2. For those of you who call into Dodge’s Customer Service line, you may have
spoken with, or given an order toWalter.
We’re sad to announce thatWalter died on August 20th and we really miss him! You
may be asking “Why is Dodge sharing this with us in the magazine?” Well,Walter was a
special guy and we wanted to share his history with everyone, as well as recognize a
record being set.
Walter held the all-time record for working at Dodge longer than anyone else – 67
years! And if he’d had his wish, he would have celebrated 68 years in October.
He started at Dodge right out of high school working in our shipping department
and eventually rose to the head of that department. Back then, chemicals were bottled
in glass, packed in wooden crates, and delivered by train.
For decadesWalter was Dodge’s “go-to” person for fixing needle injectors and had a
whole work bench in his basement just for that.
Eventually,Walter moved into Dodge’s Cosmetic department and oversaw that
department until his retirement at the age of 65. Because he just couldn’t sit still,
Walter eventually came back to Dodge and worked part-time answering Customer
Service calls until July 2016.
We miss youWalter!
Walter Noftle
October 17,1930 - August 20,2016
4. Those of us who are third, fourth, or maybe fifth
generation funeral directors may remember as
children hearing stories, or may have some life
experiences, of the earlier years of funeral service.
I’m not speaking about the beginning of
embalming during the Civil War or the first
undertakers who were also furniture makers and
carpenters. Even though they are rare, we still have
a few funeral home-furniture store combos in rural
areas of Northern Illinois.
In the early 1900’s,funerals were traditional and
most bodies were viewed to some degree.The first
crematory was built in 1876 but saying goodbye in
person was still very popular and burial considered
to be the right thing to do, especially within many
religions.
Some viewing was done without embalming
and it wasn’t uncommon for funeral homes to
use ice to slow down decomposition so viewings
could take place. My great-grandfather delivered
ice in Canada and some of his best customers were
funeral homes. During his
deliveries, he observed the
operations and thought this
funeral business could be OK.
When he was 19, he moved
to Chicago and with the help
of his family, he opened a
funeral home that specialized
in the use of ice. Between ice
control and the use of trade
embalmers when needed, he
did well. The viewings and
embalmings were done at the
homes of the deceased. The
embalming was usually done
in a bedroom and portable
cooling boards were used to
help the preparation process.
The viewings were done in the
parlors, or what is now called
the living room. Many homes
didn’t have large enough
parlors to accommodate the
viewing and that is one reason
for the beginning of the
funeral homes that we have
today.
The embalming was done
on a cooling board (fig. 1) that
was used as a substitute for a
preparation/dressing table. It
could be adjusted for a more
comfortable layout position
when the remains were placed in the casket. The
embalmer relied on a hand pump (fig. 2) at least
in the early days of embalming and into the 1920’s
before the Zephyr machine (fig. 3) or portable
pumps and aspirator combos were on the market.
By the 1950’s Portiboys and Duotronics for arterial
injection were on the market.These machines were
basic pumps without much control for pressure or
rate-of-flow. Many smaller funeral homes didn’t
have or couldn’t afford these fancy machines. The
gravity bowl embalming method was popular,
especially with funeral homes that had a room with
high ceilings and could use their increased height for
pressure to deliver the chemical adequately into the
body. In the Sixties we made removals for a funeral
home that did 200 embalmings a year using the
gravity bowl method.
Trade embalmers served most of these small
homes and supplied their own portable pump. Em-
balmers and funeral directors were predominately
of the male gender. Of course, we all knew of the
wife or daughter who would be very beneficial or
irreplaceable for the family business. As time went
on, most funeral homes at least had hydro-aspirators
even though their prep room may have been a space
inside the garage with a gravel floor. As time went
on a slop sink was added and then this small space
was partitioned off to be a prep room.This is how
most of the neighborhood funeral homes started, at
least in the Chicago area. I have to admit that in the
60’s and 70’s,I embalmed in several of these types of
prep rooms using a portable pump/aspirator combo
injecting out of a glass gallon jug.
Remember that the majority of funerals were
traditional with viewing and two to three day
visitations. One family-owned home could make a
nice income with a 40 call volume.There were two
and sometimes three funeral homes on the same city
block and all did well. Prime real estate was as close
as you could get to a church. If your business was
on the same block as a church, you were where you
wanted to be.
Families relocating with changing neighbor-
hoods and families being split up pursuing job
opportunities made it impossible for these funeral
homes to remain open and often it was too expen-
sive to relocate or rebuild a new funeral home.
My wife and I recently attended a rodeo in
Madison, Wisconsin. A famous rodeo announcer
died and they announced that it was his wish to not
waste any funds on viewing or traditional funeral
services. His wish was that his family and friends
would start a new children’s charity fund in his
name.The implications here were that if any view-
4The Dodge Magazine
My great-
grandfather
delivered ice
in Canada and
some of his
best customers
were funeral
homes. During
his deliveries,
he observed
the operations
and thought this
funeral business
could be OK.
Yesterday, Today, and
Hopefully Tomorrow
by Jack Adams, CFSP, MBIE
fig. 1
fig. 2
fig. 3
7. 7 Fall 2016
ing was done, there would be no funds available for
a charity. No personal family funds were pledged,
at least they were not announced, but friends
were encouraged to donate in his memory to the
newfound children’s fund.The crowd in attendance
sure felt like it was a noble thing to do.
While this decision sounds OK in itself, it can
be thought of as a bit selfish, disregarding the needs
of his own family.They are the ones who loved him
and will hurt the most with his passing.They are the
ones who could have benefited from viewing him
and saying goodbye. Sometimes a noble deed can
have unintended consequences and maybe even be
selfish. I often wonder if any of these people who
don’t want a viewing or service realize they could
be making it tougher on their family. If one plans it
out, one wouldn’t need to shortchange their own
family in order to form a new charity.
We lost a close friend of ours last year who
was a very religious person and widowed for
about eight years. She buried her husband in their
family plot and had a traditional funeral service
including viewing and a mass. When she died, she
had made it easy for her grandson. She had made
pre-arrangements for her own funeral which were
pretty much in line with her husband’s services. It
all sounded easy enough except the grandson was in
South America at the time of her death working as
an international buyer of coffee beans. He decided
to have the funeral home oversee a direct cremation
with no viewing and have a memorial service the
following month when he got back in town.
These types of decisions are not uncommon
in our ever changing society. The days of stopping
everything and dealing with the death of a loved one
while giving each other support has been replaced
with dealing with the death or tributes when it is
convenient.The importance of the family structure,
of close friends and neighbors, has turned into a
“Me-Me” attitude that takes care of oneself first.We
need to make sure people understand the options
available so they can mix viewing and cremation
choices to fit their needs and budget, and still give
their family and friends the support they need at this
difficult time in their lives.
Some kind of viewing is better than no viewing.
It can be private to allow close family and friends the
opportunity to say goodbye.Of course,I believe in a
traditional viewing for all so more friends and family
have added time to gather and say their goodbyes, as
well as support the family.
There can’t be a viewing without the body.
Viewing an unembalmed body is better than
no viewing. This may only be for identification
purposes, or it may be part of the ceremony in
certain religions. These viewings can be good or
bad depending on the quality of care given by the
embalmer and firm.
