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The 144th Annual Convention was one for the books. Held at Lambeau Field June 9-11, we experienced three days of networking, continuing education, and summer fun in perhaps the most unique and cherished venue in the state of Wisconsin. Check out our 2025 Convention Recap and event photos below!

Convention Sessions

Our Attendees enjoyed sessions across the two main days of our Convention. Here's some of the session highlights: 

  • Attorney Michael Sharkey shared case studies he has worked on involving funeral homes, crematories, and cemeteries which were involved in litigation. He shared insights on risk management and how our members can protect themselves, their businesses, and the families they serve. He shared a particularly emotional case about controlling the right to final disposition that moved the entire room. His session was the most popular of the entire Convention!
  • The Green Bay Packer's Public Affairs Manager, Katie Hermsen, shared details about her decade-long career working for the premier football team in the state. She described the public relations hardships and successes she's dealt with and how funeral directors can take her "less is more" approach when responding to public issues. Always remember the most important three questions to ask yourself before responding publicly: "Does it need to be said? Does it need to be said by me? Does it need to be said by me now?"
  • Amanda Hartwig, CEO of Bo's Heavenly Clubhouse, shared her non-profit's goal of helping families navigate the unimaginable pain of experiencing the loss of a child. Telling her own personal story of loss, Amanda shared how talking candidly about grief is one of the best tools families have to navigate the troubling roads ahead. Our job as funeral directors doesn't stop at the funeral. We need to be following up with our families to ensure their needs are being met at every stage of grief. Bo's Heavenly Clubhouse has helped thousands of families with financial assistance, care packages, emotional support groups and retreats, commemorative walks, and much more. Visit the Bo's Heavenly website to learn more about resources to help your grieving families.
  • Our WFDA Lobbyists Rebecca Hogan and Caty McDermott held a Policymaker Panel with Senator Jamie Wall and Rep. Dean Kaufert. The discussion surrounded current WFDA legislative initiatives, such as SB 288 (the "Purple Light Bill") that was introduced last month. Our lawmakers discussed how the bill is being received currently as well as their predicted responses to future legislation, such as cremation permit law updates. WFDA Past President Matthew Myrhum joined and discussed the Legislative Committee's recent Legislative Day in Madison this past May, emphasizing the importance of familiarizing lawmakers with the work of funeral professionals and vice versa. Our WFDA Lobbyists continue to try and get our funeral directors in front of WI State legislators as frequently as possible to build relationships and mutual understanding about our issues. 
  • Tim Koch of Metro First Call and Mike Horan of Horan Funeral Home in Chippewa Falls delivered a case study on the steps they took to care for an individual weighing over 800 pounds. With special permission from the family, Mike and Tim walked funeral directors through every decision they made and every unique challenge they faced during removal, to transport, to embalming, to final disposition and beyond. As one of our members put it, "It's the best program I've seen in years." Through this practical and relatable session, attendees got to experience the quick problem-solving and out-of-the-box thinking needed from Mike and Tim as they put special consideration into every step of the process.



Vendor Showcase

Throughout Tuesday and Wednesday, our funeral directors networked with professional service providers across the funeral industry to learn more about innovations in the products and services available to us and our funeral homes. We reached the capacity of our exhibit space at Lambeau with 54 vendor booths! Check out our sponsors and vendors who attended our show. 


Leadership Development Foundation's Monday Night Party

The WFDA's LDF hosted a Monday Night Party in Lambeau Field's Hall of Fame. It turned out to be the most successful LDF event we have EVER had! So much so that the venue asked us to shut off registration after it reached 100 people!

We started out with exclusive Lambeau field tours that took us through the Gameday Suites, Roof Top Viewing Deck, Players' Tunnel, and Field Level. We celebrated with a resounding "GO, PACK, GO!" that echoed throughout the entire stadium.

The evening carried on with a private party in the Hall of Fame complete with food, a bar hosted by Lakeshore Burial Vaults and Valor Technical Cleaning, prize raffles, and exclusive access to all the Packer's trophies and artifacts on display.

The LDF set the bar high for Monday night Convention parties, and we are excited to see what the future holds for us moving forward!

 


Service of Remembrance

The WFDA paid respects to our members, relatives, and friends we have lost over the past year - and we did it Lambeau style.

The Oneida Hymn Singers started off our service with a beautiful a cappella performance of traditional hymns sung in their native language. With their deep Wisconsin roots in the local area, we were honored for them to continue their 200-year-old memorial traditions at our Convention this year. 

Our service was officiated by Father Jim Baraniak, the former team Chaplain for the Green Bay Packers. He delivered a beautiful, simple, and heartfelt service - all while wearing his Super Bowl 45 ring. 


The Gravedigger Makes an Appearance

Super Bowl XXXI Champion and 2008 Hall of Fame Inductee Gilbert "The Gravedigger" Brown was our special guest during our Sack the PAC fundraiser event on Tuesday Night!

Upon arrival, he posed for a picture with the American Coach Sales hearse outside the venue. He wasn't exactly thrilled but was a good sport about it.

Inside, our attendees lined up for custom autographs and photos with the Gravedigger. Meanwhile, we enjoyed food and a hosted bar sponsored by Sharkey Law and Brown Wilbert Vault Co. Funeral Home Gifts gave Gilbert a one-of-a-kind blanket to commemorate his visit. He later let us know that he needs another one because his mother took it!

We also held a Private PAC Donor Q&A session, where we gathered overlooking the field and were allowed to ask any questions we could think of, no matter how strange they were. Gilbert shared stories of his life before, during, and after his Packer's tenure. 

Mr. Brown was incredibly down-to-earth and naturally hilarious. He drank, ate, and hung out with us like old friends. He could not have been more gracious and welcoming to our funeral directors. He even reached out to our new WFDA President, Joel Walters, to wish him a happy Father's Day the following weekend! We sent him off with a bag of funeral service goodies from our vendors so that he can always remember the experience and the new funeral director friends he made.

Awards Ceremony

Each year, the WFDA honors its members who have earned their 25- and 50-year licensing awards. This year, we recognized those who were licensed in the years 2000 and 1975. Congratulations! 

Board Installation and General Business Session

The WFDA installed its Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 year during day 2 of our General Business Session. Take a look at our current WFDA Executive Board, our District Representatives, and photos from the ceremony during our General Business Session. 

Save the Dates!


WISCONSIN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

11801 W. Silver Spring Drive, Suite 200

Milwaukee, WI 53225

(608) 256-1757 | FAX: (414) 464-0850 

office@wfda.info

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