Funeral Service Foundation Invests $90,000 in Future Funeral Service Professionals

Recipients represent 15 U.S. states, three Canadian provinces, and 18 funeral service programs.

Brookfield, Wisconsin – Thanks to the generosity of its donors, the Funeral Service Foundation awarded 31 academic scholarships this fall totaling $90,000 to students across North America. Recipients hail from 15 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces and attend 18 funeral service programs, showcasing the wide reach of the Foundation’s commitment to supporting future professionals.

“Our scholarship program is an investment in the future of funeral service,” said Jeff Smith, Chair of the Funeral Service Foundation. “These students represent the next generation of leaders who will serve families with compassion and professionalism. We are proud to support their education and help them succeed in this meaningful career.”

Since awarding its first academic scholarship in 2002, the Foundation has expanded its program to include multiple named scholarships that honor and memorialize influential funeral service professionals and organizations.

This fall’s awards included the inaugural Tom Johnson Scholarship, honoring the legacy of Tom Johnson, a respected leader and advocate in the funeral service profession. Johnson was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Award in 2024, and donations from across the profession helped memorialize him through this scholarship.  

In total, the Foundation awarded 31 scholarships, which included 20 named scholarships, nine Foundation ’45 scholarships honoring the founding year of the Funeral Service Foundation, and two scholarships awarded to military veterans through the Journey to Serve initiative, in partnership with the ICCFA Educational Foundation.

The Foundation’s academic scholarship program runs in two annual cycles – spring and fall. The next application window is February 15 – April 1.

Academic Scholarship Fall Class of 2025:

Foundation ’45 Scholarship | $5,000

• Katy Bernard, Lubbock, Texas (Southern Illinois University – Mortuary Science and Funeral Service)
• Tess Martin, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (Canadian College of Funeral Service)

Foundation ’45 Scholarship | $5,000

• Lilly Meade, Englewood, Colorado (Arapahoe Community College – Mortuary Science Program)
• Amber Revelt, Parma, Ohio (Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science) 
• Jenifer Williams, Hoschton, Georgia (Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service)

APFSP/Fitzgerald Memorial Scholarship | $2,500

• Mallory Brown, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science)

Bob Horn Scholarship | $2,500

• Jasmine Yang, St. Louis, Missouri (St. Louis Community College at Forest Park – Funeral Service Education)

CANA/Jack Springer Memorial Scholarship | $2,500

• Samia Craft, Castle Rock, Colorado (Arapahoe Community College – Mortuary Science Program) 

Foundation ’45 Scholarship | $2,500

• Amy Burr, Grovetown, Georgia (Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science)
• Rane Halloran, Frederick, Maryland (Community College of Baltimore County-Catonsville – Mortuary Science Program)
• Thiago Nielsen, Millcreek, Utah (Salt Lake Community College – Mortuary Science Program)
• Riley Roldan, Loveland, Ohio (Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science)

Funeral Directors Life Memorial Scholarship | $2,500

• Jody Bryant, Statesboro, Georgia (Ogeechee Technical College – Funeral Service Education)

John Carmon Scholarship | $2,500

• Robin Warren, Danville, Virginia (Brightpoint Community College – Funeral Services Program)

Joseph E. Hagan Memorial Scholarship | $2,500

• Lauren Kreuser, Mayville, Wisconsin (Milwaukee Area Technical College-West Campus – Funeral Service Program)

Louis & Josephine Pontone Memorial Scholarship | $2,500

• Melissa Varghese, Macomb Township, Michigan (Wayne State University – Mortuary Science Program)

Memorial Classic Scholarship | $2,500

• Sydney Dietz, Morris, Minnesota (University of Minnesota – Program of Mortuary Science)
• Charae Kiplin, Loganville, Georgia (Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service)
• Wayne Latimer Jr., Tulsa, Oklahoma (Dallas Institute of Funeral Service)
• Ansley Williams, Lincoln, Nebraska (Des Moines Area Community College – Mortuary Science Program)

NGL – Harry Pontone Memorial Scholarship | $2,500

• Karen Coles, Gainesville, Florida (Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service)
• Jena Thompson, Herrin, Illinois (Southern Illinois University – Mortuary Science and Funeral Service)

NGL – Mark Hornibrook Memorial Scholarship | $2,500

• Arianna Roland, Springfield, Ohio (Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science)
• Nicolette Roether, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada (Canadian College of Funeral Service)

