elected officials and candidates running for office so that
we may have our voice heard by giving input on issues that are critical to us. Thank you for supporting the NeFDA
PAC this year. Members have the opportunity to donate funds every year when membership renewals are sent.
2013 PAC Contributors
Dan Ashburn
Ryan L Bauer
Gerald Beckenhauer
Greg Brockhaus
Jon Brouillette
Brian Daake
Steve Dubas
William Greenway
Scott Hasemann
Charlene Forch
Jim Jones
Bill Lauber
Anthony Levander
Ron Levander
Michael Liewer
Rest In Peace
Larry Ludvigsen
Dennis Marshall
Paul Matukewicz
Darel Olliff
Steven Olson
Randy Paugh
Todd Peters
Jon Reichmuth
John Rice
Jon Roeder
Bruce Stitt
Thomas Varney
Trent Wagner
Jim Wintz
Greg Zabka
A new business was opening and one of the
owner’s friends wanted to send him flowers for
the occasion. They arrived at the new
business site and the owner read the card,
“Rest in Peace.”
The owner was angry and called the florist to
complain.
After he had told the florist of the obvious
mistake and how angry he was, the florist
replied, “Sir, I’m really sorry for the mistake, but
rather than getting angry, you should imagine
this: somewhere there is a funeral taking place
today, and they have flowers with a note saying,
‘Congratulations on your new location.’”
NeFDA is on Facebook! “Like” us by searching for
Nebraska Funeral Directors Association and you’ll
keep up with the latest news and information.
NeFDA Annual
Business
Meeting Notice
The 2013 Annual Business
Meeting of the Nebraska
Funeral Directors Association
will be held from 8:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May
7, 2013, at the Overland Park
Convention Center in Overland
Park, Kansas, during the TriState Convention.
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Vital Records System Update
On March 1, 2013, the Vital Records electronic death registration system (EDRS) was updated for entering the
age information for infant deaths. The new age feature is optional but allows for entering the age of the infant
with better values. If the infant lived for month(s), the months and days can be entered. If the infant lived for only
hours, the hours and minutes can be entered.
Read the subscription page for more information or call our
help desk (402) 471-8275. You can find the subscription page
on the EDRS under the help tab. We encourage all users of
the system to register to receive the automatic notices when
new items are added to the subscription pages. If you have
any questions about the EDRS or wish to begin using the
EDRS, please contact Jackie Fairbanks at the Nebraska
Vital Records office at (402) 471-0919.
GRANT ROBINSON
(507) 283-9361
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Tel:1-800-443-6343 ~ Fax:1-800-443-4034
Nebraska Funeral Profession Recognized
On March 13, 2013, Governor Dave Heineman signed
a proclamation declaring the week of May 5-11, 2013,
as Funeral Service Professionals Week.
The proclamation from Governor Heineman also
recognizes the 127th anniversary of the Nebraska
Funeral Directors Association.
On hand to view the signing of the proclamation were
NeFDA President Jim Wintz, Vice President Vaughn
Wright, Executive Director Kathi Schildt and staff
person Tiffany Fougeron.
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This would be a good opportunity for
NeFDA members to place something
in their local newspapers to increase
awareness of the profession and to
allow people to show gratitude for your
service to the community. Often times,
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If you would like to place something in
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nefda-newsletters to view the press
release.
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Classifieds
FUNERAL DIRECTOR/EMBALMER POSITION AVAILABLE:
Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore in North Platte
is looking for a Nebraska Licensed Funeral Director/
Embalmer who wants to work their way up. Salary and
benefits will be based on experience. Please send resume
to Odean Colonial Chapel, 302 S. Sycamore St., North
Platte, NE 69101.
SHORT OR LONG TERM relief funeral director
AVAILABLE: Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota and North
Dakota licensed funeral director available for relief coverage.
Take that long needed vacation with your family, enjoy some
time away or temporarily add another director during peak
times. Funeral Director Relief Services provides the best
professional service to you and your families allowing you to
enjoy time away knowing your facility is in good hands. Very
flexible schedule to accommodate your needs. References
available. Call Lee Bartlett at (605) 940-8777.
FUNERAL DIRECTOR/EMBALMER: All Faiths Funeral
Home in Grand Island is looking for a Nebraska Licensed
Funeral Director/Embalmer who wants to work their way
up. Excellent salary and benefits based on experience.