Viewing without embalming can be challenging.
It is a challenge that we can overcome and still have
a pleasant, temporary viewing. I visit some firms
that do very little embalming.The religious beliefs
of their clients prohibit embalming unless there
are some unavoidable circumstances.They disinfect
and bathe the body and then set the features. One
thing that sets them apart is the consistently pleasant
expression and the peaceful appearance of the face.
Thisisbasicallymasteringthemouthclosuretomake
it pleasant.They set each mouth to be recognizable
and resemble pleasant photos supplied by the family.
Mouth formers are never used because too many
times they don’t fit properly.They were shown the
way and mastered working with mortician’s putty
(Poze) and now consistently produce a pleasant
appearance and expression. It is a natural closure
and can be easily adjusted rather than being forced
with Feature Builder and then not being able to
adjust it if a family requests a change. Using Poze
allows for adjustment with the mouth. It is basically
adjustable until the end which is a good feeling. It’s a
good tool to have when you prepare for the viewing.
The mouth remains the most important focal point
on viewing the embalmed or unembalmed remains.
As revenues drop and fewer caskets are sold,
we need to adapt to selling products whose value
is appreciated by the public.This may be portraits,
jewelry made from flowers, glass blown urns, or
Continuing Care products, which give our families
continued support.
All we can do is play the cards we are dealt.
We need to try to educate the younger generations
on the value and the benefits of a traditional
funeral without sounding like used car salesmen.
We owe it to our families to present the benefits
of personalized options for making the funeral a
meaningful experience.
Experienced embalmers agree there are more
difficult cases to embalm than ever before. Medical
science, drugs, and prolonging life are some of the
reasons. There are no cases that we can’t embalm
and achieve preservation, yet it seems that lawsuits
are increasing over embalming failures. We now
have big challenges.The public is demanding a bang
for their buck and are now looking closely at our
embalming results.They want to see the value and
they ask themselves why should they pay for poor
results.
An embalming well done can help us survive
and increase our business. An embalming with
unpleasant results can not only cause us to lose our
customer but lose traditional viewing families for
other funeral homes. Families that insist on viewing
will begin to search for funeral homes that do better
embalming. This is one reason why some funeral
homes are maintaining and increasing their viewing
numbers while others are taking slides toward no
viewings and more direct dispositions.
Embalmers control their own destiny. A job
well done can ensure our future employment.
The days
of stopping
everything and
dealing with
the death of a
loved one while
giving each other
support has
been replaced
with dealing
with the death or
tributes when it is
convenient.
I visit some firms
that do very
little embalming.
They disinfect
and bathe the
body and then
set the features.
One thing that
sets them apart
is the consistently
pleasant
expression and
the peaceful
appearance of
the face.
Jack is Dodge’s busiest embalming educator and
lecturer. Along with working for Dodge as a
sales representative in northern Illinois, he is an
Embalming Lab Instructor atWorsham College.
JackAdams, CFSP, MBIE
8. Recently, at a conference on embalming and
restorative art, one of the presenters put up a slide
showingadecedent’shandsafterembalminghadtaken
place, but prior to cosmetic application. As is often
the case, the hands showed signs of a lengthy illness
such as discolorations, bruising and poor fingernail
and cuticle care. While the subject of this part of
the presentation was caring for the fingernails of the
deceased, cosmetic application was also mentioned.
The‘after’pictures showed manicured fingernails and
cuticles, as well as a cosmetic treatment which had
eliminated the bruising and discolorations.Obviously,
this was a much more comfortable image for those
viewing the individual, so the extra effort produced
the desired result.
There is no doubt that corrective cosmetic
application can pose some challenges. Stabilizing
tissue, color matching, and the correct extension of
the cosmetic treatment, are all considerations when
we decide to restore the deceased to the most natural
appearance. Let’s look at the causes and treatments
needed when discolorations are present in visible
areas.
Bruising and discolorations are due to numerous
conditions, and the causes can frequently determine
the best procedure for successful concealment. As
an example, we frequently see discolorations on the
back of the hands of the deceased. Many times these
are caused by trauma occurring when an intravenous
line (i.v.) has been in place for a lengthy period of
time. If the individual was hospitalized for a lengthy
period of time prior to death, the i.v. was replaced
several times, and since blood thinners are generally
a common part of the treatment, the i.v.’s will cause
blood to escape the vein into the surrounding tissue.
This causes two possible problems: the stain or
bruise, as well as a potential embalming issue since
the vascular system has been interrupted.
If we want to ensure that bruises don’t reappear
after the cosmetic treatment has been completed,
one fundamental step is to make sure that the bruised
tissue is preserved. Preserving the tissue stabilizes it,
so additional deterioration does not cause additional
changes in color and tissue integrity. This can be
accomplished by the use of a preservative pack,
hypodermically injecting a preservative solution into
the area, or injecting a bleaching chemical such as
Basic Dryene into the area. All of these procedures
can be done while the arterial injection is taking
place. Out of these three alternatives, I have had the
best result hypodermically injecting Basic Dryene, as
it will bleach the bruised area, as well as preserve it.
8The Dodge Magazine
by Tim Collison, CFSP
The Challenge of
Bruise ConcealmentIf we want to
ensure that
bruises don’t
reappear after
the cosmetic
treatment has
been completed,
one fundamental
step is to make
sure that the
bruised tissue is
preserved.
9. Looking at a different type of discoloration,
such as one which has been caused by dehydration,
preservation again is the first step. We often see
decedents who have extensive dehydration caused by
fever, medication, or end-of-life conditions.The most
prominent areas of dehydration are often the mucous
membranes of the lips and eyes, and it has a tendency
to cause a darkening of the lip surfaces and redness in
the eyelids and inner canthus. An effective first step
after disinfection to restore these areas, is to place
cotton saturated with Restorative on the tissue surface
prior to embalming, and allow it to stay in place for
the duration of the procedure.This will help the tissue
regain the lost moisture, leading to better embalming
and the restoration of the natural contours of the
features. If feature building is required to restore the
lip contour,Firming Feature Builder will preserve the
tissue and lighten the discoloration.
Once the discolored areas have been thoroughly
preserved, the cosmetologist can turn their attention
to determining ‘how’ to conceal the discoloration.
There are several methods to choose from, which
produce varying results based on the circumstances
and cosmetics which are available. One point which
should be apparent is that a well-stocked cosmetic
selection greatly improves your chances of success.
Concealing discolorations, especially dark dis-
colorations such as hematomas, can be accomplished
with most pigmented cosmetics.These would include
creams,pastes,airbrush,and paints.The challenge for
mortuary cosmetologists is to conceal the discolored
area while reinstating normal complexion color. An
area of skin any size over approximately 1”will exhibit
some variegation of the complexion. In other words,
the area will not be one consistent color, e.g. Suntan.