Shipley Rose Buckner Memorial Scholarship | $2,500

• Azuree McGee, Nashville, Ohio (Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service)

Steve Lang Scholarship (Homesteaders) | $2,500.00

• Lindsey Vatter, New Castle, Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science)

Steve Mack Memorial Scholarship | $2,500.00

• Charell Valentine, Munhall, Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science)

Todd Van Beck Memorial Scholarship | $2,500.00

• Carly Moran, Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Canada (Canadian College of Funeral Service)

Tom Johnson Memorial Scholarship | $2,500

• Wesley Manning, Leesville, Louisiana (Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service)

Academic Scholarship for Veterans:

The Funeral Service Foundation, in partnership with the ICCFA Educational Foundation, offers academic scholarships to United States and Canadian military veterans, as part of the Journey to Serve initiative. Offered twice a year, scholarships range from $2,500-$5,000 and are available to military veterans who are 18 years of age or older at the time of application and who are currently enrolled (or accepted into) in an ABFSE-accredited funeral service program. Learn more about the Journey to Serve at www.JourneyToServe.com.

Journey to Serve Scholarship | $5,000

• Monica Weisfeld, Mount Prospect, Illinois (Worsham College of Mortuary Science)

Hunter M. Harbeson Memorial Scholarship | $2,500

• Mark Biolo, Lakeville, Minnesota (Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science) 

In Their Words:
In their own words, scholarship recipients express what this support means to them as they prepare to serve their communities through funeral service.

“I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for selecting me as a recipient of the 2025 Fall Military Academic Scholarship. As a veteran Navy Officer pursuing a vocation in mortuary science, this scholarship is much more than financial assistance – it is an affirmation of my commitment to continue to serve others in a new and most important way.”

• Mark Biolo, Hunter M. Harbeson Memorial Scholar

“Your investment in my education enhances my capacity to enter the field prepared, self-assured and determined to provide compassionate care.”

• Samia Craft, CANA/Jack Springer Scholar

“I am truly grateful for the sense of community within funeral service and for generous people like yourselves who continue to encourage and uplift the next generation of funeral professionals.”

• Sydney Dietz, Memorial Classic Scholar

“I am in my second year of apprenticeship in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, where my love of funeral service has blossomed. Over my last year of study, I have been eager to learn, listen and be a part of this ever-growing professional community. I am proud to be a student of the Canadian College of Funeral Service, where I have been able to hone many necessary skills for both my funeral directing and embalming licenses.

Through my work in funeral service, I have had the honor of caring for the bereaved and their loved ones, learning how to best assist and meet the needs of different families. Receiving this scholarship will allow me to continue pursuing a career I am passionate about, and this investment in my education and future goals will not be forgotten.”

• Tess Martin, Foundation ’45 Scholar

“Being rewarded with this scholarship demonstrates that I am achieving my goals, manifesting the life that I have always dreamed of, and following a career path that I was always meant to follow. The scholarship money also allows me to focus more on being a funeral director apprentice, a student a partner and a mom to my wonderful daughter.”

• Amber Revelt, Foundation ’45 Scholar

“Thank you so much for this extraordinary gift to help me pursue my calling as a funeral director and embalmer. When I embarked on this journey, I knew it would be challenging – funeral service is my second career and meant starting over in many ways. But every day I spend working with families affirms for me – with absolute certainty – this is where I’m supposed to be.”

• Jasmine Yang, Bob Horn Scholar

FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS OR FUNDED NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS OR OPENING SOON:

LINKS

ABOUT THE FUNERAL SERVICE FOUNDATION – FuneralServiceFoundation.org
Since 1945, the Funeral Service Foundation has served as the philanthropic voice of the funeral profession and has identified as the charitable arm of the National Funeral Directors Association since 1997. Donors and volunteer leaders profession-wide support the Foundation in its mission of lifting up grieving communities by investing in people and programs that strengthen funeral service.

We learned earlier this week that Pinnacle Funeral Service, a funeral home owner and operator based in St. Petersburg, Florida, has acquired the Malcore Funeral Home & Crematory as well as Simply Cremation in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  According to a press release, the funeral home was founded in 1921 and has been owned and operated by the Malcore family for several generations.

Again according to the press release, “Between Malcore and Simply Cremation, the businesses serve more than 750 families annually”.

