Matthew Kreidenweis Named New Homesteaders Account Executive

West Des Moines, Iowa — Homesteaders Life Company Senior VP-Strategic Markets Will Bischoff is pleased to  announce that Matthew Kreidenweis has joined Homesteaders’ industry-leading team of account executives.  Kreidenweis will serve Homesteaders customers in Eastern Tennessee. 

“As funeral service and consumer preferences continue to evolve, I am energized by the opportunity to introduce  a new generation of funeral professionals, like Matthew, who can help our funeral home customers grow their  market share and communicate the importance of preneed to more families,” Bischoff said. “Guided by the  decades-long experience of his fellow account executives, I am confident Matthew’s energy, fresh perspective and  eagerness to provide outstanding customer service will strengthen our team.” 

Growing up with a parent in the funeral profession, Kreidenweis understands the impact compassionate service  can have for families experiencing a loss. It was that perspective and his own firsthand experience with loss that  inspired him to pursue a career that allows him to make end-of-life more manageable for others. 

“I chose to join Homesteaders because the company is a leader in the funeral profession, helping families navigate  the most difficult days of their lives with compassion and support,” Kreidenweis said. “I look forward to using my  communication and problem-solving skills to build meaningful relationships as I support our customers.” 

Kreidenweis earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Tennessee Tech University, where he  was also an active member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and Beta Gamma Sigma, an international business honor  society recognizing academic excellence. He also holds his life insurance license. 

Homesteaders Life Company, a mutual company owned by its policy holders, is a national leader providing  products and services to help people design a better farewell. Visit homesteaderslife.com to learn more. 

Ray Frew, CCFE, Named Recipient of the 2026 ICCFA Educational Foundation Lasting Impact Award

Sterling, VA — November 12, 2025 — The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) proudly announces that Ray Frew, CCFE, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 ICCFA Educational Foundation Lasting Impact Award. This distinguished honor will be presented during the President’s Banquet at the 2026 ICCFA Experience on April 29, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas.

Frew, the immediate past President and CEO of Green Hills Memorial Park and a past President of the ICCFA, has long been recognized as a visionary leader in the cemetery and funeral service profession. As a founder and early champion of the ICCFA Educational Foundation, he played a pivotal role in shaping its mission and ensuring that professionals across the industry have access to educational opportunities that enhance service, leadership, and compassion.

A Certified Cemetery and Funeral Executive (CCFE) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Frew’s career reflects integrity, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

“Ray’s vision and passion for education have shaped the very foundation of our profession,” said Gino Merendino, President of the ICCFA Educational Foundation. “He understood early on that by investing in education, we elevate not only individual professionals but the entire deathcare community. The opportunities he helped create continue to lift others up and ensure our profession grows stronger, more compassionate, and more capable every day.”

Beyond his professional contributions, Frew has devoted decades to community service in Torrance, California, where his leadership and generosity have left a lasting legacy. A Vietnam veteran, he has served on numerous civic and charitable boards, including the Red Cross Celebrity Golf Tournament, Torrance Symphony, and the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation. He is a past president of both the Del Amo Rotary Club and the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce and has chaired major fundraising initiatives for the Torrance-South Bay YMCA and the Little Company of Mary Community Health Foundation, together raising tens of millions of dollars for community development and healthcare.

Among his many civic achievements, Frew’s leadership with the Torrance-South Bay YMCA stands out as one of his most meaningful contributions. As Chair of the Building for Tomorrow Capital Development Program, he helped lead the organization’s most ambitious fundraising effort, which exceeded $4.6 million to build a state-of-the-art facility serving families across the South Bay. Through this role, Frew also played a pivotal part in forging a lasting partnership between the YMCA and the University of Southern California, creating programs to support military veterans and their families—a cause deeply personal to him as a proud Army and Vietnam veteran.