If you examine the back of your own hand, you will
notice various subtle shades of your complexion, and
in some individuals, fairly prominent veins which in
lighter complexion types are bluish in color. If you
examine your face, you will see the same varying
shades of complexion, as well as warm color areas,
and in many areas of the face, shadows.Without re-
instating the variegation in complexion, it is difficult
for a bruise concealment to appear natural.If the cos-
metologist relies on using a heavy cream cosmetic of
one color such as Natural for concealment, it will be
difficult to blend other colors into the base without it
becoming too thick and appearing‘pancake-like.’
Especially when concealing heavy, dark bruising,
establishing a more neutral base prior to applying the
complexion color will reduce the amount of cosmetic
needed to restore a natural appearance.This is true
not only with brush-applied cosmetics, but also with
airbrush cosmetics.
Several years ago I was asked to cosmetize an
individual who had severe bruising on the right side
of the head (naturally), as well as a deep discoloration
to his lip surfaces due to dehydration brought about
by long-term refrigeration. While one side of his
head was bruised, approximately 75% of his face was
completely natural.The challenge was concealing the
bruise while not extending heavy cosmetic over the
entire face.The first part of the process was making
sure the bruised area was preserved.
A Webril pack, saturated with Restorative, was
placed on the lip surfaces after the features had been
set, and was left in place during the arterial injection.
The embalming was very successful, accomplishing
good overall preservation and clearing of most of the
tissue.With the non-clearing of the bruised area, we
concluded that the tissue was stained, since the area
didembalmwell.Approximately20ccofBasicDryene
was hypodermically injected into the discolored area,
and allowed to work for several hours.The result was
that a large part of the bruise bleached significantly,
and more importantly,we knew that the area was well
preserved and stabilized for cosmetic restoration.
During the arterial injection, the lips re-formed
into a normal curvature, however, they did not clear,
retaining a dark brown cast.
For this specific case,I decided that undercoating
the discolored areas would give me a lot of flexibility
in determining how to complete the cosmetic
application.There are several methods and products
to use when undercoating a bruise. One method is to
use a cosmetic which is close to the complexion color
of the individual, and then complete the application
with toning cosmetics to reinstate natural complexion
coloring. While this method is often used and can
be successful, there is a tendency for the cosmetic
application to end up darker than would be desired.
A good rule of thumb, is that when treating
smaller discolorations, such as a bruise on the face or
back of the hand, your foundation or base cosmetic
should be a little lighter than the surrounding skin
complexion, and when treating a large discoloration,
such as a jaundiced face, use a slightly darker shade.
This rule applies as it is basically impossible to match
a cosmetic exactly, and when we apply masking
cosmetics over a small area,if it is slightly lighter upon
completion, it will not draw attention to the area as a
dark spot would.Conversely,when a large area needs
to be opaquely cosmetized, such as the entire face or
an entire hand, if the color fault is slightly darker, it
will not appear as artificial to the eye, as too light a
complexion would. When the cosmetic treatment
over a large surface is too light,it is often described as
‘pasty’ or‘waxy’ looking.
Another method of undercoating is to employ
a cosmetic which is several shades lighter than the
normal complexion color.When applied in an opaque
manner, the undercoating cosmetic will neutralize
the discoloration, and then toning cosmetics can be
applied over the base to produce natural complexion
coloration. For this application, I chose to use Ivory
Perma Pigment over the forehead bruise, and also
applied it to the lip surfaces to completely cover the
discoloration.
In the next issue, I’ll discuss the cosmetic
treatment, cosmetic shades to have on hand, and
cosmetic extension.
Tim is Vice President of Sales & Marketing for
Dodge. He is a regular presenter at the Dodge
Seminars and is a licensed funeral director and
embalmer in the State of Michigan.
9 Fall 2016
A well-stocked
cosmetic selection
greatly improves
your chances of
success.
10. 10The Dodge Magazine
As embalmers, if we take a moment to stand back
andthinkofthelastseveredecompositioncasewesaw
and then think about the process of decomposition,
it really is amazing how the body changes. How
quickly we can go from a recognizable individual to
an unrecognizable mass of decomposing tissue.There
are so many variable factors that either speed up or
slow down the decomposition process.The four main
factors that set the pace for decay are temperature,
water, exposure to oxygen, and the acidity or
alkalinity.It’s all fascinating and worth a little research
to learn more.
As funeral directors and embalmers, we are
often asked, “Is viewing possible?” It can be a tough
decision that we often too quickly respond to with a
“no” answer. Let’s face it, no one, not even the most
seasoned funeral director or embalmer, likes to open
the body bag and see a heavily decomposed body.The
fact is you don’t even have to get that far to know
what’s inside.Your nose will tell the whole story long
beforehand, and usually from the next room. The
visual evidence just solidifies what your brain already
knows.
Most decomposed bodies I have seen are several
days old,some a week or two,maybe three,and a few
any longer than that. So let’s look into what we know.
There are, depending on what journal or
textbook you look into, generally four stages of
decomposition.The fresh stage is between 1 - 6 days
deceased, the bloat stage is 7 - 23 days, the active
decay stage is 24 - 50 days, and the dry stage is 51 -
64 days deceased. We know that the environmental
surroundings of the location of death can determine
the rate of decomposition.A hot, humid surrounding
is far more detrimental than a cool, dry area.A death
in a deep, cool body of water such as a lake slows
down the process of decomposition because of the
surrounding environment.
We know that other than drowning cases
and some bodies that aren’t found for some time,
we mainly see cases of individuals who have died
unnoticed at their place of residence. In more cases
than not it’s an individual living alone with no one
checking on them for days at a time.Discovery usually
comes from a neighbor who has noticed a foul odor
coming from the residence, followed by a “welfare
check” by the local police.
By the time the funeral home gets the remains
we may be looking at another day or two, depending
on the local coroner and whether an autopsy was
performed or not. We are looking at a time frame
between 5 – 12 days since death.That puts us at the
end of the fresh stage and right in the middle of the
most difficult stage for an embalmer, the dreaded
“bloat stage.”
The bloat stage is by far the most unpleasant
due to the odor and the sloughing of soft tissue as the
nutrient rich fluids within the body feed the massive
army of microbes. Numerous gases like methane,
hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and carbon dioxide
distend the remains to an unrecognizable appearance.
Insect and bug activity can be extensive. There is
nothing pleasant about it. So what if the family
wishes to view? Have you ever tackled the serious
decomposition case?
SeveralweeksagoIdidjustthat.Ihavecompleted
several such cases over my years but mainly for odor
control.This one was a little different.The case was
an older white woman who had died unnoticed in her
home. She was the matriarch of a rather large family.
Although her death was not a complete shock to the
family, as her health was not good, the shock of what
the police and coroner’s office described to them
was. The guilt within that family was painful. With
the busy lives we all have in today’s world, no one
checked in to make sure mom was well.When the
coroner described her condition and said that viewing
was not possible it was a blow to the entire family.
They estimated her death was seven days prior to her
discovery. Being in the middle of a hot summer, that
was not a favorable timeline.
When the director met with the family they were
insistent that they needed to see their mother.They
described to the funeral director what the coroner
told them but they were still in denial.They went into
the story of the woman’s life and said she was the glue
that held the family together over the years and how
important it was to them to say goodbye.They were
a traditional family with high family values and that
made it harder for them that they couldn’t see her.
