ABOUT IFDA
Elevating funeral service by engaging and educating funeral professionals.
Meet The Team
At IFDA, we proudly advocate for the future of funeral service by supporting funeral professionals, engaging with government leaders, and protecting the interests of the profession. Meet the dedicated individuals who help guide our mission, including the IFDA Officers and Board of Governors, the FSI Board of Directors, and the IFDA Staff, by exploring the links below.
IFDA Staff
Meet our staff members who work in the IFDA office.
Office & Board of Governors
Meet your elected IFDA Officers and Board of Governors
Funeral Services of Iowa
Meet your elected FSI Board of Directors
Mission
Promoting and supporting funeral service excellence.
Vision
Elevating funeral service by engaging and educating funeral professionals.
Engage
Engaging funeral directors is vital to success and growth. It involves creating networking opportunities, promoting excellence, recognition, advocacy, committee involvement, technology integration, and professional development. Fostering engagement among funeral directors is crucial to maintaining motivation, being well-informed, and ensuring steadfast dedication in offering end-of-life services and support.
Educate
Education plays a paramount role in funeral services, underscoring its importance for funeral directors. In essence, education is the cornerstone of a funeral director's career. It equips them with the knowledge, skills, and compassion needed to guide families through one of the most challenging moments of their lives and ensures that they do so with professionalism, empathy, and integrity.
Elevate
Elevating the funeral profession is a commitment to excellence, compassion, and professionalism. The funeral profession is a multifaceted career that encompasses education, ethics, innovation, community engagement, and a commitment to service. Funeral service professionals play a vital role in providing comfort, support, and closure to individuals and families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
A History of Service
1881
IFDA is
Founded
On February 23, 1881, in Iowa City.
Iowa at the hotel St. James, a meeting was called for the purpose of creating a state undertakers association. Aaron Park of Wilton Junction was elected as the first President.
1901
21st Annual Meeting is Held
Between 1881 and 1901 IFDA grew from 21 to 277 members. The Annual Convention was attended by over 250 people.
1935
A Trust is
Created
A law in passed to raise dues and provide a portion back to the State Department of Health to then set money aside and pay to the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmer Examiners.
1981
IFDA Celebrates 100 Years
Scotty and Ruth Wagler and Vill and Dorothy DeJong worked all year to pull together the centennial convention for IFDA. The Century Yearbook is created.
Ready to become a member?
Join our network of more than 600+ members and enjoy benefits such as an exclusive weekly newsletter, access to continuing education opportunities, endorsed partnerships, and legislative representation for items of interest to the profession.