Please send resume to Dan at All Faiths Funeral Home,
2929 South Locust St., Grand Island, NE 68801.
PT OR FT LICENSED FUNERAL DIRECTOR/EMBALMER:
Southeast Nebraska Funeral Home looking for part or
full-time Nebraska licensed funeral director/embalmer.
Contact Jeff Kuncl, Kuncl Funeral Home, 131 W. 12th
Street, Crete, NE 68333, (402) 826-5178.
Classified ads involving the sale of equipment,
funeral homes, etc. are provided at a cost of $50
per newsletter for members. Non-members may
purchase an ad at $100 per newsletter. Student and
Apprentice ads are free. Payment and ad copy must
be received by the 20th of the month of printing. Ads
will run for only one issue unless an extension is
requested along with payment. If you wish to place
an ad, please email our office at staff@nefda.org
or call (402) 761-2217. Payment can be made via
check or credit card.
Ads for employers seeking employees, or for
individuals seeking employment, are provided as
a complimentary service to NeFDA members only.
No investigation of these employers/employees has
been made by NeFDA. The printing of classified or
employment ads should not be deemed to constitute
a recommendation or endorsement by NeFDA.
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MISCELLANEOUS FUNERAL HOME EQUIPMENT FOR
SALE: Ferno display room church trucks, embalming
instruments, Porti-Boy embalming machine. Call Gary
or Ryan at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Homes
in Kearney (308) 234-3500.
FUNERAL HOME AND AMBULANCE SERVICE FOR
SALE: 2 location 75-call funeral business in small scenic
towns, includes 350-run ambulance service with long-term
County contract. Total revenues of approx. $565,000. Real
estate, rolling stock, etc. included. Superb opportunity
for purchaser seeking lifestyle in small western farming
and ranching environment. For more information, contact
Kathy D. Williams, CFO, American Funeral Consultants at
(800) 832-6232 or email Kathy@teamafc.com.
Funeral Director/embalmer or apprentice
wanted Gass Haney Funeral Home in Columbus is
looking for a full time funeral director or apprentice to
fill open position. Person would be responsible for all
facets of the profession. Salary and benefits based on
experience. Please contact Gass Haney Funeral Home
at 2109 14th St., Columbus, NE 68601 or call 402-5645227. All inquiries kept confidential.
APPRENTICE OR LICENSED FUNERAL DIRECTOR/
EMBALMER: Western Nebraska funeral home looking for
apprentice or licensed individual to fulfill apprenticeship
with possible full time employment. Housing provided.
Salary and benefits based on experience. Submit resume
to NeFDA office.
LICENSED FUNERAL DIRECTOR: Westlawn-Hillcrest
Funeral Home in Omaha is looking for a funeral director.
Please contact Joe Fishler at (402) 556-2500.
Mass Fatalities Planning And Response Course
Chances ‘R’ Restaurant in York was the location of a Mass Fatalities Planning and Response Class for Rural
Morticians and Funeral Directors. Over 40 Nebraska funeral directors, county emergency managers and state
health department officials met February 27 for nine hours of continuing education credits. The course helped
participants prepare funeral directors in assisting local authorities to respond to a mass fatality incident. Participants
also learned of the limitations faced by small and rural communities in preparing and responding to a mass
fatality event. Developing a mass fatality plan became the core of the class, with emphasis on the three major
components of a mass fatality; the recovery process, Family Assistance Center, and human remains processing.
Operation MEPA also held a one hour meeting during
the lunch hour. Guest speaker Darrel Klein, Counselor
for the Nebraska Department of Health, spoke of the
newly written Nebraska Mass Fatality Plan. This plan
outlines the general responsibilities of state agencies
and associations when responding to a mass fatality.
The plan is intended to incorporate federal, state, and
private volunteer organizations and resources into a
coordinated system. The NeFDA plays a key role in
this plan. Under this plan, emergency responders and
volunteers who are a part of our association would
also be entitled to workmen’s compensation. Darrel
also spoke of the history and unique difficulties of the
county coroner system in our state.
Committee Chair Mark Roper reported that OMMRS (Omaha Metropolitan Medical Response System) has
purchased a DPMU (Disaster Portable Morgue Unit) which is stored in Omaha. This is a fully functional morgue
containing all of the equipment necessary for a mobile morgue operation. An agreement has been made that
the NeFDA will help provide the funeral directors necessary to assist in a morgue operation in the event of a
mass fatality in the Omaha area. In exchange, OMRS will allow their DPMU to be transported to other areas
of Nebraska for the same use. Mark also spoke of Operation MEPA hosting a yearly continuing education and
training with the goal of 2014 holding a table top exercise.
