JOEL WALTERS, CFSP

Joel Walters, CFSP had a less than traditional entrance into the world of funeral service. In 1992, he answered a blind ad in the newspaper for a high school aged maintenance employee, tasked with cleaning and vacuuming cars. Little did he know that job would eventually be at a funeral home, and within a month he would be assisting with funeral services. Joel went on to receive his degree in mortuary science from the University of Minnesota in 1998, and the rest is history. This year, Joel celebrates 25 years of being a licensed funeral director.

Joel has been involved with WFDA since 2005. He served as the Fox River Valley District President before assuming his current role as Treasurer/Secretary on the Executive Board. He finds the access to legal counsel and continuous lobbying efforts in Madison to be an unmatched benefit for members of WFDA.

Helping people through the worst days of their lives and comforting them during their initial grief is Joel’s favorite part about his career. He believes in the importance of setting families up for their grief journey as best as possible. With this, he is a strong advocate of open-casket viewing and allowing loved ones to say a proper goodbye.

Training and continuing his education in the field is a priority to Joel. He has always had a passion for the technical aspect of proper embalming and presentation of the deceased. Joel has completed extensive training in post-mortem reconstruction surgery, under the esteemed Vernie Fountain at the Fountain National Academy in Springfield, MO. Additionally, he has completed the education requirements for his CFSP designation through the Academy of Professional Service Practice.

Joel currently sits on the board of Good Shephard Services, a local nursing home and assisted living facility. He has previously served on Chamber of Commerce boards and church councils.

Outside of funeral service, Joel enjoys hunting, woodworking, furniture building, snowmobiling, and listening to live music. He also recently finished the process of building his family’s new home. He and his wife Ashley have 4 children: Justin, Jonathan, Austin, and Kenley, and live in loving memory of Hadley, whom brought the two families together.