The funeral director explained that cases like
this were very difficult and that although they could
make no promises they would try their best. I find
that part of this story concerning, as the director was
not the one handling the remains nor had he even
seen them. His only part in dealing with the remains
was to tell the embalmer what the family expected.
by Karl Wenzel, CFSP, MBIE
Handling Decomposition
There are
four stages of
decomposition.
The fresh stage
is between 1 - 6
days deceased,
the bloat stage
is 7 - 23 days,
the active decay
stage is 24 - 50
days, and the dry
stage is 51 - 64
days deceased.
12. 12The Dodge Magazine
This is a disconnect between the funeral director and
the embalmer in the backroom that happens all too
often. Unfortunately, this can give the family false
expectations and set the funeral home up for failure
in the eyes of that family.
When the remains came in via a transfer service
we knew as soon as the driver opened his van doors
that it was not good. His first comment was,“I have a
bad one for you.” Like we didn’t already know from
the odor that floated in our direction as he approached
us.
In the preparation room we opened the body bag
to find the remains in full bloat. Flies and maggots
covered her neck and face, and she had purged due
to the abdominal pressure of the gases. Her skin
was blackening and slipping away. The visible signs
of “road mapping” across her chest and shoulders
was a sign that tissue gas was prevalent. Her white
hair was matted down with bodily fluids. The facial
features were distended with the tongue protruding
and the eyes swollen over.The entire body was double
the normal size.The odor was extensive. It was case
that some senior embalmers would pass off to the
apprentice “to learn from.”
However,on this day all of us were going to work
together and embalm and restore this lady for viewing
or, at the very least, successful identification.
Unshrouding was a two-person job, as the skin
was wet and sliding off with the slightest touch.We
were fortunate that the coroner’s office had removed
all her clothing previously, but unfortunate that they
did not perform an autopsy. An autopsy would have
released abdominal gases and prevented a lot of the
distension we were now seeing in the facial area.After
we removed the remains from the body bag, our next
issue was keeping her towards the top of the table.
Her body was so slippery from decomposing flesh
that she would slide downwards with any incline of
the table.
We sprayed a heavy application of Dis-Spray
over the entire body and table. I think the young
apprentice used almost the whole 16 oz. bottle as he
was determined to disinfect! We also used a liberal
amount of Neutrolene Spray over the entire work
area and body. Neutrolene aids in killing the odors
of decomposition.With the exhaust fans in overdrive
and all of us in our full PPE, we went to work.
The first task was to kill the maggots and the odd
beetle we saw on the remains. There was extensive
infestation on the neck and face. We covered the
infested areas with Webril Prep Towel and poured
Dry Wash II on it, saturating the prep towel. Dry
Wash II will eat the waxy coating on a maggot and kill
it. It also seemed to work on the beetles, perhaps by
suffocation.There were numerous flies that we killed
as well.In addition,we packed all orifices withWebril
and also saturated with DryWash II.This was to make
sure anything hiding in the orifices (nose, mouth,
etc.) didn’t survive.
Next I created a rather large “Y” incision in the
neck.This was to allow the raising of the vessels on
both sides of the neck for our injection of chemicals
into the head, but also to allow the release of any
gases built up in the area. While I was doing this
another embalmer was cleaning off the loose skin by
gently rubbing the surface of the remains.This loose
tissue needed to be removed so we could treat the
underlying dermis and dry the tissue. This took time,
as we had to make sure that the loose skin did not go
into the drain, as it would most likely plug it up.
Once we had the body cleaned of what loose skin
was easily removed we sprayed it again with Dis-Spray
and Neutrolene.The facial features could not be set as
they were too heavily distended, so we jumped right
into our first injection.
Our first injection was to the body via the right
common carotid. We left the left carotid alone at
this point, as any chemicals we could introduce
throughout were favorable to us. That first mix
was a waterless mix using 48 oz. of Metaflow, 48
oz. of Rectifiant, 32 oz. of Dis-Spray, and 64 oz. of
Introfiant. It was an extra strong solution, but this
was an extra difficult situation. Injection took place
at 160lbs with a very slow 8 – 10 oz. per minute
pulsating. Expect some distension and swelling when
doing these types of cases. The cells are breaking
down and easily ruptured.
As this first injection was being introduced into
the body we needed to continue further treating
other areas.
Using a 15-gauge needle and some Dri Cav
(Perma Cav 50 is preferred) we injected the scalp
around the hair follicles to hold onto the roots of the
hair and prevent hair loss.The strong formaldehyde
content will firm up that tissue, grabbing ahold of the
hair.
The swollen abdominal cavity was massive and
needed to be relieved of its gases to prevent any
unnecessary intrinsic pressure on the circulatory
system restricting the distribution of our chemicals.
Using an infant trocar we punctured the abdominal
wall. We took care not to go too deep and disrupt
the circulatory system. You can puncture the stomach
and transverse colon as well, relieving pressure.What
a lot of people don’t know is these gases that form are
highly flammable. By puncturing the abdominal wall
you release them.As we know the odor is extensive.
Oursecondinjectionwaswaterlessandconsisted
of 32 oz. of Rectifiant, 32 oz. of Metaflow, 24 oz. of
Dis-Spray, and 40 oz. of Introfiant.We injected this
into the head and the legs. As this injection took
place we could see an immediate change in the color
of the face.The skin was still black but we could see
the Introfiant color appear in some areas.While we
injected the head we used heavy manual pressure in
the face to force the gases out. A 15-gauge needle
was pushed back behind the eyes as well as into the
eyelids and the lips, and inside the mouth to allow
an escape route for these gases. I wasn’t too worried
about swelling as I expected some, but I was aiming
to treat and rid the body of the gases. A minimum
8% formaldehyde solution will kill the clostridium
perfringens that create tissue gases.
I was amazed at how the chemicals, combined
with the manual manipulation of the tissues, reduced
and dried the tissue of the face.We were on the right
path.
We knew a six-point injection was inevitable.
Using an
infant trocar
we punctured
the abdominal
wall. What a
lot of people
don’t know is
these gases that
form are highly
flammable. By
puncturing the
abdominal wall
you release them.
As we know the
odor is extensive.
13. 13 Fall 2016
This is when we
took our injection
to a different
level. With the
condition of the
remains still not
acceptable in
terms of dryness
and color, and
with the fear
that gases might
still form within,
I completed an
arterial injection
of 80 oz. of
Basic Dryene.
Now, I must
advise everyone
DO NOT use
your Dodge
Embalming
Machine for this.
For our third injection we injected an additional 32
oz. of Metaflow, 32 oz. of Rectifiant, 16 oz. of Dis-
Spray, and 40 oz. of Introfiant into the arms and
other areas of concern.When we had completed our
arterial injection we had overall great results.There
was a significant change in the condition of the tissue
of the body and we could see the gases had dissipated
enormously, making the facial and body structure
more recognizable. Color was still an issue as the skin
was still very dark but did bleach out a degree from
where it was at the beginning.
This is when we took our injection to a different
level. With the condition of the remains still not
acceptable in terms of dryness and color,and with the
fear that gases might still form within, I completed
an arterial injection of 80 oz. of Basic Dryene.