Tony Kumming, President of Pinnacle Funeral Service made this prepared comment in the press release, “Malcore has been a trusted name in Green Bay for more than 100 years. Their early leadership in cremation and their long-standing dedication to families make this a meaningful partnership. . . . “

The press release also states that “Matt Malcore will continue to manage day-to-day operations, ensuring continuity for the families they serve. His wife, Lisa, will remain as a preneed advisor, and both of Matt’s parents will also stay actively involved in the business. . . “

Matt Malcore made this comment in a prepared statement in the press release, “Pinnacle will provide us with the tools we need to be successful. From the beginning, Pinnacle stood out for how they treat people—families, employees, and owners alike. They’re not trying to change who we are; they’re here to support our team and help us grow responsibly while staying true to our mission. . . . ”

According to Wikipedia, the Green Bay SMSA ranks 161st in the USA and has grown at a 1.6% rate from the 2020 Census until 2024.

According to the press release, Pinnacle Funeral Service, along with its partnership with Rollings Funeral Service, is one of the largest and fastest growing privately-owned funeral service operators in the United States with over 100 locations across 20 states.

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Pinnacle Funeral Service Announces Addition of Wisconsin Funeral Home

GREEN BAY, WI — Pinnacle Funeral Service is proud to announce their recent addition of Malcore Funeral Home & Crematory and Simply Cremation in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The funeral home, founded in 1921, has been a pillar of service in the Green Bay community for more than a century and was owned and operated by the Malcore family for several generations.

Malcore Funeral Home & Crematory has long been a leader in cremation services. Nearly 50 years ago they installed their first on-site crematory, an early adoption that set them apart in the region. The original cremator is still in operation today. Between Malcore and Simply Cremation, the businesses serve more than 750 families annually.  Malcore will immediately gain access to Pinnacle’s accounting, legal, and human resources support services.  The staff, who will remain in their current roles, will also gain tremendous operational support, and will be able to participate in career training and bonus programs.  

Tony Kumming, President of Pinnacle Funeral Service, shared his excitement about the partnership. “Malcore has been a trusted name in Green Bay for more than 100 years. Their early leadership in cremation and their long-standing dedication to families make this a meaningful partnership. Additionally, we are proud of the confidence that Matt and his family put in our organization and we believe it is a strong signal to other independent funeral home owners that Pinnacle is the preferred succession partner. We’re honored to help support and strengthen the Malcore legacy for years to come.”

Matt Malcore will continue to manage day-to-day operations, ensuring continuity for the families they serve. His wife, Lisa, will remain as a preneed advisor, and both of Matt’s parents will also stay actively involved in the business.  Reflecting on the decision to partner with Pinnacle Funeral Service, Matt Malcore shared, “Pinnacle will provide us with the tools we need to be successful. From the beginning, Pinnacle stood out for how they treat people—families, employees, and owners alike. They’re not trying to change who we are; they’re here to support our team and help us grow responsibly while staying true to our mission. We are excited to navigate the future together and most importantly keep our clients as priority number one.”

Pinnacle Funeral Service, along with its partnership with Rollings Funeral Service, is one of the largest and fastest growing privately-owned funeral service operators in the United States with over 100 locations across 20 states.  Funeral home owners interested in exploring a sale can contact Tony Kumming at tony@pinnaclefunerals.com or call 813-579-7048.

ASD Founders Announce Launch of Cremation Air: Aerial Scattering Service for Funeral Homes

Media, PA– The Czachor family, founders of ASD — Answering Service for Directors, have launched a new aviation-based venture: Cremation Air, a professional aerial ash scattering service designed exclusively for funeral homes. The service provides meaningful ocean and waterway scatterings completed by certified commercial pilot Andrew Czachor, son of ASD Family-Member Owner Marty Czachor.

For more than five decades, ASD has served as the funeral profession’s communication heartbeat, helping directors support families with compassion and dependability. As cremation rates continue to rise nationwide, the Czachor family saw a natural opportunity to expand their commitment to funeral service by offering a dignified, trackable aviation solution that meets the growing demand for personalized scattering options.

The concept for Cremation Air grew from the family’s shared passion for both aviation and funeral service. What began as Marty’s interest in flying evolved into a family pursuit, with Andrew and Jess Czachor earning their pilot licenses. Over time, conversations in the hangar intersected with the needs of funeral directors, inspiring the creation of a service that blends technical precision with heartfelt purpose.