Mark Roper
Operation MEPA Chairman
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11
OBITUARIES
Helen C. Epp, 92, died at the Fremont Area Medical Center on January 10. She was born April 7, 1920, in Council Bluffs,
Iowa, and was raised there. She has been employed as an administrative assistant throughout her life, including with
the Jewish Community Center of Omaha, the Council Bluffs School System, a Douglas County Juvenile Court Judge
and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She married Arthur Hancock in Omaha. Helen moved to Fremont in 1976 and
worked for the Midland Athletic Department until her retirement in 1985. She married Sylvester D. (Bob) Epp in Omaha
on February 23, 1974.
She is survived by her husband Bob, three sons William Hancock (wife Judy) of Council Bluffs, Robert Hancock of
Omaha, and Thomas Hancock (wife Susan) of Lincoln; two stepdaughters, Candy Moyer (husband Robert) of Lincoln
and Megan Wilson (husband Louie) of Omaha; one stepson, Kim Epp of Lincoln. She has one brother, Robert Linquist of
Okmulgee, Oklahoma; five grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.
Richard P Jones died Friday, January 11, 2013, at the age of 92 at Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital in O’Neill, Nebraska.
Richard, son of Robert P. and Martha Jones, was born October 29, 1920, in Niobrara, Nebraska. Richard graduated from
the School of Mortuary Science in San Francisco, California. He was the third generation in his family to be a mortician,
dating back to the late 1890’s. Upon receiving his degree, Richard returned to Spencer where he operated Jones
Funeral Home. On June 10, 1946, Richard was married to Mary Minarik in Spencer. The couple was blessed with two
daughters, Patricia and Charlotte. Besides operating the funeral home in Spencer, Richard and his family also owned
funeral homes in Butte, Lynch, and Niobrara, and Verdigre. In addition to operating the funeral homes, Richard also
provided the ambulance service in each community he served. Richard was a longtime member of the Nebraska and
National Funeral Directors Associations.
Richard is survived by his wife, Mary Jones of Butte; daughters, Patricia Garner of Omaha, and Charlotte (husband
Donald) Linquist of Page; and grandchildren, Don (wife Rachel) Linquist of Page, Terri (husband Dave) Barger of
Atkinson, Brenda Curry of North Richland Hills, Texas, and Brad (wife Joni) Tuch of Lincoln; and great-grandchildren,
Rebecca Barger and Emmy Barger of Atkinson, and Katie Curry of North Richland Hills, Texas.
Marcella M. “Marcie” Hakel, 85 yrs. of Weston, Nebraska, died January 13, 2013, in Lincoln. She was born August
26, 1927, in rural Weston to Frank and Frances Machacek. She attended Creighton University and the University of
Nebraska and obtained a teaching certificate. Marcie taught at a country school near Weston and at Weston Public
Elementary School. On June 1, 1949, Marcella married James M. Hakel in Weston and continued to live there throughout
their entire married life. She was a homemaker and helped her husband operate Hakel Oil Company. Later, Marcie
worked with Jim at Hakel’s Restaurant and Truck Stop until selling the business and retiring in 1999. Marcie stayed living
in Weston after Jim passed away in August of 2000. She moved to Oxbow Living Center in Ashland in 2012. Marcie was
a parishioner at St. John Nepomucene Church and a member of the Catholic Daughters.
She is survived by son Jim (Sally) Hakel, Lincoln; daughters Sharon Hakel-Hatton and Dick, Ashland, Nancy Hakel-Smith
and David, Lynne Hakel-Lehms and Jeff, all of Lincoln, Lori and Terry Dailey, Wahoo; grandchildren Allison (Matt) Balus,
Kristin (Jon) Buscher, Cortney (Tyler) Denker, Brittany, Lindsey and Hailey Lehms, Mady, Scott, Nathan, Trevor and Jared
Dailey, Desirae and Nolan Hakel; great grandchildren Marcella and Vivienne Balus, Nicholas James Buscher; sister
Helen Tomek, Lincoln; sisters-in-law Dorothy Sudrla, CA and Willa Mae (Eb) Cox, TX; nieces and nephews.
Phyllis J. “PJ” Straatmann, 87, died Saturday, January 19, 2013, at Mt. Carmel Home in Kearney. She was born on
February 20, 1925, on a farm near Ogden, KS to Ellsworth and Anna (Nelson) Walters. She was married to William
Tramel. She later was married to Jack Henry in Denver in 1941. They made their home in Kearney and later divorced.
