Again, the 15th of the month leads us to re-issue our Top Read articles of the month for our readers —  just in case you missed one of them the first time.

This month two articles dealing with legal issues of Death Care appear as our Top Two articles and for the first-time ever an article has re-appeared on the list for a 2nd time.  The article “Funeral Women Lead is defining a path for the changing face of funeral service” first appeared in August 2025 and had enough readers to be on the August 15 Top Read list.

In what probably signals better SEO rankings for Funeral Director Daily, now – 60 days later — the article is reappearing as one of our Top 5 read articles between September 15 and October 14.  A first for Funeral Director Daily articles!!

Here’s the articles that our readers read most over the past 30 days just in case you missed one:

1. Indiana Court:  “Death Doula” does not need a funeral director license.
2. Arkansas lawsuit questions “Denials of Claims” with “Burial” policies.
3. “Funeral Women Lead” is defining a path for the changing face of funeral service.
4. Another acquisition by Park Lawn Corporation.
5. Titan Casket “Keeps on Keeping on”. . . and growing.

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

As of July 1, 2025, Natural Organic Reduction, or Terramation as some call it, became a legal form of disposition in the state of Minnesota.  According to information that I believe reliable, Minnesota was the 11th state to pass legislation permitting such and the 13th state to activate the process.  The process of Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) or Terramation is labeled by many as “human composting”.

On the same day that NOR was legal in Minnesota, Washington state provider of such services Return Home issued this press release stating that they will be expanding to Minnesota.  Return Home, you can access their website here,  also announced that they will open a new facility in Minnesota for the process and also made this statement in their press release, “The expansion marks a significant step forward in Return Home’s mission to bring gentle, sustainable death care to communities across the country. With Minnesota’s progressive values, cultural richness, and long-standing environmental leadership, the state is a natural fit for terramation—a process that gently transforms human remains into soil.” 

Up until now and until a facility is built in Minnesota, Minnesotans who have wanted to have NOR/Terramation as their method of human disposition have had to work with local funeral homes and have their remains shipped to the state of Washington to implement the process.  One Minnesota funeral provider, Mueller Mortuary, has implemented a division for what they term “Green Burial Services and Options” which includes “Composting” as one of the options.

That division is called “Interra Green Burial by Mueller Mortuary” and their website can be accessed by clicking here.

Related Information —  Here is a recent notice from the Minnesota Funeral Director’s Association concerning the implementation of NOR as an alternative human disposition method.

Related Information —  Here is a video news story and print article from NBC Palm Springs (CA) about the Minnesota law and Return Home.

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

Funeral Director Daily take:  According to the Cremation Association of North America, the cremation rate in Minnesota during the calendar year 2022 was 72.7% compared to a national average for that year of 59%.  According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the cremation rate in Minnesota in 1982 was 7.6% and in 1961 — 64 years ago — it was 1.8%.

I give you those statistics to show you how fast things can change.  I live in Minnesota and I was a practicing funeral director during the swift percentage run-up on cremation over the past 40 years.  Minnesotans are “open minded” and willing to try new things. . . . That may be one reason that Return Home decided to invest in their 2nd facility in the state.

As a funeral director, I can remember traditional casketed funeral families decision making processes on selecting cremation.  One of the factors in the process of going to a high percentage cremation rate was that once a family chose cremation as the human disposition for the first member of the family unit, there was generally no going back to traditional casketed burials for the family with future deaths.

I wonder if that might be the same situation with those that opt in for NOR?

Finally — It was Katrina Spade, who you can learn about here, who pioneered the process and business of Natural Organic Reduction.  She is involved with her own NOR business/funeral home in the state of Washington.  I’ve told people this before and I still believe that it could be true.  The process of “human composting” seems to resonate with people I talk to.

Cremation choice went from 1.8% of the populace in Minnesota in 1961 to  70% roughly 60 years later.  Could the same happen with NOR over the next century?  If it does and Death Care disposition decisions are changed that drastically, one hundred years from now when people read about the most influential people in the world during the 21st Century, Katrina Spade could well be in that discussion.

