Investing in the Funeral Profession – Iowa Funeral Directors Association

Advocacy

We are committed to advancing the interests of our members and strengthening the future of funeral service across Iowa.

Through active advocacy, professional development, and strategic engagement, IFDA works to ensure that funeral directors and funeral establishments remain supported, protected, and represented at every level.

Political Action Committee

A strong state political action committee (PAC) is essential for ensuring that the voices of funeral service professionals are heard where it matters most at the State Capitol. Through the IFDA PAC, members help support policymakers who understand and respect the work funeral directors do, the families they serve, and the unique challenges facing the profession.

IFDA has long maintained an active and credible presence in state government, building relationships with legislators, monitoring proposed legislation, and advocating for laws that protect both funeral directors and the public. Central to this effort is IFDA’s Legislative Council and Lobbyist of 19 years, Michael Triplett, whose expertise, strategic guidance, and engagement at the Capitol ensure that IFDA is not only informed but influential.

Michael’s deep knowledge of the legislative process, the funeral profession and strong bipartisan relationships allow the association to respond quickly, shape discussions early, and advance policies that support Iowa’s funeral service community.

We aim to strengthen our impact within the legislative process by increasing member participation in the IFDA Political Action Committee (PAC).

Our target is to raise $25,000 per election cycle, allowing us to more effectively support candidates who understand the importance of responsible funeral service policy and who share our commitment to protecting the profession.

Individuals we support through the Political Action Committee:

State Senators
State Representatives
Local Government
State Legislators

Interested in Contributing?

Why Contribute? IFDA works tirelessly throughout the year to advocate for you, the men and women who make up our profession. An important part of our advocacy is doing what we can to ensure that our voices are heard by elected officials who know and understand what it’s like to run a business. lFDA-PAC is your path to legislative and regulatory success. Suggested contributions are $100.00 for individuals and $500.00 for owners.

Political Action Committee Contribution Form

License Protection

IFDA, together with our dedicated lobbying team, actively defends and promotes the funeral director license. We work to increase public understanding of the vital role licensed funeral professionals play, collaborate closely with lawmakers, and cultivate a strong network of engaged members who maintain productive relationships with elected officials. Our goal is to ensure that the integrity, scope, and value of the funeral director license remain recognized and protected.

Education

Maintains jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to the Annual Meeting and makes available programs and information suitable for schools, seminars, and district meetings.

Jacob Wittrock, Chairperson, Stewart Baxter Funeral Home and Crematory, Cedar Rapids
Amy Erickson-Keller, Foster Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Webster City
Abby Goodenow, Ewing Funeral Homes, Britt
Johnny Moller, Wilbert Manufacturers of Iowa, Des Moines
Staci Shearer, Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home, Shenandoah
Michell Morrow, Stewart Baxter Funeral and Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids
Mark Parrish, Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Urbandale
Theresa Thielen, Hoffman Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque
Jeff Rosauer, Murdoch Funerals & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids
Jeremy Cranston, Cranston Family Funeral Home, Fairfield
Alex Petersen, Overton Funeral Home, Indianola

Legislative

Represents the Association in all matters pertaining to legislation affecting funeral directors in Iowa.

Brian White, Chairperson, White Funeral Home, Independence
Bill Reece – Reece Funeral Home, Ottumwa
Patrick Leonard, Leonard Funeral Home, Dubuque
Craig Kramer, Kramer Funeral Home, Dyersville
Jeff Petersen, Overton Funeral Home, Indianola
Justin Rasmusson, Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home, Nevada
Jay Woodhouse, Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home, Inc., Carroll
Dan Eckhoff, Christy-Smith Funeral Homes, Inc., Sioux City
Ron DeMarce, Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home Inc., Red Oak
Chantelle Lundberg, Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory, Newton
Henry Bentley, Bentley Funeral Home, Durant
Marty Mitchell, Mitchell Family Funeral Home, Marshalltown
Mike Triplett, Legislative Counsel for IFDA

Membership

Investigates applicants for membership as to their standing in the profession and qualification for membership and certifies applicants to the Board of Governors.

Casey Vaughan, Warner Funeral Homes & Crematory, Spencer
Jessica Ubben, Chairperson, Lentz Funeral Home
Amy Erickson-Keller, Foster Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Webster City
Dana Goodell, Christy-Smith Funeral Home, Sioux City
Brianne Moore, Laufersweiler Funeral Home, Fort Dodge
Bill Bergeson, Murdoch Funerals & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids
Adam Thielen, Hoffman Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque
Craig Twigg, Twigg Funeral Home, Panora
Beth Teahen, Teahen Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids

Collaborative Partners

Building strong, collaborative relationships is essential to meaningful advocacy. IFDA continues to expand and enhance partnerships with members, community organizations, and aligned industry groups. By strengthening these connections, we amplify our collective voice and ensure that funeral service professionals are included in key conversations shaping the future of the profession.

The Board of Mortuary Science IFDA Members

The Iowa Board of Mortuary Science plays a critical role in setting standards and regulations for the profession, and IFDA is proud to have strong representation on the board. Currently, three funeral directors serve:

Chair: Marty Rieken (IFDA Member)
Co-Chair: Dave Moore
Board Member: John Parrish (IFDA Member)

In addition, the board includes public member Kelsey Lo. A fourth funeral director seat remains open and has not yet been appointed by the Governor.

IFDA continues to monitor board activity and encourages member engagement in the regulatory process to ensure that funeral professionals’ voices are heard.