Through his work at Green Hills Memorial Park, Frew has also led one of California’s largest Memorial Day Observances for more than three decades, honoring veterans and first responders. His leadership and dedication have earned him numerous accolades, including the J. Walker Owens Outstanding Volunteer Award, the George Whittlesey Award for Business Advocacy, and the Service Above Self Award from the Torrance-South Bay YMCA. In 2005, Frew was further recognized with the Torrance Distinguished Citizen Award, presented to individuals whose achievements are “significant to the community and to the welfare of the general populace.” He has also received the Community Partnership Award from the Switzer Center, an organization serving at-risk youth, and is a Founding Board Member of both S.C.O.R.E. (Spinal Cord Organization for Regaining Excellence) and the South Bay Children’s Orchestra.

Reflecting on his lifetime of service, Frew shared, “Acts of service have always given me a deep sense of purpose and gratitude. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside so many incredible people who share a commitment to helping others. When we give our time and energy to lift others up, the rewards reach far beyond ourselves—they strengthen our entire community.”

The ICCFA Educational Foundation Lasting Impact Award honors individuals whose lifetime of service has made a profound and enduring contribution to the advancement of education, leadership, and professionalism in the cemetery, cremation, and funeral service profession. For more information about the ICCFA Educational Foundation and the 2026 ICCFA Experience, please visit www.iccfa.com

The ICCFA Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) entity, established to make education accessible to future leaders in the deathcare profession and thereby raise the standards of professionalism within the industry. To learn more about the work of the Foundation and upcoming educational opportunities, please visit iccfa.com/educational-foundation.  

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

NFDA’s Lesley Witter Named One of Nation’s Top Lobbyists by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics 

Brookfield, Wis. – The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is proud to announce that Lesley Witter, MPA, CAE, Senior Vice President, Advocacy, has been named one of the 2025 Top Lobbyists by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics (NILE). 

This prestigious, merit-based honor recognizes 100 government affairs professionals nationwide who have demonstrated exceptional legislative success, innovation, integrity and a commitment to ethical advocacy. While the award celebrates an individual, it also reflects NFDA’s powerful leadership and unwavering presence in Washington, D.C., as the only funeral service association with a full-time presence dedicated to representing the profession on Capitol Hill. 

“For decades, NFDA has served as the strongest and most trusted voice for funeral service in our nation’s capital,” said NFDA CEO Christine Pepper, CAE, MBA. “Lesley’s recognition as a Top Lobbyist underscores the strength and credibility of our advocacy program. Her expertise, dedication and integrity make her a force in our Nation’s Capital. I am honored to work alongside Lesley as we ensure that the needs of funeral service professionals and the grieving families they serve are represented with compassion, integrity and impact.” 

Witter has led NFDA’s advocacy efforts for nearly 19 years, shaping federal policy on behalf of thousands of funeral homes, funeral directors and grieving families nationwide. Her recent achievements include securing protections for embalming under the EPA’s final Risk Evaluation of formaldehyde; driving awareness of the need for oversight of the body donation industry; and advancing bipartisan legislation to honor and protect veterans and their families. 

“Lobbying and government affairs are essential to democracy because they give everyone a voice,” said Witter. “I chose to advocate for funeral service because I believe every voice deserves to be heard, not just the loudest or most powerful. This profession is about service, and lobbying in this space allows me to combine strategic advocacy with purpose-driven work. It’s about fairness, representation, and ensuring that those who serve others are not forgotten in the decisions that shape their ability to do so.” 

NFDA works year-round to monitor federal legislation, engage with agencies and lawmakers, and mobilize members through grassroots initiatives such as the annual NFDA Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. From workforce challenges to veteran benefits and regulatory reform, NFDA’s leadership ensures the profession remains strong, respected and heard. 

NFDA is the world’s leading and largest funeral service association representing 20,000 individual members who represent nearly 11,000 funeral homes in the United States and 49 countries around the world. NFDA is the trusted leader, beacon for ethics and the strongest advocate for the profession. NFDA is the association of choice because it offers funeral professionals comprehensive educational resources, tools to manage successful businesses, guidance to become pillars in their communities and the expertise to foster future generations of funeral professionals. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit NFDA.org. 

