Gabe in Funeral Service

All set and ready to rep the school at the Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association annual convention. Looking forward to catching up with some great folks.

Be sure to stop by and say hi.

As we begin Memorial Day weekend, let’s move past passive observation. This day isn’t about a three-day weekend. It is entirely about the ones who are no longer with us.

Let’s do it right this weekend. Find a local service, show up, give thanks, and reflect on the price that was paid.

God Bless America.

Arguably the most famous burial in human history.
The Shroud of Turin exhibit at the National Museum of Funeral History offers an incredible look into first-century death care, forensics, and the history of the shroud itself.

As a funeral director, seeing the breakdown of the physical trauma and the instruments used that day brings a stark physical reality to the story of Jesus’s death.

It is a profound look at the reality of the crucifixion and a powerful experience for anyone in the funeral profession, or anyone fascinated by history.

If you can’t make it to Houston to see the exhibit and x-ray analyses in person, I highly recommend exploring their virtual tour online.

Have you had the chance to visit the NMFH yet?

Navigating funerals with young children is an incredibly tough balance. Parents want to include them, but worry about doing it the “right” way.

Here are 4 low-pressure ways to help a child process what is happening:
1️⃣ Give them the freedom to ask. Let them explore the space early and ask questions. (And lean on your funeral director to help answer them!)

2️⃣ Offer the chance to create a tangible goodbye. Give them the choice to draw a picture or write a letter to place inside the casket.

3️⃣ See if they want to help. Give them an optional job, like passing out memorial folders or a box of tissues.

4️⃣ Provide a gentle closing moment. Offer them a single flower to place on the casket at the end of the service.

A funeral shouldn’t be something that happens to a child. It should be something we support them through.

Ever wonder how an open casket is still possible after severe illness or trauma? It comes down to a specialized skill called restorative art.

In mortuary school, students spend a lot of time on restorative art. It’s an intensive blend of lecture and hands-on learning that covers everything from rebuilding anatomical features to applying cosmetics.

The ultimate goal of all that training? To give families a familiar, peaceful viewing experience. It is challenging but very rewarding work.

What’s something you’ve always been curious about when it comes to mortuary school or the prep room? Let me know below. 👇