Here is the Recompose website.

More news from the world of Death Care:

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

Return Home Announces Expansion into Minnesota as Natural Organic Reduction Becomes Legal

SEATTLE, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Return Home, the nation’s leading provider of human composting, also known as Natural Organic Reduction (NOR), announced today that it is actively planning to open a new facility in Minnesota. This announcement comes as NOR becomes legal in the state, effective July The expansion marks a significant step forward in Return Home’s mission to bring gentle, sustainable death care to communities across the country. With Minnesota’s progressive values, cultural richness, and long-standing environmental leadership, the state is a natural fit for terramation—a process that gently transforms human remains into soil.

“We are incredibly excited to begin our expansion eastward into the amazing state of Minnesota,” said Micah Truman, CEO and founder of Return Home. “This is a state known for its deep connection to land, community, and innovation—and it’s beautifully suited to our values and approach. Today marks the beginning of a powerful new chapter.”

Return Home’s Minnesota facility will be designed with the same care, transparency, and family-centered focus that has defined its work in Washington state. With over 500 families served, the company has pioneered an approach to NOR that combines technological innovation with compassionate, deeply human service.

Planning is currently underway for public presentations, community partnerships, and investor events throughout the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. The new facility is expected to bring not only cutting-edge environmental death care to Minnesota, but also meaningful new jobs and opportunities for regional collaboration.

More details on the planned location, opening timeline, and community outreach events will be announced in the coming weeks. For funeral homes interested in being part of the discussion around community outreach and education, please reach out directly to the Return Home team at info@returnhome.com. For updates and more information, visit www.returnhome.com.

About Return Home
Return Home is the leading provider of Natural Organic Reduction (human composting) in the United States. Based in Washington state, the company offers families a gentle, transparent, and environmentally responsible alternative to burial and cremation. Return Home has been featured in Forbes, NPR, The New York Times, The Atlantic, and more, and is the recipient of multiple national funeral industry honors. Learn more at www.returnhome.com.

I was always told that you have to “Learn before you Earn” and now I’m told, and I believe, that “Learning is a lifetime endeavor” —  meaning that you never stop learning.

So, if you believe like me, you can take a look at the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) and WilbertEDU calendars and notice some very good opportunities for learning coming up.  There are four webinars coming up in May that I do not want to miss  — 2 sponsored by NFDA and 2 sponsored by our friends at Wilbert through their WilbertEDU service to funeral directors.

As you are probably aware of, Wilbert offers a free CEU service to the funeral profession through their WilbertEDU series.  You can get a plethora of CEU credits by taking part in their every other week CEU funeral profession webinars.  They have already presented one seminar in May but have two more on the schedule.

You may find the two yet to be presented May webinars excellent for business knowledge in the areas of customer acquisition and consumer attitudes about memorialization.  The two May seminars scheduled are:

May 15 — “A snapshot into your consumer:  Attitudes and Behaviors that define your future business model” .

May 29 — “The case for proactive preneed:  Attract new families, grow call volume, and build lasting value”.  

To learn more about each webinar and to register for either of these WilbertEDU webinars click here.

One webinar from NFDA will be on legal issues affecting funeral service and presented by NFDA’s General Counsel Chris Farmer.  That webinar will be held on Wednesday, May 21, and is free to all NFDA members with a slight charge for non-members.  It does carry with it one CEU credit through most state associations.

To learn more and/or sign up for the seminar titled “Top legal issues for funeral homes in 2025” click here.

A second webinar from NFDA that I saw coming up is also very timeley.  It appears that the advent of increased activity in the acquisition market is now here and whether you are interested in buying or selling this one hour seminar titled “Is it time to Buy or Sell:  How to Determine your Succession Plan” should give you some pointers.

This webinar is presented by Johnson Consulting Group CEO Jake Johnson and while no CEU credits are offered it is free of charge and of timely substance for the profession and probably your own situation.

The webinar is scheduled to be presented on Wednesday, May 14, and you can register and/or learn more by clicking here.