St. Pierre, Baue Named 2025 Ambassadors of the Year

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL — July 15, 2025 — The Selected Educational Trust is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Ambassador of the Year Awards. This year’s honorees exemplify professional excellence, philanthropic leadership and an enduring commitment to the future of the profession. 

• Paul St. Pierre, Owner/Director, St. Pierre Family Funeral and Cremation Services, Indianapolis, IN, 2025 Ambassador of the Year – Funeral Service Professional
• Lisa Baue, Founder/CEO, Funeral Women Lead, Parker, CO, 2025 Ambassador of the Year – Industry Partner Leader

Established in 2021, the Ambassador of the Year Awards Program honors individuals for their outstanding support of the mission and vision of the Selected Educational Trust, their meaningful contributions to the independent funeral service profession, and their dedication to providing lifelong learning opportunities for all who serve within this time-honored profession. Each year, one Funeral Service Professional and one Industry Partner Leader are selected by the Board of Trustees to receive this distinguished recognition.

The Ambassador Award Ceremony will take place during the Selected Educational Trust Reception on Sunday, September 28, at The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, held in conjunction with the Selected Independent Funeral Homes Annual Meeting. The reception is open by invitation to all donors and supporters of the Trust. Donors who make a gift in honor of the awardees will be recognized as Ambassador Envoys during the celebration.

“Paul and Lisa are visionary leaders whose personal commitment, generosity, and integrity set the standard for others in funeral service,” said Stefanie Favia, Executive Director of the Trust. “They not only serve today’s profession with distinction—they’re building bridges for tomorrow’s leaders. We are honored to celebrate their contributions.”

The Ambassador of the Year Awards Program is generously sponsored by Physicians Mutual.

“Congratulations to Paul and Lisa on this well-deserved recognition,” said Tim Reed, Vice President of Preneed at Physicians Mutual. “Their dedication to advancing the independent funeral service profession reflects both passion and purpose, and we look forward to celebrating with them in September.”

To learn more about the Selected Educational Trust or to attend the event, visit www.selectedtrust.org or contact Stefanie Favia at stefanie@selectedtrust.org. To make an Ambassador Envoy gift in honor of the recipients, visit www.selectedtrust.org/ambassador-of-the-year-awards-program.

About the Selected Educational Trust

The mission of the Selected Educational Trust (www.selectedtrust.org) is to provide the best educational opportunities for the advancement and support of all who work within the independent funeral service profession. To fulfill this mission, the Trust provides programs which offer scholarships to mortuary science students and funeral service professionals and networking and employment opportunities through its Workforce Development Centers.

New “Grief Dawg” Just a Dude Named Kyle | FFFW 240

Welcome to issue 240! We are approaching 5 years of the FFFW, which is actually insane. The first FFFW I ever wrote was at the end of September in 2020. Let’s remember, this is a weekly funeral-satire article. The concept itself is wild, and the fact that our readers have supported it for half a decade is truly remarkable. We’ll have a big celebration at the end of the summer…

Introducing The Memo by MemoryShare

MemoryShare, the #1 Live Streaming software for funeral homes, has announced a new monthly newsletter.

“The Memo” is for funeral directors to stay updated on the latest tools, pro-tips, video tricks, and technology op-eds in the funeral profession. Subscribers will get exclusive access to early offers, discounts, and feature releases.

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Funeral Home Introduces New Support Staff: “Grief Dawg” Is Just a Chill Guy Named Kyle

CLEVELAND, OH — In an effort to provide more “relatable” grief support, Ashwood & Sons Funeral Home has introduced a new member to their team: Grief Dawg — a laid-back 27-year-old named Kyle who “just really gets loss, man.”

