Iowa Funeral Directors Association

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we join our community in remembering and honoring the servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

As funeral professionals, we are reminded daily of the importance of remembrance and dignity. We stand with grateful hearts for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 🇺🇸

Thank you for all of the community support shown by all Funeral Directors and their families annually on this very important day.

05/15/2026

Congratulations to a long-time Iowa Funeral Directors Association Member, Tim Bachman, AKA Bubbles the Clown on your well deserved retirement! 🎊

We look forward to seeing you at our Annual IFDA Convention in 2027!🥳

A man better known as Bubbles the Clown for the Shriners has also walked alongside those preparing to say goodbye to a loved one. Tim Bachman has witnessed much laughter and tears in his 40 years of service, as he prepares to retire.

Story>> https://shorturl.at/ZViP1

05/10/2026

Mother’s Day is a time to honor and show appreciation to the women who have shaped our lives with love, strength, and care. For many, it is a day of joy and gratitude shared with family. For others, it is a tender reminder of a mother, grandmother, or maternal figure who is no longer physically present, yet deeply felt in memory.

As funeral professionals, we recognize that grief does not pause for holidays. Days like today can bring both comfort and sorrow as we reflect on the lasting impact of mothers in our lives and communities.

To those celebrating, may your day be filled with love and connection. To those grieving, may you find peace in remembrance and comfort in the support around you.

Today, we honor all mothers, those with us and those we carry in our hearts. Happy Mother's Day to all! 💐

05/06/2026

At the 146th Annual IFDA Convention, we celebrated the legacy of funeral directors whose dedication has left a lasting impact on the families they serve and the countless lives they have honored.

Congratulations to the 2026 milestone recipients!✨ We recognize those who have been licensed for 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and even 60 years as a funeral director. Each milestone reflects not only a distinguished professional journey, but a devoted lifestyle propelled by a calling.

Thank you for your profound commitment to our communities and to the future of funeral service.

05/05/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Iowa Award of Funeral Service Excellence and Scholarship recipients!🎉

The Iowa Funeral Directors Association has established the Iowa Award of Funeral Service Excellence as a method of promoting the funeral service profession and a means of establishing an excellent relationship with the community and the people within it whom funeral directors serve. The Iowa Award of Funeral Service Excellence brings annual recognition to the best public relations efforts being achieved by Iowa’s funeral homes.

We are honored to recognize their hard work, commitment, and continued service to Iowa communities.

05/01/2026

Save the Date for the 147th Annual IFDA Convention & EXPO on April 12th through the 15th 2027!

We will be hosting you once again at The Meadows Events and Convention Center in Altoona, IA. Stay tuned for more details as the date approaches!📍

04/29/2026

Introducing the 2026 IFDA Board of Governors & Officers! 🎉

We’re proud to welcome this exceptional group of leaders who will guide the future of funeral service forward and help strengthen our community. Here’s to a year of solidarity, innovation, and resilience!

Pictured (From Left to Right) is District 5 Governor: Alex Petersen, District 2 Governor: Bill Bergeson, President-Elect: Brian White, IFDA Past President: Jacob Wittrock, IFDA President: Jessica Ubben, District 7 Governor, Abby Goodenow, District 6 Governor: Dana Goodell, Secretary-Treasurer: Bill Reece, District 1 Governor: Theresa Thielen, District 4 Governor: Staci Shearer, and District 3 Governor: Evan Printy.

04/28/2026

The Past Presidents of IFDA represent the strength, stability, and legacy of the organization. Through years of dedicated service, thoughtful leadership, and steady guidance, they have helped shape the direction of funeral service in Iowa. Their contributions span times of both challenge and progress, and their continued insight remains a vital foundation for the Association’s future.

The Passing of the Gavel is more than a ceremonial gesture it stands as a powerful symbol of continuity, trust, and forward momentum. It reflects the confidence placed in new leadership while paying tribute to the commitment and impact of those who have served before.

“For 146 years, IFDA has been led by exceptional individuals who have dedicated themselves to serving families, communities, and the profession,” said IFDA leadership. “This new tradition ensures we never lose sight of where we’ve been, while clearly embracing where we are going.”

As IFDA honors its past and celebrates its future, the Passing of the Gavel tradition will serve as a lasting reminder of leadership, trust, and shared commitment that continue to guide the profession forward.

04/22/2026

IFDA Member, Peter Teahen, owner of Teahen Funeral Home & Cremation Services, will be participating in the national campaign, "The First Call" honoring the funeral profession and the dedicated individuals that serve their communities.

In collaboration with National Funeral Directors Association, Homesteaders Life Company, and Tribute Technology, Chptr will be in New York Times Square shining light to Funeral Directors all over the United States.

04/20/2026

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who made this year’s convention such a meaningful and memorable experience. From Top Golf on Monday to our closing sessions on Thursday it was incredible.

To our attendees - thank you for showing up, engaging, and investing in your profession.

To our sponsors and vendors - your continued support and partnership help make everything we do possible. Your presence and willingness to engage with our members truly elevate the experience.

And to our speakers - thank you for sharing your time, expertise, and passion. You brought insight, inspiration, and value to every session.

A special thank you to our board members that supported the staff during this crazy but incredible week. And to Jacob Wittrock for his outstanding leadership as our 2025-2026 President. Well done!!!

While planning and running an event like this is never perfect we are proud of last week's events and even more excited for what’s ahead. See you again next year April 12th - 15th.

Thank you for being part of it.