“At ASD, we’ve always looked for ways to serve directors beyond the phone line,” Marty shared. “With Cremation Air aerial scattering, we’re extending that same trust skyward—helping funeral homes offer families something truly meaningful. Everything about this came from the heart of a family that understands the profession. Our goal is to help directors offer something extraordinary to the families they serve.” 

Cremation Air was intentionally built as a partner to funeral directors, not a consumer competitor. Through the secure C-Air Process—centered on Clarity, Assurance, Integrity, and Respect—directors can submit orders, track each step of chain of custody, and receive full documentation. After each scattering, they are provided with a personalized video tribute and a certificate that includes the date, time, and GPS coordinates to present to the family.

Each scattering is performed aboard a Beechcraft Bonanza G-36 outfitted with GPS tracking, three hi-def video cameras and a custom-designed, carbon fiber scattering chute. Operations follow strict FAA guidelines and USPS and EPA requirements, ensuring cremains are handled and dispersed with professionalism and accountability. Only trained crew members are on board, reinforcing the elevated standards built into every Cremation Air flight.

“We wanted to bring the same professionalism that families receive in every part of a funeral service into the air,” explained Patrick Kane, Cremation Air’s Business Development Strategist, “covering every detail, paying extra attention to chain of custody communication, and having extreme accountability.”

Cremation Air made its official company debut during the 2025 NFDA Convention, where directors immediately recognized its practicality and value. Many noted that families have long inquired about ocean scatterings, and Cremation Air now provides a trusted, funeral-home-centered solution that helps directors meet those requests while expanding their service offerings.

Currently operating in Pennsylvania and Florida, Cremation Air focuses on ocean, gulf, and Great Lakes scatterings, with plans underway to expand to the Pacific Coast. As the team continues building co-branded opportunities and refining its systems, the mission remains clear: to honor life’s final journey with the same compassion, reliability, and innovation that have defined ASD for more than 50 years—now carried forward, into the skies.

About Cremation Air LLC

Cremation Air provides aerial scattering of cremated remains along the coastal regions of the United States. The company helps funeral directors meet the growing demand for scattering of cremated remains with ease and confidence. Cremation Air uses state of the art technology and secure tracking capabilities to ensure that scattering over U.S. Coastal Waters is dignified, reliable, and professional. To learn more, call 888-970-7400 or visit cremationair.com.

Compassionate guidance from Archway Funeral Service, Derbyshire

Christmas is often seen as a time of joy, celebration and togetherness — but for those who have recently experienced the loss of a loved one, the festive season can be especially painful. Grief doesn’t pause for Christmas, and many families in Derbyshire, Crich, Alfreton and surrounding areas tell us that this time of year can magnify feelings of sadness, loneliness, and longing for the person who is no longer with them.

At Archway Funeral Service, we understand how difficult Christmas can be during a time of bereavement. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and every family will cope differently, but there are some gentle strategies that can help make the festive period a little more manageable.

Acknowledge How You Feel

One of the most supportive things you can do is allow yourself to feel whatever emotions arise — whether that’s sadness, anger, relief, or even moments of joy. Grief is not linear, and Christmas can bring an unexpected mix of emotions.

You don’t have to pretend everything is fine, and you don’t have to celebrate if you don’t feel able to. Give yourself permission to experience the season in your own way.

Create New Traditions, or Adapt Old Ones

Some families find comfort and connection in honouring their loved one as part of their Christmas tradition. This could include:

• Lighting a candle in their memory

• Hanging a special ornament on the tree

• Playing their favourite music

• Cooking a dish they loved

• Taking a moment of reflection before dinner

Others may decide that certain traditions feel too painful, and choose to take a different approach altogether. Both are valid.

You are not “moving on” — you are simply finding a way forward that works for you.

Spend Time with People Who Understand

Grief can feel isolating, especially when others appear to be in a festive mood. Spending time with supportive friends or family can make a huge difference.

If you feel up to it, consider reaching out to someone you trust — even just for a walk, a coffee, or a chat. Many people find that talking about their loved one brings comfort rather than pain, especially at this time of year.

Local bereavement support groups across Derbyshire, Crich, and Alfreton can also provide connection with others who understand what you’re going through.

Be Gentle with Yourself

For those arranging funerals in Derbyshire and surrounding areas, we often remind families that grief can affect energy levels, concentration, and motivation. At Christmas, this can make simple tasks feel overwhelming.