Now, I must advise everyone DO NOT use your
Dodge Embalming Machine for this.The phenol will
absolutely“kill”your machine and void all warranties.
Knowing this I used a weed sprayer I collected
from the garage of the funeral home. I took the weed
sprayer and attached an arterial tube to the end of
the nozzle. It took a little modifying but it was easy
to accomplish. Because the weed sprayer is a very
uncontrolled injection method, and the rate of flow
is unknown (although perceived to be high), I used
gentle, short bursts so I didn’t “flood” the vasculatory
system and cause unnecessary swelling. I did this to
all six injection sites. Interestingly enough, when
I injected the head with the Basic Dyrene I could
immediately see a difference in the color and dryness
of the facial tissue.The corner of the eyes began to
bubble as the gases escaped from the holes we made
earlier with our needle.
Following our special injection we went for
lunch, allowing the phenol in the Basic Dryene to
really penetrate the tissue under pressure. Upon our
return we aspirated and closed our incisions. For
our cavity injection we used 48 oz. of Basic Dryene
to substitute for cavity chemical. I really wanted to
make sure we rid the body of gases and prevented any
more from creating. (Note -The following day before
dressing we aspirated the remains and injected 32 oz.
of Dri Cav.) In addition to our arterial injection, we
also hypo-injected Basic Dryene into all areas of the
face and we made an injection ring around the neck,
hands,and legs to prevent any bacteria causing gassing
from migrating back into these areas.
In total, 37 bottles of chemicals were used in
the embalming.This is a significant amount but it was
necessary in order to slow down the decomposition
and dry the tissue for our restorative work.
There was one final step before we called it a
day.We cleaned the mouth and nose of our previously
packedWebril and wiped the area with Dis-Spray.The
eyes, lips and tongue had now been cleared of any
gases so we were able to set the features.We washed
the remains again using Forest Fresh soap and dried
and sprayed the body down again with more Dis-
Spray and Neutrolene.Then we made up a batch of
“Super Gel,” which consists of Basic Dryene mixed
with Syn Gel HV, and we painted the entire face and
body, and then covered the remains with plastic for
the night.
The next day we were all taken by surprise when
we entered the preparation room. The remains still
had a slight odor but nothing like the day before.The
tissue was dry and the facial area was bleached almost
white. Sure there were areas that hadn’t changed
much in color, but the face looked great.
Before dressing,we removed the“Super Gel”and
transferred the body to another table making sure
we did not “slide” the remains which could transfer
potential contaminants that might create odor.
Using fresh gloves, we laid out a pair of unionalls
and carefully placed the remains inside. Inside those
unionalls we placed some Action Powder along with
some prep towels sprayed down with Neutrolene
to combat any remaining odors. We used a second
pair of unionalls, again carefully placing the remains
inside. Some more deodorants were placed inside.
We dressed the remains in the clothing provided
and we casketed her.The big task now was to restore
and cosmetize. Even though she looked a thousand
times better than what we started with, we still had
some work to do to make her presentable. We all
know that cosmetics can cover just about anything and
with good waxing techniques other imperfections can
easily be hidden.When we completed our tasks, we
had this women looking very good.
All of us were amazed on how this all came
together.This woman certainly resembled the photo
provided to us. Sure there were heavier cosmetics
than any of us would have liked but considering the
condition of her remains, it was understandable.
Before we set her up for visitation and the first
family viewing, we placed some moreWebril soaked
in the Neutrolene inside the casket.We also placed
Neutrolene around the visitation room to mask any
odors that might still be present. We explained to
the family that deodorants were used and they fully
understood. If you have never smelled this product,
it is pleasant, however, it can be overpowering so you
need to monitor how much you use.
The family viewed their mother that evening.
They were more than pleased and were appreciative
of what we accomplished, considering the horror
stories the coroner had described to them.
Despite the odds, in the end we succeeded in
givingthefamilybacktheirmother.Itwasn’tapleasant
task, that’s for sure, but we have the resources to do
these decomposition cases. Think back to that one
decomposition case you said “no” to. I’m just saying,
“You will never know unless you try.”
Karl is the Coordinator of Technical Education
and Training for the Dodge Company.
He worked for the Arbor Group (largest
independent funeral service chain in Canada)
for six years as their Manager of Decedent
Care and Preparational Development. Karl
has been a licensed embalmer since 1997
and is licensed in Ontario. He is the Fountain
NationalAcademy CanadianAmbassador.
KarlWenzel, CFSP, MBIE
15. 15 Fall 2016
It is not often, in fact hardly ever, that I have been
moved to“cry inside”when a colleague has described
an experience they had while serving a family. But it
did happen recently when Henry Bentley, a funeral
director from Durant, IA shared with me what
transpired with the parents who lost a child a few
years ago.
Henry had phoned Dodge’s tech line to inquire
about one of our products. I just happened to be in
the office and in rotation to take his call.I met Henry
years ago while attending a Dodge Embalming
Seminar in a place I’ve long forgotten. But what I
hadn’t forgotten was that Henry has a kind heart. It
was easy to see. Somehow this day our conversation
drifted to the death of the child in question. Henry’s
funeral home had served this family many times in
years past.
The soon-to-be mom and dad had joyously
and anxiously awaited the arrival of their first-born
child. Many of us know the feeling. My wife and I
experienced the same 44 years ago. The nursery
was painted (we lived over a funeral home), the crib
and bassinet were assembled, and new carpet was
in place, along with the changing table, decorations,
and numerous other items my wife received at her
baby shower. Our healthy son was born two and a
half weeks earlier than expected. How convenient
since he saved me from going on two death-calls
thatThanksgiving eve.When we brought him home
we immediately realized this was a love we never
knew; and it continues to be so these many years
later.The birth of a child is truly a miracle each and
every time.
Unfortunately, the couple Henry was serving
wasn’t able to take their baby home. He lived only
23 days, never having left the hospital. During this
time the parents did not have full possession of
their child; the hospital did. He gently slipped into
eternity as all of us surely will someday. Discomfort
and pain for this little guy had come to an end.
My throat was tightening as Henry progressed
into his tale.He then described something I’ve never
heard a funeral director say before. He said the idea
came to him out of the blue. He explained to the
parents that this was merely a thought and one which
they could quickly dismiss. Perhaps it was because
Henry subconsciously realized the parents never
had full possession of their child that he suggested
he could take the baby to their home for a period of
time after the visitation and prior to the funeral the
following day.
They did want to bring their child home
and while the response wasn’t immediate, they
finally accepted Henry’s offer. Henry reported
that the embalming was successful. Not all infant
preparations are. Their small vessels and usual
medical complications sometimes challenge the
skills of even the best embalmers. Henry and the
family minister drove to the residence together, 30
miles from the funeral home. Upon arrival Henry
took the baby out of the casket and gently placed
him in his crib. Henry and the minister quietly
departed after Henry mentioned that they could call
him when they wanted him to return. Several hours
later they did call.