Unlike traditional grief therapy dogs, Grief Dawg is not trained, certified, or even employed in the traditional sense. He simply showed up one day with a calming presence, a hooded sweatshirt, and an above-average ability to say “dang, that’s rough” at the right moments.

“Families seem to like him,” said Funeral Director Mandy Ashwood. “He doesn’t bark, shed, or need water bowls. He mostly hangs out in the lounge eating Gardetto’s and saying things like, ‘Take your time, this is a lot.’ Honestly? It works.”

Kyle’s official title is still under debate, but most staff just call him what he calls himself: “The Grief Dawg.” He clarified in his onboarding meeting (which took place on a beanbag) that he’s “not a dog-dog, but like… a dawg, you know?” His name tag just says “DAWG” in Sharpie. Compensation is informal, usually a mix of leftover funeral mints and “just good energy, man.”

“He sat with me for like 45 minutes and told me about how he went through a breakup once,” said Lisa Hammond, whose father recently passed. “It was… somehow really comforting?”

However, not all reviews are glowing. Some staff have expressed concern after Kyle was spotted skateboarding through the parking lot during a double visitation and asking if the crematory had a “chill zone.”

“He means well,” said Embalmer Jared Lutz. “But last week he tried to give a eulogy and it was just a freestyle poem that rhymed ‘heaven’ with ‘7-Eleven.’”

Still, Ashwood & Sons stands by their decision.

“There are lots of ways to grieve,” said Ashwood. “And sometimes that way is just Kyle sitting next to you, nodding, and handing you a Capri Sun.”

Trivia

Choose the correct answer and you’ll see a puppy. Get it wrong and you’ll see someone hurting themselves.

On average, how many funerals take place each day in the USA?

Answer Choices:

1. 4,400
2. 5,500
3. 6,600

You Otter Be Proud

Here’s some good news going on in the profession.

1.  Unique Program Recycles Pacemakers Retrieved from the Deceased
2. People Magazine Covers Funeral Profession Story
3. Fifth-generation funeral director Jeff Monreal helps families grieve, celebrate loved ones

Batesville Named One of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies for Second Year in Newsweek Study

BATESVILLE, Ind., April 10, 2025 – Batesville, a leading provider of high-quality burial and cremation products and innovative technology solutions to deathcare professionals across North America, earned its second spot in Newsweek’s list of Most Trustworthy Companies in America for 2025. This prestigious award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. Batesville achieved a top twenty ranking in the Consumer Goods category, alongside a variety of global brand leaders, moving up five positions from its first appearance in 2024.

“Trust is essential in building successful relationships – with our employees, with the deathcare professionals we are privileged to serve, and with families who purchase Batesville products to honor their loved ones,” said Chris Trainor, CEO of Batesville. “We are incredibly proud to be recognized as one of the Most Trustworthy Companies in America for the second year in a row.”

Newsweek’s Most Trustworthy Companies in America list is based on an independent study that measures trust across three pillars: consumer, investor and employee trust. All public and private companies headquartered in the U.S. with over $500 million in annual revenue were eligible for consideration. The list is built on an innovative methodology that includes survey input from approximately 25,000 U.S. residents, a review of more than 97,000 evaluations and analysis of 304,000 online mentions. The 700 companies with the highest scores have been recognized as the Most Trustworthy Companies in America for 2025.

Headquartered in southeastern Indiana, Batesville is proud to be an American manufacturer that has served funeral homes and families in the U.S. and Canada for nearly 120 years.

From its origin as a manufacturer of high-quality caskets, the company has continued to adapt and expand its capabilities to meet the needs of funeral consumers. Today, Batesville offers a comprehensive portfolio of burial and cremation products, innovative technology solutions for funeral homes, cemeteries and crematories, profit-enhancing merchandising tools, and an unparalleled collection of personalization and memorialization offerings. 