Try to avoid putting pressure on yourself to meet expectations — whether they are from others or from yourself.
It’s okay to say no.
It’s okay to rest.
It’s okay to take things one moment at a time.

Even small acts of self-care — a short walk, a warm drink, or time outdoors — can help support your emotional wellbeing.

Remember Your Loved One

Christmas can be an opportunity not only to grieve but to celebrate and remember the life of someone you hold dear.

Sharing stories, looking at photos, or writing a message in their memory can help keep their presence close, even in their physical absence.

Grief is the price of love — and remembering can be a gentle way to honour that love.

You Are Not Alone

At Archway Funeral Service, we support families in Crich, Alfreton, Derbyshire and the surrounding areas not just on the day of the funeral, but throughout their journey with grief.

If you are struggling this Christmas, please know that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether that’s speaking to a friend, a counsellor, or a support organisation, there are people ready to listen.

Here for You This Christmas and Beyond

The festive season can be incredibly difficult when you are grieving, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Archway Funeral Service, we are committed to helping families navigate loss with compassion, dignity and care — at Christmas, and throughout the year.

If you need advice about arranging a funeral, planning ahead, or simply want to speak with someone who understands, please contact us.

Archway Funeral Service
Supporting families with empathy and professionalism across Derbyshire, Crich, Alfreton and surrounding communities.

📍 Archway Funeral Service – Serving families across Derbyshire

If you are looking to arrange a Derbyshire funeral in Ripley, Heanor, Belper, Crich or the surrounding areas of Derbyshire, please do not hesitate to contact Archway Funeral Service.

Guidance from Archway Funeral Service, Derbyshire

When a loved one has been cremated, deciding what to do with their ashes is a deeply personal choice. Some families find comfort in a traditional approach, while others prefer something more creative, symbolic, or reflective of the person’s life.

At Archway Funeral Service, we support families across Derbyshire, including Crich, Alfreton and surrounding areas, helping them understand the many thoughtful, respectful and meaningful options available.

There is no right or wrong answer — only what feels right for you and your loved one.

1. Scattering Ashes in a Special Place

One of the most familiar choices is to scatter a loved one’s ashes in a location that holds personal meaning, such as:

Many people choose areas that reflect their loved one’s passions — nature, sport, or simple peace.
It is important to check local guidelines before scattering ashes, particularly on private land.

2. Keeping Ashes in a Memorial Urn

Some families choose to keep ashes at home, often in a beautifully crafted urn.

Modern urns come in a variety of designs — from traditional ceramic styles to contemporary wooden or biodegradable options — allowing you to create a fitting tribute that blends into your home or garden.

This can bring reassurance, especially in the early stages of grief.

3. Interment in a Cemetery or Memorial Garden

Many crematoriums and cemeteries, including those used by families in Crich, Alfreton and Derbyshire, offer a designated area where ashes can be buried or placed in a memorial plot.

This gives families a permanent, peaceful place to visit — ideal for those who value a sense of tradition or somewhere physical to reflect.

4. Dividing Ashes Among Family Members

For families who wish to share a connection, ashes can be divided into smaller urns or keepsakes.

This is especially meaningful where loved ones live in different parts of the country or world, allowing each person to honour the memory in their own way.

5. Memorial Jewellery and Keepsakes

Cremation ashes can be incorporated into:

• Pendants

• Rings

• Bracelets

• Glass ornaments

• Paperweights

These items can offer comfort by keeping a symbolic connection close. Jewellery can be simple and discreet, or bold and artistic — a beautiful way to carry the memory with you every day.

6. Planting a Memorial Tree

Some families choose to combine ashes with soil to plant a tree or flowering shrub in a garden or memorial space.

This eco-friendly option is a powerful symbol of life continuing, and can create a peaceful place for quiet reflection.

It’s a particularly popular choice among families in Derbyshire, where natural landscapes are cherished.

7. Artistic and Creative Tributes

For those seeking something unique, ashes can be transformed into:

• Bespoke artwork

• Pottery

• Vinyl records

• Fireworks

These options offer a meaningful and expressive way to capture personality, interests or a sense of fun and individuality.

8. Outdoor Memorials and Benches

Some families arrange for a bench, plaque or marker to be placed in a meaningful location, sometimes incorporating a portion of ashes.

This option offers a place for future generations to visit and remember.