The mother reported that after Henry made
Perhaps it was
because Henry
subconsciously
realized
the parents
never had full
possession of
their child that
he suggested
he could take
the baby to
their home
for a period
of time after
the visitation
and prior to
the funeral the
following day.
by Dennis Daulton
Getting the Dead
Where They Need to Be
16. 16The Dodge Magazine
When discussing
grief, we often
hear much about
closure. I don’t
believe it exists.
the offer during the initial arrangements, the father
immediately went home and put the crib together
which had not been assembled. This gave him
something to do, and something for them to look
forward to. It was revealed by the father that after
Henry and the minister left, the mother picked their
son up out of the crib and rocked him in a rocking
chair close by. My guess is that she probably sang
him a lullaby.At that moment I almost lost it.I could
just imagine the healing this couple experienced. I
am proud of what this funeral director and minister
did for this devastated couple, and that Henry had
the courage to offer it. No doubt it took courage. I
am also proud that I know Henry and can call him
a colleague and a friend. His community is lucky
to have him. Our profession is lucky to have him.
There are other “Henrys” out there. I’ve watched
them, and I’ve learned from them.We can all learn
from each another if we take the time to share and
to listen.
The story does not end here.While recently out
to dinner with his wife, Henry met this couple he
had served.They now have several happy and healthy
children.Six years later they are still thanking Henry
for what he did. If and when they ever hear negative
comments about our profession, or the value of the
body present,they just might think about Henry and
their minister, and what was done for them, and that
they accepted Henry’s offer and are now forever
grateful.From all your colleagues,thank you Henry!
It has been said that the funeral director gets
the dead where they need to be.This is what we do.
We don’t leave them in the woods, or on the side
of the road, or in their bed, or in a malodorous
morgue. In this case it was the home the infant had
not experienced…the home where loving arms
(and the crib) had awaited his arrival. He was truly
home, if only for a few hours, but the healing will
last a lifetime.
Thomas Lynch, author of The Undertaking,
stated it a bit differently when he wrote, “A good
funeral gets the dead where they need to go and the
living where they need to be.” I first heard about
“getting the dead where they need to be” from a
mentor many years ago. He was also the one who
lectured me about, “What goes on here stays here,”
and “It is not all striped pants, you know,” after
which he handed me a dust rag and showed me
where the vacuum cleaner was.The year was 1962.
I have witnessed much since then…dusted much,
vacuumed much…and so have many of you. For
those of us who have survived over the long haul, we
know that we didn’t go into this profession for the
benefits and the time-off.We went into it to serve
others. In the long run, serving others can and often
does bring good things our way.
“Getting the living where they need to be”
has taken many different avenues in recent years.
I’ve witnessed all too many try to avoid the entire
event. Have the party and the celebration after you
cry. Death and grief can never be avoided. It must
be faced head-on.When discussing grief, we often
hear much about closure. I don’t believe it exists. Is
closure like closing a door or window and forgetting?
I believe we heal only by learning to live with our
grief…by facing it first. Our lives have drastically
changed when death rips a loved one from our arms.
Those of us who have lived it know all about it too
well. I once overheard a widow state it best when
she said to a recent widow, “One morning, maybe
not next month, and perhaps not even next year or
the year after, but one day, someday, you will wake
up and feel at peace.” This is not forgetting, or
wrapping it up and putting it on a shelf, or waiting
for it to go away.This is about arriving upon that day
and that time when it simply doesn’t hurt as much
anymore.We can never forget no matter how hard
we try. So don’t try.
* * *
Fortunately, during my nearly fifty-five years of
working in funeral service, I have not experienced
the number of children deaths that our colleagues
of long ago did. However, I do recall my year in
embalming school (1970-1971) when I was involved
in four or five SIDS deaths. I can still vividly recall
those beautiful innocent children.All were males. It
has been written that the majority of SIDS deaths
are males.
One incident in particular, which still hangs
fresh in my memory, was a young couple who had
put their smiling infant into the back seat of their
automobile on this holiday and motored off for a
joyous visit with the proud grandparents in a nearby
town. That never happened. When they arrived a
short time later their child was dead. I received him
at the emergency room dressed in his best outfit on
this Easter Sunday. If he had lived, he would now be
46 years old.What would he have become? One can
only wonder.
* * *
Another incident regarding “where they need
to be” was arranged by Kevin Grondin, a colleague
from Beverly, Massachusetts. Many years ago he
handled the services of an elderly gentleman who
was survived only by his beloved sister. She was
in Pennsylvania in failing health and he was in
Massachusetts where a graveside service had been
planned.
The sister expressed a desire to see her brother
one final time.The family had the financial means so
after conferring with the attorney who was handling
the estate, Kevin had the deceased flown from
Boston to Pennsylvania.The body was received by a
funeral home there.The Pennsylvania funeral home
arranged for a chair car to transport the sister to the
funeral home for the viewing.There she could have
some private time and to say her final goodbyes.The
deceased was returned to Massachusetts the same
day for interment the following day.
These are experiences we never learned in
mortuary school and are only realized through
the actions of thoughtful, perceptive, and caring
professionals.
* * *
Several years ago the call came to the funeral
home that I had been associated with for nearly 40
years that a three-year-old child was dying at home.
The instructions were that we would go to the
17. 17 Fall 2016
At the
conclusion of the
arrangements
the mother softly
whispered,
“She is getting
cold now.” Both
parents arose
simultaneously
as if on cue,
slowly walked
over to the bier,
and together
gently placed
their dead child
into her casket.
residence and the parents would ride back to the
funeral home in the removal vehicle with their child.
I was on-call this Sunday morning, a crisp clear fall
day in New England, and was the one summoned to
the residence prior to 6AM.
The hospice nurse escorted me into the living
room. I was surprised to see the mother holding her
dead child in her arms.Apologetically she said,“She
died at 3 o’clock but we didn’t want to wake you.” I
knew that wasn’t the reason. She wanted to hold her
child as long as she could. I just nodded.Words were
not necessary and seldom are.
I arrived with the removal van and a folded
house-stretcher. I had installed one of the rear seats
on the passenger side before leaving the funeral
home.They thanked me for not arriving in a hearse.
Their child did not go into a pouch and onto the
stretcher.The mother sat in back holding her child
as if she were still alive.The sun was rising out over
the Atlantic Ocean as we drove to the funeral home
along the scenic highway which hugs the coastline in
this seaside community.The beauty of the day was in
stark contrast to the sadness inside the vehicle.
Dad was in front next to me, expressionless,
staring straight ahead. No words were spoken. I
occasionally glanced into the rear view mirror as
I normally do when driving, but this time I could
see this young mother gazing down toward her dead
child. My ordinarily calm stomach churned.Whose
wouldn’t?
The baby casket had been ordered a few days
prior and was already in place on the bier. We sat
in the chapel, the parents were seated on a sofa.
I sat in a chair in front of them and gathered the
necessary information for the death certificate and
the obituary notice. I had never before or since
made arrangements while a grieving family member
held their dead. It was all so surreal.
I recall unconsciously reaching out and touching
the child several times during the arrangements as if
to include her in the decisions being made on her
behalf.The mother looked over at the white casket,
but was not in a hurry to give her up. Mom and dad
seemed relieved when I told them there would be
no charges by the funeral home. Why add to their
burden?Their only financial obligation would be for
the newspaper notice, medical examiner, and the
crematory.We also provided the casket.The clergy
declined the honorarium.
