IFDA FUNERAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Death is a universal human experience and yet it remains the ultimate mystery and grief the ultimate human experience.

From the beginning of time, people have received comfort and support from those who have made it their life’s work to care for the dead and comfort the living.

The mission and purpose of the Indiana Funeral Education Foundation is first to preserve and document that history.

Second, to support the funeral service practitioners of today-- helping them to better serve their communities.

And finally, to insure the secure future of the profession by helping recruit and train those wanting a career in funeral service.

What is an Isaac Ball Fellow ?

An Isaac Ball Fellow is one who has contributed $1,000 to the Indiana Educational Foundation.

These contributors are the cornerstones of the Foundation.

This level of commitment is named after Isaac Ball, the first president of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association who served from 1881-1882.

The donation can be made either as a lump sum or in installments. The funds are placed in a separate and permanent endowment fund. Only the interest earned from the fund is used.

The earnings fund a funeral service scholarship or other work of the Foundation as authorized by the Foundation board.

Fellow List

1. Jerrit Clayton (1999)

2. J. Michael Blackwell (1999)

3. Ron Deremiah (1999)

4. Millard Rullman (1999)

5. Robert Hagemier (1999)

6. Mike Owens (1999)

7. George Todd(1999)

8. William Inman (2000)

9. Gary Eastlund (2000)

10. John Stretch, Jr. (2000)

11. Mark Shoemaker (2001)

12. Brian Vaughan (2001)

13. Darrell Holtzclaw

(Diamond Emeritus) (2001)

14. Andy Clayton (2001)

15. David Cook (2002)

16. Levinson Restaurant Corp. (2002)

17. Jim Boultinghouse (2002)

18. John D. Yoder (2003)

19. Elden LaHayne (2003)

20. Charles French (2003)

21. Tim Yoder (2003)

22. Larry Miller (2003)

23. Richard Hickrod (2004)

24. Jeff Gooch (2004)

25. Jerry Ziemer (2004)

26. Ernie Mills (2004)

27. Lynn Haverstock (2004)

28. Harvey McAdams 2004)

29. Marion County Funeral Directors Assn. (2004)

30. Rodney Nay (2004)

31. Robin Yoder (2005)

32. Curtis Rostad (2006)

33. William Welsheimer Sr (2006)

34. Nicholas T. French (2006)

35. Susan L. French (2006)

36. Rodney Qualkinbush (2006)

37. Robert Richman (2006)

38. Jim Todd (2006)

39. Roger Nay (2007)

40. David Hall (2007)

41. Indiana Funeral Supply Club (2007)

42. Indiana Burial Vault Assn.(2007)

43. Charles Butler (2007)

44. John Alsobrooks (2007)

45. John Braboy (2008)

46. Steven "Pat" Myers (2008)

47. Max Metzger (2008)

48. Jo Ann Metzger (2008)

49. Joel Reinoehl (2008)

50. Ed Porter (2008)

51. James J. Meredith (2008)

Honorary Fellows:

1. George Sansom (2000)

2. Richard Nelson (2000)

3. Rosalie Lynch (2003)

The purpose of the Foundation is:

To establish a library of books, videos, brochures and other funeral and grief related resources for use by the profession and the public. Our goal is to be the preeminent resource on death, dying, and bereavement in the State of Indiana.
To become a repository of funeral service artifacts and memorabilia to document the history and practice of funeral service in Indiana.
Support continuing education opportunities for members of the profession.
To provide scholarships and other educational assistance to those entering the profession of funeral service.
Educate the general public on the value of the funeral and the role of the funeral director in society.
Make charitable contributions on behalf of funeral service.

Funding

Indiana Funeral Education Foundation, Inc. is funded by personal and corporate contributions. Larger donations to the endowment funds are also accepted. As a 501(c) 3 charitable foundation, all gifts are tax deductible.

Donor Levels

Emeritus Fellow over

$10,000

Diamond Fellow

$5000

Distinguished Fellow

$2500

Isaac Ball Fellow

$1000

Principal Contributor

$ 500

Patron Contributor

$ 250

Foundation Contributor

$ 100