She was married to Martin Straatmann in Kearney on July 13, 1952.
Survivors include sons; Darold (Belva) Henry of Pleasant Grove, UT, Larry and Charles “Chuck” (Marcia) Henry of
Scottsbluff and Gary (Stephanie) Straatmann of Kearney; daughters, Gail Traver of Ravenna, Betty Douglas of Gering,
Anita (Harold) Smith of Kearney, Judy (Steve) Miller of Kearney, Marcia (Steve) Anderson of Minden, Kristy Schneider
and Kim Rothemeyer of Kearney; step-brother, Don Peters of Shelbina, MO; step-sister, Irene Shiers of Kearney; 27
grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren, step-sister-in-law; Madie Peters, and special friend,
Bob Peterson of Kearney.
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Madison Allan Casey, passed away Sunday, January 27, 2013, in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was born February 22, 1925,
in Johnson to Roy and Ruby Casey. Allan grew up in the Johnson community and graduated from Johnson High School.
Allen entered the University of Nebraska in the fall of 1942. He received his draft notice on his 18th birthday. In the
Army, Allan served in the 3rd Battalion, 303rd Regiment of the 97th Infantry serving in Europe as a part of Patton’s 3rd
Army and in Asia occupying Japan. He was honorably discharged having achieved the rank of Second Lieutenant. After
returning from WWII , Allan finished his education, earning his degree in Mortuary Science. He owned and operated the
Casey Funeral Homes serving Auburn and all of the surrounding communities. Allan was united in marriage to Meredith
Bowhay on September 2, 1947. To this marriage, two children were born.
After Meredith passed away in 2000, Allan remained in Auburn until moving to Lincoln, NE. He was united in marriage
to Margie Eloe. Margie passed away in 2012. Allan was preceded in death by his parents; two wives; son Shawn;
brother Lee Casey; niece Kristen Rogge; and nephew Larry Rogge.
James T. Scott died Friday, March 22, 2013, at Meridian Gardens Assisted Living in Columbus. Jim, son of C.C. and
Ruth Scott, was born December 19, 1923, in Tilden, Nebraska. He graduated from St. Louis Mortuary College in 1948.
On December 21, 1947, he was united in marriage to Bell Bearinger and they had two sons, Steve and John. Jim served
his apprenticeship at Plainview, Nebraska, and continued working at the Ashburn Funeral Home in Plainview until 1961.
The family moved to Bloomfield, Nebraska, where Jim owned Scott Funeral Home in Bloomfield and Wausa. Jim was
a licensed Funeral Director for 50 years, and retired in 1991 to spend time traveling. He was a longtime member of the
Nebraska and National Funeral Directors Associations.
Jim is survived by his wife Bell of Columbus, Nebraska; sons, Steve (Diane) Scott of Princeton, Minnesota, and John
(Susan) Scott of Columbus; grandchildren, Andy Scott of Columbus, Katelyn Scott of Princeton, Minnesota, and Rozlyn
Scott of St. Paul, Minnesota; and step-grandchildren, Brent Jarosz of Norfolk, Nebraska, and Craig Jarosz of Columbus.
Tom Menard died March 24, 2013. He was born on December 27, 1946, to Alfred and Phyllis Menard. Tom was married
to Sheila and they had one son.
Tom was a representative with Artco Casket Company for many years. He helped numerous funeral directors
throughout the state and provided guidance to them.
He was preceded in death by father and mother, Alfred and Phyllis Menard. Tom is survived by his wife, Sheila; son,
Michael; granddaughter, Taylor; grandson, Alex; sisters; Susan Janca (Edward, deceased), Sandra Minino (Andrew, Jr.),
and Jeanine Menard; brother, Gary Menard (Theresa); brother-in-law, Tim O’Neill (Kathy); sister-in-law, Nancy Dahlbeck
(David, deceased); numerous nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Memorials can be made to the VFW, Nebraska Humane Society, or Food Bank of the Heartland.
Reporting Deaths of Members (Active or
Retired), Family and Nonmembers
Please notify the NeFDA Office by either
sending an email to staff@nefda.org or by
calling (402) 761-2217. The office will send an
email to the membership, post the obituary on
the NeFDA website and make sure the person is
honored at the Annual Memorial Service.
NeFDA recognizes the death of funeral
directors (active or retired), their spouses or
their children.