The company leverages research with its customers and end-consumers to create unique and compelling products that are aligned with the functional needs and personal preferences of today’s families. Over the last year, Batesville has introduced a distinguished line of military-inspired caskets to honor veterans, expanded its collection of Dimensions^® oversize caskets, added more than 150 new cremation urns, jewelry and keepsake items, including an exclusive line of ceramic urns by Rookwood^® Pottery, and delivered major technology enhancements for funeral homes, cemeteries and crematories. One of the most compelling is the new Family Choices^® physical and digital merchandising solution, which uses advanced technology and modern components to provide a better product selection experience for grieving families.

Batesville operates four award-winning manufacturing facilities in North America and has a high-velocity distribution system with over 90 regional and local service centers, allowing the company to deliver outstanding customer service. Batesville employs more than 3,000 dedicated and hard-working associates who are guided by five core values:  

• Individual Worth and Integrity
• Excellence in Execution
• Continuous Learning and Improvement
• Courage
• Customer Focus and Partnership

To learn more, visit Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2025 – Newsweek Rankings.

ABOUT BATESVILLE SERVICES, LLC

Batesville (www.Batesville.com) is a recognized leader in the deathcare industry in North America, offering a comprehensive portfolio of burial and cremation products, innovative technology solutions and an unparalleled array of personalization and memorialization offerings. For more than a century, Batesville has supported deathcare professionals in helping families honor the lives of those they love.^® A history of manufacturing excellence, product innovation, superior customer service, and reliable delivery helped Batesville become – and remain – a market leader. 

National Guardian Life Insurance Company Named Best Places to Work 2024

Madison, Wis. (January 31, 2025) – National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) wrapped up 2024 with being recognized as one of the Best Places to Work 2024 by Madison Magazine.

The Best Places to Work award is based on an employee engagement survey administered by Quantum Workplace, a third-party human resources technology provider that measures employee feedback on six key areas: communication and resources, individual needs, manager effectiveness, personal engagement, team dynamics, and trust in leadership.

“It’s an honor to be named one of the Best Places to Work in Madison again. We believe our dedicated team members are our greatest resource and strength,” said Joe Celentano, President & CEO, at NGL. “It isn’t often that companies are in business for more than a century. We credit our longevity to providing valuable insurance products, paying policyholder claims quickly, and employing compassionate, thoughtful staff.”

According to Quantum Workplace, the Best Places to Work survey is administered annually and honors superior organizations where voices are heard, cultures are thriving and employees are engaged. The Best Places to Work award is given to the top 10 businesses in the size categories of small, medium and large.

Employees share that NGL is a great workplace because of their supportive colleagues and the benefits provided. “There are many career opportunities to help our team members thrive and achieve their goals,” shared Cara Capretta, NGL Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer. “Additionally, our comprehensive total rewards package is designed to offer exceptional financial, health and wellness solutions. We continually look for opportunities to engage and support our employees.” 

Celentano continued, “A focus on transparent communication through a variety of channels provides the opportunity for continuous feedback. Open and constructive dialogue is encouraged through Town Halls, employee gatherings, meetings with leaders and surveys to help us better understand employee needs and thoughts. This allows us to listen and evolve policies and initiatives, turning feedback into actionable items. Our commitment to enhancing and improving areas that are important to our employees is one reason NGL is one of the best places to work in Madison.”

NGL is a life and health insurance company specializing in individual and group products. We offer a suite of innovative insurance products for life’s journey, giving our customers financial stability, careful guidance and peace of mind. With more than 115 years in the insurance industry, we take pride in being there for our customers when they need it most.

About NGL

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company named Best Places to Work 2024

Madison, Wis. (January 31, 2025) – National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) wrapped up 2024 with being recognized as one of the Best Places to Work 2024 by Madison Magazine.

The Best Places to Work award is based on an employee engagement survey administered by Quantum Workplace, a third-party human resources technology provider that measures employee feedback on six key areas: communication and resources, individual needs, manager effectiveness, personal engagement, team dynamics, and trust in leadership.