9. Scattering Ashes at Sea

For those who loved the ocean, scattering ashes at sea can feel deeply symbolic.

This can be done from the shore, a boat, or as part of a formal maritime ceremony.

The experience often becomes a heartfelt moment of farewell and tribute.

There is no single “best” way to honour ashes — only what reflects your loved one and provides comfort to those left behind.

Some families make their decision immediately; others take time. It’s absolutely fine to wait until you feel ready.

At Archway Funeral Service, we support families in Derbyshire, Crich, Alfreton and surrounding areas in exploring all available options, offering advice with sensitivity and care.

📍 Archway Funeral Service – Serving families across Derbyshire

If you are looking to arrange a Derbyshire funeral in Ripley, Heanor, Belper, Crich or the surrounding areas of Derbyshire, please do not hesitate to contact Archway Funeral Service.

Families searching for a cremation service Ballwin, MO are often navigating decisions that involve multiple places and people. One area that raises questions is cremation transfers: when, why, and how a loved one is transferred so every step remains dignified and timely.

At St. Louis Cremation, we help you understand transfers in clear, simple terms. Because we focus on direct cremation, our goal is to streamline the process, coordinate details with care, and keep you informed so you can focus on your family.

What Is a Cremation Transfer?

A cremation transfer is the respectful movement of a loved one from the place of passing to the provider who will oversee arrangements. It can occur from a residence, care facility, or another provider. The purpose is continuity of care. When done properly, transfers support identification, documentation, and timely next steps without unnecessary delays.

Quick definition for clarity

• Cremation transfer: the coordinated transportation of a loved one to the cremation provider you choose, ensuring chain-of-custody and proper authorizations.

When Do Families Need a Transfer?

Transfers are needed any time the initial place of passing is different from the provider who will serve your family. You may also request a transfer if you decide to change providers after an initial call. In either case, the provider you choose should handle the logistics and keep you updated.

Common situations that call for a transfer

• A loved one passes at home under hospice care, and you select a direct cremation provider
• A hospital or nursing facility contacts an on-call service, and you later choose a different provider
• You move a plan from another provider to the team you trust to ensure a simpler experience

Why Transfers Matter for Peace of Mind

Transfers ensure your wishes are followed from the first call to final authorization. Done well, they reinforce identification procedures, protect required paperwork, and minimize stress during a tender time. Most importantly, they let your family work with the team that aligns with your values.

What you should expect from a caring provider

• Clear communication about timing, next steps, and who will call you
• Dignified handling during every stage of movement and care
• Transparent process for identification and authorizations
• Compassionate support that focuses on simplicity and respect

How We Coordinate Transfers With Care

Our team manages the entire handoff, so you do not have to coordinate between multiple parties. We confirm authorizations, schedule transportation, and verify identification at each stage. We also communicate with your designated point of contact, so no one is left wondering what happens next.

Our family-first approach to coordination

• A single, dedicated point of contact for questions
• Proactive updates so you always know the status
• Step-light paperwork guidance that reduces overwhelm
• A simple timeline that outlines what to expect

Planning Ahead Helps Even More

If you are considering pre-need planning, documenting preferences around transfers saves your family time and uncertainty later. Recording whom to call, where to send vital documents, and who should receive updates makes the process even smoother.

Practical information to keep together

• Primary and secondary contacts
• Authorization preferences and required forms
• Instructions for your chosen provider and how to reach them
• Special considerations for care facilities or hospice partners

What If You Change Your Mind About Providers?

It is normal to rethink decisions. If you choose a new provider after an initial call, the incoming provider can request a transfer on your behalf. You should not have to navigate those conversations alone. We believe families deserve a seamless transition that centers on their wishes and ensures continuous, dignified care.

Your Next Step

If you want more detail on how our process works from the first call onward, visit our main page for a simple overview. You will find what information is needed, how identification is verified, and the caring way we coordinate each stage of service.

A Gentle Closing Thought

Understanding cremation transfers empowers families to choose the path that feels right. If you seek calm guidance with a cremation service Ballwin, MO, we invite you to start a brief conversation so your questions are answered and your wishes are honored; when you are ready, reach out to St. Louis Cremation so we can coordinate a respectful transfer and guide you through the next steps with clarity and compassion.

