Heineman: Funeral Service Professionals Week is April 22-28

On April 11, 2012, Governor Dave Heineman signed a proclamation declaring the week of April 22-28th, 2012, as Funeral Service Professionals Week. On hand to view the signing of the proclamation were NeFDA President Ron Levander and Executive Director Kathi Schildt. This is a great honor for the Nebraska Funeral Directors Association, whose members strive to provide the best service for families and members of their communities while they go through difficult times. While funeral service professionals are respected for their services, their efforts often go unrecognized because of the nature of the job. Funeral service professionals strive to provide exceptional service, but choose to remain in the background and make sure everything runs smoothly while families begin the healing process. Their service to the communities they reside in takes precedence over other things. They are on call at all times, including weekends and holidays, and work long hours to ensure a service is provided that honors the memory of a loved one.

In Nebraska, more than 700 funeral directors are licensed and registered. In order to meet the strict rules and regulations, licensed funeral directors must continue to maintain education credits and meet other guidelines as well. The Nebraska Funeral Directors Association would like to recognize its members for meeting and often going above and beyond state requirements and for providing quality service to the communities they serve. The proclamation from Governor Heineman also recognizes the 126 years that funeral directors have been providing service in the state of Nebraska. Please remember to thank the funeral service professionals in your community for the tireless and often thankless services they provide.

Area funeral service professionals include:

Chase County: Michael Liewer, Michael Swanson

Furnas County: Jim Jones, Dallas Garey, James Wenburg

Dundy County: The late Larry Forch, now being served by Michael Liewer

Frontier County: Tim Strauser

Red Willow County: Tim Daum, Donna Hall, Jerry Beckenhauer, John Herrmann

Hitchcock County is served by professionals in surrounding counties.

St. Francis, Kansas: John Knodel

Atwood, Kansas: Ron Williams

Oberlin, Kansas: Rick Paul

Bird City, Herndon and Jennings, Kansas are served by professionals in surrounding communities.