“It’s an honor to be named one of the Best Places to Work in Madison again. We believe our dedicated team members are our greatest resource and strength,” said Joe Celentano, President & CEO, at NGL. “It isn’t often that companies are in business for more than a century. We credit our longevity to providing valuable insurance products, paying policyholder claims quickly, and employing compassionate, thoughtful staff.”

According to Quantum Workplace, the Best Places to Work survey is administered annually and honors superior organizations where voices are heard, cultures are thriving and employees are engaged. The Best Places to Work award is given to the top 10 businesses in the size categories of small, medium and large.

Employees share that NGL is a great workplace because of their supportive colleagues and the benefits provided. “There are many career opportunities to help our team members thrive and achieve their goals,” shared Cara Capretta, NGL Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer. “Additionally, our comprehensive total rewards package is designed to offer exceptional financial, health and wellness solutions. We continually look for opportunities to engage and support our employees.” 

Celentano continued, “A focus on transparent communication through a variety of channels provides the opportunity for continuous feedback. Open and constructive dialogue is encouraged through Town Halls, employee gatherings, meetings with leaders and surveys to help us better understand employee needs and thoughts. This allows us to listen and evolve policies and initiatives, turning feedback into actionable items. Our commitment to enhancing and improving areas that are important to our employees is one reason NGL is one of the best places to work in Madison.”

NGL is a life and health insurance company specializing in individual and group products. We offer a suite of innovative insurance products for life’s journey, giving our customers financial stability, careful guidance and peace of mind. With more than 115 years in the insurance industry, we take pride in being there for our customers when they need it most.

About NGL

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

We learned last week that a Auburndale, Florida, resident and funeral director had been honored as American Funeral Director’s “Funeral Director of the Year”.   In a press release from her employers at Foundation Partners Group it was explained that Jennifer Lindell-Roys, a funeral director at the Kersey Funeral Home had been so honored.

According to that press release we learned that she “(was) selected from a wide field of nominees submitted by funeral professionals across the nation. . .”.  The press release continued by saying, “Lindell-Roys is being honored for decades of funeral service excellence, mentoring future professionals and providing compassionate care for families throughout Dade & Polk counties.” 

According to Andrew Clark, Foundation Partners Group Senior Vice-President of Operations, “Jennifer’s compassion and care for families in need is unmatched.  She treats all families as if they were her own. This best-in-class care is rooted in her love of the Auburndale community and our sacred profession. Her selfless approach to funeral service is inspiring and motivational to those who have the honor to work by her side.”

Access the American Funeral Director article through the Foundation Partners website here

Information supplied by Foundation Partners Group indicates that Ms. Lindell-Roys was “inspired by the television show “Quincy” at eight-years-old, Lindell-Roys’ interest in forensic pathology evolved into volunteer work at local funeral homes during her high school years. After graduation she enrolled in the funeral service education program at Miami Dade college and worked at a local funeral home to put herself through school. Eleven years later, after being married, giving birth to a daughter and divorced, she graduated from mortuary school and moved to Auburndale. She joined the Kersey Funeral Home team as a funeral director and embalmer in 1996 and has served as location leader for the past five years.”

Finally, Foundation Partners Group said in their press release of December 11 that  “Community service is very important to Lindell-Roys, both personally and professionally. She is a past-president of the Tri-County Funeral Directors Association, was a member of Auburndale Chapter 149 of the Order of the Eastern Star, and volunteers at the Community Thanksgiving Outreach, which feeds more than 5,000 people each year.  Lindell-Roys is a former Greater Auburndale Chamber of Commerce board member, where she continues to serve as an ambassador and project leader. This past April, Kersey Funeral Home was title sponsor of the Chamber’s Annual Business Expo, where nearly 100 businesses shared information about their products and services with the entire community.”

Congratulations, and thank you for your contributions to funeral service Ms. Jennifer Lindell-Roys!!!

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