Funeral Service Foundation Receives $217,500 from Service Corporation International (SCI) in 2025

Contributions from SCI will advance programs that strengthen funeral service and support grieving communities

Brookfield, Wis. – The Funeral Service Foundation is proud to announce that longtime supporter Service Corporation International (SCI) has generously contributed $217,500 to the Foundation in 2025, bringing their cumulative giving to more than $2.6 million and solidifying SCI’s position as the Foundation’s top corporate donor. This support enables the Foundation to continue its mission of lifting up grieving communities by investing in people and programs that strengthen funeral service.

At the Opening Session of the NFDA Convention, attended by more than 1,400 funeral service professionals, SCI’s contributions were recognized by Will Bischoff, Foundation Fund Development Chair, who introduced John Faulk, SCI’s Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Foundation Trustee and Treasurer, to the stage.

Faulk shared SCI’s commitment, “As a Trustee, I can attest to the positive impact that the Funeral Service Foundation has on our profession. Whether you serve one community or hundreds, we all have a shared purpose — to help families when they need us the most. As a company, we value partnerships and organizations that collaborate across our profession to strengthen it, and that’s why we support the Funeral Service Foundation.”

On behalf of the Foundation, Chair Jeff Smith said, “We are deeply grateful to John Faulk and the leadership team at SCI for their steadfast commitment. Their support enables the Foundation to continue building strong partnerships across the profession, investing in programs and people that make a real difference for grieving families. As our top corporate donor, SCI’s generosity allows us to maximize our impact across funeral service.”

SCI’s 2025 contributions, including support for the 2025 Golf Classic, directly fuel programs and initiatives that enhance education, research, and professional development in funeral service, ensuring every investment creates meaningful impact.

About Service Corporation International (SCI) – https://www.sci-corp.com/ 

Service Corporation International (NYSE: SCI), headquartered in Houston, Texas, is North America’s leading provider of funeral, cemetery and cremation services, as well as final-arrangement planning in advance, serving more than 600,000 families each year.  Our diversified portfolio of brands provides families and individuals a full range of choices to meet their needs, from simple cremations to full life celebrations and personalized remembrances.  Our Dignity Memorial® brand is the name families turn to for professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail that is second to none.  At September 30, 2025, we owned and operated 1,487 funeral service locations and 499 cemeteries (of which 312 are combination locations) in 44 states, eight Canadian provinces, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.  For more information about Service Corporation International, please visit our website at www.sci-corp.com.  For more information about Dignity Memorial®, please visit www.dignitymemorial.com.

About the Funeral Service Foundation – FuneralServiceFoundation.org
Since 1945, the Funeral Service Foundation has served as the philanthropic voice of the funeral profession and has identified as the charitable arm of the National Funeral Directors Association since 1997. Donors and volunteer leaders profession-wide support the Foundation in its mission to lift up grieving communities by investing in people and programs that strengthen funeral service. 

Funeral Director Daily learned last week that one of the best known names in Death Care was branching out to continue to help funeral directors.  The Czachor family, founders of the leading funeral home answering service, ASD, has announced the formation of a company to help funeral homes coordinate meaningful aerial cremation ash scatterings.

In an article that we read about the new service, Cremation Air, it was noted that ASD has been the heartbeat of communication in the funeral business for five decades.

In that five decades of business ASD, and the Czachor family members, have built great relationships with funeral homes across the country.  Cremation Air will be “a natural evolution of ASD’s mission to support funeral homes with innovative tools that strengthen relationships with the families they serve”  according to a quote from an ASD blog article.

ASD Family-Member Owner Marty Czachor made this comment, “At ASD, we’ve always looked for ways to serve directors beyond the phone line.  With Cremation Air aerial scattering, we’re extending that same trust skyward—helping funeral homes offer families something truly meaningful.”

Cremation Air intends to begin with its current operations in Pennsylvania and Florida covering the Great Lakes, Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf.  Expansion plans are underway to bring the service to the West Coast.

According to the company’s blog, “To ensure full accountability, Cremation Air maintains a barcoded chain-of-custody system, complies with USPS Cremated Remains Mailing regulations, and documents with the EPA each scattering with timestamped confirmation and GPS verification.”

You can learn more from the Cremation Air from the ASD blog here.

It’s in the Family —  Many of the greatest businesses in the world came our of the founders’ passions.  And, that is the formula for Cremation Air — ASD Family-Members and Owners Marty, Kathy (Kelley), and Kevin Czachor have always shared an entrepreneurial drive and passion for flight.  According to the blog article “Marty’s private plane became more than just a hobby—it turned into a family pursuit, with his son Andrew and daughter Jess both earning their pilot’s licenses. Over time, conversations in the hangar began to overlap with conversations about the funeral profession ASD has served for decades.”