NeFDA Directory
The new 2013 NeFDA Directory was
sent with the newsletter. Directories were
sent to main funeral homes as well as
associate, affiliate and trade members.
Please let the NeFDA office know if you
did not receive your directory.
Extra directories can be purchased for
$15 by contacting the NeFDA office at
(402) 761-2217.
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Tri-State Convention
Tri-State is Quickly Approaching!
After months of planning, the Tri-State Convention is right around the corner. This exciting event is
scheduled for May 5-8, 2013 at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel and Overland Park Convention Center in
Overland Park, Kansas. Offered by Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska Funeral Director Associations, the TriState Convention is featuring 17 hours of continuing education. There will also be a Crematory Operator
Certification Course offered on Sunday for an additional charge.
Registration
Early registration fees to the Convention for NeFDA members is priced at the very affordable fee of $110. This
includes all exhibit hall events and educational sessions except the Crematory Operator Certification Course
which is $200 for members who also register for the conference.
To register, visit the NeFDA website at www.nefda.org and download the registration brochure and form.
Complete one form for each attendee and mail with your payment by April 26 to take advantage of the early
registration pricing. *Note that NeFDA’s share of the Tri-State Convention profits is based on the number of
Nebraska registrants. Please support NeFDA with your attendance at this event!
A small, quickly filling lodging block is being held at the Sheraton. You are encouraged to contact the
Sheraton immediately with your reservation at (913) 234-2100 or https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/
TriStateFuneralDirectors. The preferred rate for Tri-State attendees is $135 per night plus tax with the room
block expiring April 13.
Speakers, Exhibitors and Social Events
The Tri-State Planning Committee has arranged for an outstanding line-up of speakers and sessions.
Speakers include Todd Van Beck, Dr. Frederick Snow, Larry Stuart, Jr., Harold Ivan Smith, Jacqueline Taylor,
Jaff Lanza, Jeff Chancellor and Poul Lemasters. They will be speaking on topics such as:
• OSHA Training
• The Real Project
• Preneed for the next generation
• Hoodlums to Hackers: How Criminals Get Your Information and What You Can Do To Stop Them
• The Tri-State Cremation Incident: Mistakes Made, Lessons Learned
• The Strangest Secret About Funeral Service
• Cremation Liability
• The Lifeline of the Funeral Home - the Telephone
• What’s New to Get You Sued?
• Grief at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue: Bereavement in White House Families
• Everyday Excellence in Embalming
In addition to the classroom, there is much to learn from the numerous exhibitors joining us for the
Convention. Over 5 hours are reserved for you to tour the exhibit hall, visit with company representatives and
possibly win door prizes by participating in the exhibitor hunt. Get your exhibitor card punched by all exhibitors
participating in the exhibitor hunt and your card will be included in the drawings for one of the many door
prizes to be drawn throughout the duration of the exhibit hall.
Along with the valuable networking opportunities, numerous social events are offered throughout the event.
Events available at a nominal additional fee include:
• Baseball game
• Dinner theatre
• Networking Luncheon
• Golf
• Banquet & entertainment
• Entertainment shuttle
You won’t want to miss this opportunity to gain valuable tools to benefit yourself and your funeral home and at
the same time, support the NeFDA. We look forward to seeing you in Overland Park!
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2012-2013 OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jim Wintz, President
Wintz Funeral Home
203 W. Franklin St., Hartington, NE 68739
P: (402) 254-6547; F: (402) 254-6578
wintzfh@hartel.net
District 5: Stefanie Sawyer
Jolliffe Funeral Home
2104 Broadway, Scottsbluff, NE 69361
P: (308) 632-2121; F: (308) 635-1642
stefanies@jolliffefuneralhome.com
District 5: Paula Landen
Holechek Funeral Homes, Inc.
212 W. Avenue D, Oshkosh, NE 69154
P: (308) 772-3663; F: (308) 772-3821
holechek@embarqmail.com
Vaughn Wright, President-Elect
Harman-Wright Mortuary
623 Elk St., Beatrice, NE 68310
P: (402) 223-2341; F: (402) 223-2342
vaughn @harmanwrightmortuary.com
District 7: Tim Strauser
Blase`-Strauser Memorial Chapel
620 Tenth St., Gothenburg, NE 69138
P: (308) 537-2313; F: (308) 537-7887
info@strausermemorialchapel.com
District 7: Jason Tickle
Berryman Funeral Home
620 E. 22nd St., Cozad, NE 69130
P: (308) 784-3000; F: (308) 784-3001
jasontickle@hotmail.com
Gary Straatmann, Secretary/Treasurer
O’Brien-Straatmann-Redinger Funeral Home
4115 Avenue N, Kearney, NE 68848
P: (308) 234-3500; F: (308) 234-3921
gmstraat@yahoo.com
District 8: Mark McBride
Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral &
Crematory Service
2421 Ave. A, Kearney, NE 68848
P: (308) 237-2259; F: (308) 234-1800
hlmk@hlmkfuneral.com
District 8: Mitch Solt
Solt Funeral Home
1507 17th St., Central City, NE 68826
P: (308) 946-3095
hlmk@hlmkfuneral.com
Ron Levander, Past President
Levander Funeral Home, Inc.