At the conclusion of the arrangements the
mother softly whispered, “She is getting cold now.”
Both parents arose simultaneously as if on cue,
slowly walked over to the bier, and together gently
placed their dead child into her casket. I stood
behind, struggling to contain my emotions.All of us
have witnessed parents place their infant child into a
crib, a car seat, or a playpen, but I had never before
seen two parents place their dead child into a casket.
It pains me even now to write about it these many
years later. They did not want her embalmed. A
private family funeral was held in the funeral home
the next day. Cremation followed after the state
required 48 hour waiting period.
Mom and dad turned, and hand-in-hand they
walked back out to the van. I followed. In silence I
drove them back to their home over the same route.
The mother had taken her same seat in back. This
time I observed her in the rear view mirror looking
out over the sparkling water on this beautiful
morning. She seemed to be calm and at peace. I
wasn’t.
* * *
We can all learn from these shared experiences.
How Henry, Kevin, and I reacted and functioned
was certainly not learned in mortuary school.What
we said and how we responded to the challenges
at hand made us realize that those in sorrow can
be healed in such simple ways. The bereaved, who
sometimes take the lead, can also be wonderful
teachers to those of us who will never know it all,
who sometimes stumble along, but who will always
try to do the right thing for those in grief, and for
the deceased. “Smooth seas do not make for a good
sailor”– unknown.Smooth funeral arrangements do
not make for a good funeral professional.
The parents needed to have possession of their
child in their home. The elderly sister needed to
see her brother for the very last time.The mother
needed to ride to the funeral home with her child
in her arms, to hold her during the arrangement
conference, and with her husband to gently place
their precious child into her casket.You and I can
get the dead where they need to be…sometimes in
ways we never could have imagined.
Author’s Note: Permission was granted by both
Kevin Grondin and Henry Bentley for me to relate
their experiences in this article. In Henry’s e-mail
he stated: “We charged nothing for our services but
I gained so much from this experience. It reinforced
why I became a funeral director in the first place.
Even though some of our colleagues may view this
as unusual and inviting a family to take an infant
home may not be for every director or family, it
was perfect for this young couple. I think the most
memorable part of the entire experience for me was
when I asked prior to the visitation if they had given
thought to taking their child home and the mother
responded that the child’s dad had spent the entire
day before the viewing putting together their son’s
crib in the nursery at their home.”
Henry is the co-owner of the funeral home
along with his wife, Beverly. According to their
website they are the parents of Grace, Anna and
William. Needless to say, Beverly and Henry know
all about the gift of a child.
Dennis divides his time working in his Dodge
sales territory in northeastern Massachusetts,
and being in the office manning the technical
support line, along with helping out with
customer service.
Dennis Daulton
18. Las Vegas, NV
November 10 & 11, 2016
Flamingo Hotel & Casino
Las Vegas
Which Dodge Technical
(
19. Honolulu, Hawaii
February 6-8, 2017
John A. Burns School of Medicine
at the University of Hawaii
Details and registration information for both seminars
are posted on the Dodge Seminars tab at shop.dodgeco.com.
Hawaii
Seminar will you attend?
)
Honolulu, Hawaii
February 6-8, 2017
John A. Burns School of Medicine
at the University of Hawaii
Details and registration information for both seminars
are posted on the Dodge Seminars tab at shop.dodgeco.com.
Hawaii
Seminar will you attend?
)
20. 20The Dodge Magazine
Happy Anniversary or
The Saga of a Handshake
by Glenda Stansbury, CFSP
9125 DAYS. That’s how long InSight Books and
The Dodge Company have been partners. For those
of you who are a little math challenged — that’s
25 years. That’s longer than most marriages and
definitely longer than most business partnerships.
So, because I’m a sucker for celebrations, I thought
we should stop and commemorate, not just the work
that the companies have accomplished together, but
the pretty remarkable story of how it all came to be.
The Doug Story
Most of you are very familiar with Doug
Manning’s path, but for new readers we will recap.
Doug began his career as a Baptist preacher in 1953.
So for those who like to connect the dots, that means
that I’m a Baptist preacher’s kid. Even worse, I’m
the oldest Baptist preacher’s kid in the family, which
means I had to blaze the trail of rebelling against all
the rules and constraints placed upon PKs by the
expectations of the nosy church members. That’s a
story for another day and, possibly, on a therapist’s
couch. So, let’s move on.
When Doug moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma in
1963 he became involved in pastoral counseling.
He began to see patterns among
many of the individuals who came
to him for advice or guidance — an
overwhelming majority of these
people were struggling with personal
issues, such as substance abuse,
victim behavior, and estrangement
from family or friends as a result
of unresolved grief. For some, the
line was fairly straight from a death
to the problem. For others, there
were years of layering and masking,
but the root cause could be traced
back to grief and loss that had not
been dealt with at the time and was
allowed to be expressed through
other personal struggles. There were
no books written about death or grief
in the 60’s. It was just assumed that
people were sad for a few weeks and
then they pulled up their bootstraps
and moved on. No studies on the
psychological impacts of unresolved
grief were even considered.
After Doug’s father-in-law died,
he also became intrigued with the
concept of how a family deals with
the funeral process and the value and importance
of sharing stories. He had just begun to make the
connections between the impact of a funeral and the
resulting healthy grief journey. Needing some way
to make sense of all of these strands, he became an
author and wrote his very first book, A Minister Speaks
About Funerals. The book was written by a minister
to other ministers expounding upon his beliefs that
family meetings and well-done, personalized funerals
were vital in providing first steps to a completed grief
journey. (Notice anything familiar here? We will get
back to that later).
Like most beginning authors, Doug published
his book and sold it out of his garage for a while,
hoping to convince funeral directors to buy them and
give them to the clergypersons in their town. He had
some success but he certainly didn’t quit his day job.
Then, ultimately, his world was turned upside
down. A young family in his church lost a little
girl who went to the hospital with the croup and
suddenly died. The mother was hysterical, of course,
and, as her husband and the doctor tried to calm her
down, she took a step back and said, “Don’t take
my grief away from me. I deserve it and I’m going
to have it.” Doug was not present at the time, but
when he talked to the young couple and heard this
mother’s statement, it rocked him. This was the bolt
of lightning out of the blue that showed him what the
rest of his life was going to look like. People needed
their grief. People needed to be allowed to grieve
in whatever way was right for them. People who
were not allowed to grieve, ended up in his office
for counseling months, even years, later. It was all
about grief.
He will attest, and most clergy will agree,
that nothing in the pastoral training in seminary or
university prepares ministers for how to deal with
grief or funerals. A newly minted pastor might be
given a book of rituals or readings or a template to
follow. But little or no time is devoted to the study
of grieving people and how to care for them. The
mantra, was, and sometimes even now is, “Read a
scripture, say a prayer, and head for the door.”
Doug had a burning bush moment and knew that
this was his calling. He was going to learn everything
he could about grief and find ways to allow people
to feel normal in their extremes. Out of that
experience came his next book Don’t Take My Grief
Away, dedicated to this young couple and the sweet
little daughter they had lost. Again, he began selling
his books out of his garage with his long-suffering
wife, Barbara, and entered the speaking circuit.