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ICCFA’s Government & Legal Committee Leads 2025 Capitol Hill Advocacy Effort

STERLING, Va. (April 10, 2025) – The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) brought the voice of the deathcare profession to Capitol Hill last week during its annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In. More than 30 ICCFA members met with lawmakers and federal agency leaders over the course of two days to discuss the most pressing issues impacting funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, and related deathcare businesses across the country.

On Wednesday, April 2, ICCFA members visited dozens of offices across Capitol Hill. Meetings focused on lawmakers from the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee, addressing issues related to the FTC’s Funeral Rule, the proposed ban on non-compete agreements, and the need for federal regulation of non-transplant tissue donation through the Consensual Donation and Research Integrity (CDRI) Act. ICCFA members engaged with legislators and staff from the House Ways and Means Committee to advocate for tax policy reforms critical to funeral and cemetery trusts, including support for the Funeral Expenses Act and changes to the outdated cemetery perpetual care fund distribution deduction.

“The advocacy side of deathcare is massive – if you’re not involved in advocacy efforts, you can’t see the changes that need to be made or be a part of making those changes,” said Poul Lemasters, Esq., ICCFA General Counsel. “Our voice matters in Washington, and this visit proved just how powerful it is when we come together with a unified message.”

On Thursday morning, the delegation visited the Federal Trade Commission to meet with the Division of Marketing Practices to share industry concerns and perspectives on the ongoing review of the Funeral Rule.

Throughout the Fly-In, ICCFA members emphasized a shared goal: ensuring that federal policy reflects the realities of modern deathcare and supports ethical, sustainable business practices for providers serving families during life’s most difficult moments.

ICCFA President Lee Longino commended the efforts of all involved. “I’m incredibly proud of our members who took the time to advocate on behalf of the deathcare profession during this year’s fly-in,” he said. “Their dedication, professionalism, and willingness to speak up on critical issues ensures our voice is not only heard, but respected. The impact of their efforts will be felt across the profession.”

ICCFA Executive Director Nadira Baddeliyanage echoed that sentiment, adding, “It’s inspiring to see our members take time out of their busy schedules to advocate for meaningful change. Their commitment to shaping policies that support both our profession and the families we serve is a testament to the strength and unity of the ICCFA community.”

The ICCFA Government & Legal Committee will convene next month during the 2025 ICCFA Experience in Las Vegas, Nevada for the newly named Irwin W. Shipper Legislative Session & Reception. This special event will provide attendees with timely updates on federal and state issues impacting the deathcare profession, along with the opportunity to engage in open dialogue about the challenges they are facing firsthand.

Stay informed and explore ICCFA’s ongoing advocacy efforts at iccfa.com/advocacy.

Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral, and memorialization profession. The association is comprised of more than 10,000 members in the cemetery, funeral home, and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.

Deathcare Docket: Legal Updates on Four Separate Allegations of Neglected Bodies

Deathcare dominated the headlines once again last week as not one, not two, but four separate, but equally egregious and/or perplexing, cases of funeral directors or owners accused of abandoning or neglecting the bodies placed in their care.

Hallfords change their pleas

Last fall, Jon and Carie Hallford both accepted guilty pleas to federal fraud charges connected to the 2023 discovery of 191 decomposing bodies at Return to Nature green funeral home in Penrose, Colorado. Now, Carie has withdrawn her guilty plea and will take her chances at an April 14 trial rather than the maximum 15-year sentence that was recommended. In the meantime, her husband Jon has accepted a new plea deal that “doesn’t bind the state to sentencing terms,” meaning the judge could sentence him to more than 15 years in prison.

Police investigating Heaven Bound

The Charles County, Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office has asked state police to investigate Heaven Bound Cremation Services to determine if criminal charges are in order. The crematorium was shut down in January after inspections by the state’s Board of Morticians and Funeral Directors found multiple infractions, including stacked bodies, unsanitary conditions, and an inoperable retort. In the meantime, the governor has ordered an in-depth review of the board, and a bill that would force the board to adopt stricter regulations has been introduced.