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

Funeral Director Daily take:  I’ve mentioned it many times over the past couple months.  That being that I believe final disposition and memorialization of cremated remains seems to be coming to the forefront of thought for families choosing cremation.  I think families have lived through a generation of “taking the remains home and putting them in a closet” and then not knowing what to do with them as time moves on.

It is my opinion that more and more families are looking for permanent memorial options for cremated remains.

There has led to all kinds of options for cremated remains memorialization becoming available and now one of the most trusted families in Death Care has provided another option for funeral directors and cemeterians to offer those families they serve.

More news from the world of Death Care:

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

Families searching for a cremation service St. Charles, MO often want a clear, caring way to make decisions before they are needed. Pre-need planning is a thoughtful gift to your family because it removes guesswork, captures your wishes, and ensures a simple, dignified experience when the time comes.

At St. Louis Cremation, we guide you through pre-arrangements in plain language. Our approach is built around direct cremation with minimal complexity, so your plan focuses on what matters most: ensuring your preferences are honored and your loved ones feel supported.

Why Pre-Need Planning Eases Tomorrow’s Decisions

Planning ahead reduces emotional pressure on your family, shortens the list of urgent tasks, and creates space for healthy remembrance. It also helps you document essential details in one place, which makes the next steps smoother for the person who will be handling arrangements.

What pre-need planning typically includes

• Capturing vital information and preferred contacts
• Choosing a simple set of personalization notes for remembrance
• Documenting authorizations and signatures to reduce delays
• Sharing your plan with the people who will carry out your wishes

Option 1: Immediate-Arrangement Pre-Plan

This option is best if you want everything in writing and ready to go. We record your vital information, confirm authorizations, and outline your wishes for a straightforward process. Because the details are finalized ahead of time, your family can move forward confidently without second-guessing what you wanted.

Highlights

• Clear documentation of your preferences
• Guidance on which forms to complete now versus later
• A simple checklist for your designated decision-maker

Option 2: Essentials-Only Registration

Prefer to keep things light today while still helping your family tomorrow? The essentials-only route captures the most important data now and leaves room to add personal touches later. You set direction without feeling locked into choices you are not ready to make.

Highlights

• Quick start that reduces future paperwork
• Flexible notes for preferences about a private farewell or memorial timing
• Easy updates as your wishes evolve

Option 3: Pre-Need Plan With Personal Touches

Some families appreciate a few meaningful details that make remembrance feel warm and authentic. This option adds gentle personalization while staying simple. You can note favorite readings, a song to play at a later gathering, or suggestions for a keepsake that brings comfort at home, all without increasing complexity.

Highlights

• Thoughtful touches that honor your life and values
• Suggestions for private viewing or quiet moments that feel right for your family
• A brief guide your loved ones can follow with confidence

Which Pre-Need Path Fits Your Family?

Ask yourself a few quick questions to find your best fit:

• Do we want everything finalized now, or do we prefer flexibility?
• Who will be responsible for arrangements, and what support will they need?
• What small personal details would bring comfort without adding complications?

If you know your answers, you are ready to choose. If not, we will help you decide in a short conversation and provide a clear next step.

How We Keep Planning Simple

We value clear expectations, kind guidance, and easy-to-follow processes. That means fewer forms, fewer decisions at once, and practical support for your designated decision-maker. You can also share your pre-need plan securely with the people who will need it, so everyone is on the same page when it matters most.

Helpful tips for sharing your plan

• Tell at least two trusted people where your plan is stored
• Store key contacts together with your plan
• Review your preferences annually and make small updates as needed

Start With Clarity

You can review how our arrangements work and see what information is needed on our main page. Whether you choose the immediate-arrangement pre-plan, the essentials-only registration, or a plan with personal touches, documenting your wishes now is one of the kindest ways to care for those you love.

A Closing Word For Peace Of Mind

Pre-need planning transforms uncertainty into assurance. If you seek a calm, respectful path with a cremation service St. Charles, MO, we invite you to begin a simple conversation so your family knows exactly what you want. When you are ready, reach out to St. Louis Cremation, and we will help you choose the right option and complete your plan with compassionate guidance.