Iowa Funeral Directors Association

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.

04/17/2026

04/17/2026

We have our booth set up at the IFDA Conference, please stop by and say Hi, We’re in booth #39.

04/17/2026

04/17/2026

Iowa Funeral Directors Association annual conference 2026
American Bio Recovery Association

04/17/2026

Several of our licensed funeral directors had the opportunity to attend the 146th Annual Iowa Funeral Directors Association Convention this week in Altoona, Iowa. We made excellent connections with our colleagues across the entire state, heard some captivating speakers, and came away inspired to serve even better than before.

Special thanks to the IFDA staff and leadership for making this an event to remember.

Pictured are: Jeff Rosauer, Amy Hart, and Bill Judd
Not pictured: Matthew Salger and Bill Bergeson (IFDA District 2 Governor)

04/16/2026

📢IFDA Speaker Spotlight📢

Glenda Stansbury, MA, CFSP, LFD

VP Marketing and Development Director, In-Sight Books, a division of Funeral Directors Resource
Dean and Training Coordinator, In-Sight Institute

BS Special Education, Central State University 1976
BS Funeral Service, University of Central Oklahoma 2005
MA Administrative Leadership, University of Oklahoma, 2009

Before joining In-Sight Books, Glenda worked for 12 years for the Oklahoma Education Association as a trainer/facilitator. She was responsible for developing and delivering teacher training all over the state of Oklahoma and was cited by the National Education Association as one of the top trainers in her field.

She has worked as VP of Marketing and Development for In-Sight Books since 1995, publishing over 35 resources in the areas of grief and elder care written by Doug Manning.

She has been Dean of the In-Sight Institute since 1999, co-training over 6000 Funeral Celebrants across North America with Doug Manning and received the 2022 ICCFA Lasting Impact Award for the work of Celebrants.

She is a full-time instructor in the mortuary program at University of Central Oklahoma, part time instructor at Worsham Mortuary College, Chicago, a licensed funeral director/embalmer, and practicing Funeral Celebrant.

Glenda will be presenting "What Does Gathering Look Like to You?" at 10AM - 11:30AM today!

04/15/2026

📢IFDA Speaker Spotlight📢

Roxanne Petersen is a compassionate advocate dedicated to serving individuals affected by brain health conditions and supporting their families. A lifelong Iowan, Roxanne proudly calls Iowa home and currently resides in Ankeny. Roxanne currently leads NAMI Central Iowa as the President and CEO that is based out of Ames.

She graduated from Buena Vista University and began her career in social work, building decades of experience in social services and substance use support. For nearly 26 years, Roxanne has worked within the mental health and co-occurring/ co-occurring/ dual diagnosis system, providing guidance and care to youth. Young adults, adults and families navigate complex challenges. Her professional background includes delivering Functional Family Therapy to individuals involved in the juvenile justice system and collaborating with the Department of Human Services. Throughout her career, she has taken on many roles, each reflecting her deep commitment to helping others.

After returning to Iowa from Denver, Colorado, Roxanne focused on completing her education, raising her family, and continuing to grow her career. She is a proud mother of four adult children and a grandmother to five cherished grandchildren.

Roxanne is the founder of ATLAS of Central Iowa, a social services ministry through which she has served youth, young adults, adults, and families across the Hardin County community. Her work is driven by a passion for helping others navigate difficult circumstances and bring awareness to the challenges many individuals and families face. She strongly believes in the power of education, particularly when it comes to mental health and supporting youth and families.

At the core of Roxanne’s work is her belief in the importance of human connection. She understands that everyone needs support at times and that meaningful relationships can make a critical difference during life’s most difficult moments. She has found great fulfillment in witnessing individuals overcome obstacles through compassion, support, and perseverance.

Through her work with NAMI Central Iowa, Roxanne is committed to connecting with and supporting those facing mental health challenges. She empowers individuals to share their stories, helping to reduce stigma and inspire others. Roxanne is especially passionate about being a voice for those who feel unheard and working to break down misconceptions surrounding mental illness.
Having faced her own life challenges, Roxanne brings empathy and authenticity to her work. She knows there are people who care and want to help—what’s often needed is a place for that connection to happen. At NAMI Central Iowa, she helps create opportunities for individuals to learn, engage, and support one another.

Roxanne believes that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. The individuals and families she serve’s wanting to contribute meaningfully to their communities and live fulfilling lives. She reminds others that while we all face struggles, those moments do not define our worth—in fact, for many, they mark the beginning of a new chapter.

Roxanne Petersen will be presenting Mental Health- Through the eyes of lived experience, at 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM today!

More spotlights to come! Click the link below to register today!🎉
https://iafda.org/2026-convention-registration/