308 West Marengo, Albion, NE 68620
P: (402) 395-2001; F: (402) 395-2000
rlevander@yahoo.com
DISTRICT DIRECTORS/PRESIDENTS
District 1: Paul Von Seggern
Moser Memorial Chapel, Inc.
2170 N. Somers Ave, Fremont, NE 68026
P: (402) 721-4490; F: (402) 721-8652
silkvon@hotmail.com
District 2: Arvid Wiest
Fox Funeral Home
1116 North 19th St., Beatrice, NE 68310
P: (402) 223-4096; F: (402) 223-4097
foxfuneralhome@windstream.net
District 3: Greg Brockhaus
Brockhaus Funeral Home
824 Main St., Creighton, NE 68729
P: (402) 358-3236; F: (402) 358-3237
bfh@gpcom.net
District 4: Kevin Perrien
Sutton Memorial Chapel
804 S. Saunders Ave., Sutton, NE 68979
P: (402) 773-4100 ; F: (402) 773-4100
suttonmemorial@windstream.net
NFDA Policy Board Representative
Jon Reichmuth
Reichmuth Funeral Home
21901 W. Maple Rd., Elkhorn, NE 68022
P: (402) 289-2222; F: (402) 289-2223
reichmuthfh@yahoo.com
DISTRICT VICE PRESIDENTS
District 1: Aaron Janssen
Reichmuth Funeral Home
PO Box 67, Elkhorn, NE 68022
P: (402) 289-2222; F: (402) 289-2223
reichmuthfh@yahoo.com
District 2: Misty Brestel
Metz Mortuary
109 S. Lincoln Ave., York, NE 68467
P: (402) 362-3351
metz@neb.rr.com
District 3: Tray Van Metre
Brockhaus Funeral Home
824 Main St., Creighton, NE 68729
P: (402) 358-3236; F: (402) 358-3237
bfh@gpcom.net
District 4: Scot DeWitt
Lincoln Family Funeral Care
5844 Fremont St., Lincoln, NE 68507
P: (402) 464-6400; F: (402) 464-6446
scot@lincolnffc.com
NeFDA Around the State
articles by NeFDA
Nebraska Funeral Directors Association, Inc.
521 First Street, PO Box 10, Milford, NE 68405, Phone (402) 761-2217, Fax (402) 761-2224
Enail: staff @nefda.org Website: www.nefda.org
BOARD OF FUNERAL
DIRECTING & EMBALMING
Randal Ray Bangert
4320 Elkridge Rd.., Lincoln, NE 68516
P: (336) 479-6153
rbangert@brianvickers.com
Terrence G. Kucera
Heafey Heafey Hoffman Dworak & Cutler
Funeral Chapel
7805 W Center Rd., Omaha, NE 68124
P: (402) 391-3900; F: (402) 391-8903
terrykuch@aol.com
John Rice
Rice Funeral Home
726 Willard Ave., Genoa, NE 68640
P: (402) 993-2244; F: (402) 993-6005
johnrice2010@yahoo.com
Steven C. Brunken
4620 Bingham Court
P: (402) 423-1515; F: (402) 556-6222
sbrunken@stei.com
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Kathi Schildt
521 First Street, PO Box 10,
Milford, NE 68405
P: (402) 761-2217; F: (402) 761-2224
kschildt@nefda.org
DISCLAIMER. Portions of this newsletter are
taken from other sources that we believe to be
reliable. However, the NeFDA Newsletter is not
meant to provide a complete or authoritative
statement on the subject discussed. The services
of an attorney or accountant should be sought in
legal and tax matters.
15
16
Chuck Ziska
521 First Street - PO Box 10
Milford, NE 68405
Email: staff@nefda.org
Phone: 402-761-2217
www.nefda.org
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