IFDACHIEVEMENTS
IFDA proudly recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to funeral service and the families and communities they serve. These accomplishments and milestones are celebrated during the Presidential Banquet at the IFDA Annual Convention.
IFDAwards
At the annual IFDA convention, we honor the funeral directors that show honorable and dedicated service beyond expectations. The notable awards include the following.
The Inspire Award
The Inspire Award is a recognition, in memory of Indy Thurm, given to an IFDA member who has made a meaningful and lasting impact on others through their actions, dedication, leadership, compassion, or commitment to their community and funeral service.
The Award of Funeral Service Excellence
IFDA firm members that show these criterias are qualified to apply for the Award of Funeral Service Excellence. For more specifics, please contact IFDA.
- Attended at least one IFDA annual convention.
- Meet the Community Outreach Criteria.
- Meet the Family Outreach Criteria.
- Meet the Professional Development Criteria.
The 2026 Award Recipients
The individuals and firm members listed below were proudly recognized during the 2026 Presidential Banquet at the IFDA Annual Convention in April, celebrating their dedication and contributions to the funeral service profession.
The 2026 Inspire Award Recipient
John E. Wild, Iles Funeral Homes
The 2026 Award of Funeral Service Excellence Recipients
First Year Recipients
- Fullerton Funeral Home
- Hoffman Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory
- White Funeral Home
Second Year Recipient
- Holm Funeral Home
Eight Year Recipient
- Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services
Nine Year Recipient
- Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Homes, Inc.
Fourteen Year Recipient
- Garden Chapel Funeral Home
Fifteen Year Recipient
- Iles Funeral Home
Sixteen Year Recipient
- Kaiser-Corson Funeral Homes, Inc.
Thirty-Two Year Recipient
- Christy-Smith Funeral Homes, Inc.
Thirty-Three Year Recipient
- Bates Funeral Chapel
Thirty-Six Year Recipient
- Oakcrest Funeral Services
IFDA Milestone Achievement Awards
IFDA proudly honors members who have dedicated 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and even 60 years to serving as funeral directors. These remarkable milestones represent far more than years in funeral service. They reflect a lifetime of compassion, commitment, professionalism, and dedicated service to families and communities across Iowa.
Each year during the IFDA Annual Convention, these accomplishments are recognized during the Presidential Banquet. Honorees receive a commemorative pin and certificate in recognition of their years of dedicated service, celebrating the time, care, and commitment they have given to the profession and the communities they serve. IFDA is honored to recognize these dedicated funeral directors and celebrate the lasting legacy they continue to build within Iowa funeral service.
The 2026 Milestone Recipient Awards
The individuals and firm members listed below were proudly recognized during the 2026 Presidential Banquet at the IFDA Annual Convention in April, celebrating their dedication and contributions to the funeral service profession.
10 Year Milestone Recipients
- Lance Angstman
- Natalie Disney
- Matthew Gilgen
- Scott Glover
- Carolyn Holm
- Alex Lensing
- Michelle Morrow
- Tiffany Taylor
20 Year Milestone Recipients
- Deanna Barr
- Libby Christensen-Splichal
- Anthony Garcia
- Jennifer Harry
- Jamie Johnson
- Alanza Lake-Herrera
- William Reece III
- Ryan Tucker
30 Year Milestone Recipients
- Charles Henkenius
- Leon Jensen
- Brent Oullette
- Heather O'Tool
- John Pierschbacher
- Brian Schaaf
- Jeffrey Swank
40 Year Milestone Recipients
- Kimberly Doehrmann
- Paul Fouts
- Bradley Hawn
- Bryan Hugeback
- Mark Kimzey
- Timothy Olson
- Thomas Siegert
- Roger Waterbury
50 Year Recipients
- Daniel Fisher
- David Fry
- Edward Hansen
- Michael Lensing
- Tyrone Orr
60 Year Recipient
- Michael Schaaf