Chicago crematory voluntarily halts operations

The owner of Heights Crematory in Chicago has voluntarily shut down operations while Illinois authorities work to determine why bodies were being improperly stored in a trailer. The bodies, which were “partially wrapped in sheets and clear plastic bags, with their faces and body parts sticking out,” were photographed and shared by CBS News Chicago. State regulators are overseeing the cremation of the bodies that were discovered, and Heights is no longer accepting bodies from other funeral homes for cremation. CBS News Chicago also reports that the company is in serious financial trouble, and that regulators have previously cited the crematory after finding “six to seven bodies waiting to be cremated on [the] main floor.”

Case against Florida director continued

Elliott Graham, a former Jacksonville, Florida funeral director who is facing 10 felony charges of misusing $90k in funeral funds and abandoning bodies for months in a building with no power, appeared in court last week and was granted a continuance until March 26. The January 2024 discovery of the conditions at Marion Graham Mortuary prompted Governor Ron DeSantis to sign a bill into law last year to give the state “more authority to investigate derelict funeral homes.”

ICCFA Government & Legal Committee Embarks on 2024 Capitol Hill Advocacy Initiative

STERLING, VA (March 15, 2024) – The Government and Legal Committee of the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association (ICCFA) reconvened on Capitol Hill from March 7-8, 2024, reaffirming their dedication to advocacy efforts within the deathcare profession. In partnership with Dykema and their Federal Government Policy Team, the committee held constructive discussions with senators, representatives, their staff and officials from the Federal Trade Commission. Their collective efforts shed light on pressing issues impacting the deathcare profession, driving ICCFA’s legislative agenda forward.

“As always, our time on the Hill is productive and enlightening,” said Poul Lemasters, Esq., ICCFA’s General Counsel. “This opportunity allows us to provide external stakeholders with insight into the intricacies of the deathcare profession. It serves as a platform for our members to gain valuable understanding of the regulatory and political landscape surrounding our profession.” 

Committee members and ICCFA staff convened face-to-face meetings with representatives from significant congressional committees, including the Senate Finance Committee, Senate Commerce Committee, Small Business Committee, the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Energy & Commerce Committee. The discussions centered around the association’s tax and commerce legislative and regulatory priorities, focusing on critical legislation such as the Funeral and Cemetery Trust Modernization Act, the Consensual Donation Research and Integrity Act (CDRI), the Funeral Rule, Non-Compete Rule and the proposed “Junk Fee Rule.” This visit afforded key legislators and regulators a crucial opportunity to engage directly with ICCFA representatives on federal policy matters directly impacting the profession that may not have been on their radar. 

“These meetings allowed us the opportunity to educate those drafting the rules and enacting policies that directly affect how we provide services and operate our businesses. As an industry, if we do not take the time to engage and educate our elected officials, their staff and federal agencies like the FTC, we risk having only voices outside our industry being heard,” said Sam Mazzu, III, Carriage Services’ Managing Director of Legal & Assistant General Counsel.

“During these meetings, it allowed us to raise awareness of critical issues and be positive representatives for our industry. As my grandmother liked to tell me growing up, if you don’t speak up, no one will hear you. Fortunately, these meetings presented us with a great opportunity to “speak up” for our industry and strongly advocate on its behalf.” 

The offices that ICCFA members met with included Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Todd Young (R-IN), and Representatives Jodey Arrington (R-TX 19), Vern Buchanan (R-FL 16), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX 2), Drew Ferguson (R-GA 3), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX 24), Dan Kildee (D-MI 8), Gwen Moore (D-WI 4), and Linda Sanchez (D-CA 38). 

A comprehensive trip summary will be in an upcoming edition of ICCFA’s publication, Memento Mori. To learn more about the ongoing endeavors of ICCFA’s Government and Legislative Committee, please visit iccfa.com/advocacy.

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Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral and memorialization profession. The association is comprised of more than 10,000 members in the cemetery, funeral home and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.