In 1982, he wrote his first book in the arena of
aging, When Love Gets Tough, Making the Nursing Home
Decision and made the bold and brave leap to finally
quit his church and the preaching gig, and dedicate
himself to writing and speaking in these two areas
— grief and elder care — and hope he could make
a living so they didn’t have to live in the garage with
the books.
He established his company, InSight Books,
as his publishing and booking company and began
to expand his contacts in the funeral and nursing
People needed
their grief. People
needed to be
allowed to grieve
in whatever way
was right for
them. People who
were not allowed
to grieve, ended
up in his office
for counseling
months, even
years, later. It
was all about
grief.
by Glenda Stansbury, CFSP
21. 21 Fall 2016
home worlds.
Through some kind of magical serendipity,
Doug was introduced to Arnold Dodge in the late
‘80s. Doug, Arnold, and Mike all became much
more than professional acquaintances. They grew a
deep and respectful friendship that lasted for more
than 30 years. (See picture of Doug and Arnold
cleaning toilets in Pemaquid, Maine.)
The Dodge Story
The Dodge Company has always been well
known for the dedication to education and knowledge
and their Sunshine Seminars were popular and
well-respected for providing speakers and practical
techniques in both the areas of funeral management
and embalming. The management segment included
speakers such as Todd Van Beck, Earl Grollman, and
many others who brought concepts of dealing with
day-to-day operations as well as bereavement and
management. Arnold Dodge invited Doug to join
the cadre of speakers who presented at the Sunshine
Seminars each year. It didn’t hurt that they were
always held in some pretty awesome locations, but
Doug was honored and thrilled to be included and
given the opportunity to speak to funeral directors
seeking to improve their skills and their services.
The Continuing Care Story
Atsomepoint,Dougbeganworkingonaconcept
for an aftercare program that would encompass an
entire year. He knew that the grief journey took
many twists and turns during that first 365 days and
felt that he could write small books that addressed
where a person might be at different junctures along
their individual paths. His idea was to have four books
that could be given to a family at specific times during
the year based upon his experience in working with
grieving individuals as to why those were critical
windows for the grief experience.
The first book was to be sent the third week. This
is the lonely time. All the people have gone home,
the flowers have died, the cards have quit coming
and the actual reality begins to settle in. A book that
arrived acknowledging all of these challenges would
be helpful and comforting to a person who just
thought they were going crazy.
The third month usually is getting into that hard
time of grief. Everyone around the bereaved person
is getting impatient and believing that they should be
over it by now and pressuring them to just move on.
A book that says it’s ok and what you feel is normal
would give them permission to feel exactly what they
needed to feel and permission to ignore the hints and
suggestions from well-meaning friends and family.
The sixth month is definitely the deep diving
time because even the griever believes that he/she
should be done already. Why is there still pain? Why do I
still fall apart in the grocery store? Why can’t I clean out the
closet? The book would outline some practical ways
to address the grief experience and to accept that it
is a process that has to be experienced and endured.
The eleventh month is the magic month. Doug
knew that people became worried, scared, even
angry as they faced the first anniversary. Some people
would say that the grief during that time was almost
as difficult as it was during the first days following
the death. A book that honored how hard it was to
face the date, to find ways to deal with the emotions
leading up to the date, to acknowledge that one
should not expect to be magically healed at the end
of a year would be extremely beneficial.
Doug believed that these books should come from
the funeral director. He named it The Continuing Care
Series because he wanted an avenue for directors to
be seen as an on-going resource for the family’s grief
experience. He wanted to give the firm a meaningful
way to reach out to their families and touch them
four times during that first year in ways other than
a survey or a pre-need form. For twenty-five years,
Doug has advocated and promoted the concept
that a funeral director has a mission and ministry in
their client families’ lives and they should embrace
and employ their expertise to guide and assist the
bereaved long after the service is completed.
Doug approached Arnold and Mike Dodge about
his idea in 1989. At that time, The Dodge Company
had never sold a product that was not produced by
the company and had never offered a product that
was not directly related to the embalming process.
That was their niche and they were sticking to it.
However,ArnoldandMikewerealsovisionaries.
They could see the future and knew that the national
cremation rate of 17% was only the beginning of
an upward trend. They knew that, to survive, they
were going to have to expand and diversify and carry
products that were not embalming specific.
In 1990, at the Sunshine Seminar, Doug
mentioned to the attendees that he had been working
on this concept of a yearlong aftercare program
and received a surprisingly positive and interested
reaction.Afterthatmeeting,MikeDodgeapproached
Doug and said, “We want that product. We want to
be the exclusive distributor of The Continuing Care
Series.” And, with that and a handshake, in 1991, The
Continuing Care Series became the first non-embalming
Dodge product to ever be carried by the Dodge
representatives and the first books that InSight Books
ever agreed to sell on an exclusive agreement.
The covers have changed over the years, Doug
has updated and re-written portions of the books, but
the concept has remained the same since the very first
printing — a set of four books and envelopes, shrink
wrapped together with a card to remind the funeral
staff when they should be sent. A year’s worth of
aftercare in one package. Pretty ingenious.
The Celebrant Connection
When Doug and I first developed the concept
of Certified Funeral Celebrants for North America,
the Dodge Company were early believers and
supporters. Our very first Celebrant training took
place at the New England Institute, founded by AJ
Dodge, in the Dodge Auditorium in October of
1999. Arnold came to watch the weekend of training
and, on Sunday morning, sat at the back of the room
with Doug as we watched the very first Celebrant
trainees conduct their practice funerals. Though our
training has expanded and evolved over the years,
At some point,
Doug began
working on
a concept for
an aftercare
program
that would
encompass an
entire year. He
knew that the
grief journey
took many twists
and turns during
that first 365
days and felt that
he could write
small books that
addressed where
a person might
be at different
junctures along
their individual
paths.
22. o many important events in life
are accompanied by beautiful flowers.
Have you ever wondered: “What should I do with all these flowers?”
Deana Marie Designs is dedicated to preserving those flowers
in handcrafted beads and creating heirloom quality
rosaries, jewelry, and keepsake items.
Capture Bead Keepsakes
Preserving life’s most cherished moments
Contact your Dodge Rep for additional information or view
our selection online at: www.CaptureBeadKeepsakes.com.
Flower petals are dried, processed, and mixed with
a special ingredient allowing the beads to be durable
and water-resistant when cured.
E X C L U S I V E L Y T H R O U G H
by Deana Marie Designs
Lotus
Pendant
Tree of Life
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Mechanical Pencil
Rectangular
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23. Glenda Stansbury, CFSP, MALS is the Dean of
the InSight Institute of Funeral Celebrants, VP
of InSight Books, adjunct professor for UCO
Funeral Service Department and a practicing
Certified Funeral Celebrant. You can contact her
at celebrantgs@gmail.com.
the bedrock principals that we presented at that
first training have never changed: funerals should be
personalized and unique, and that we should gather
the stories in a family meeting (now we’ve come full
circle). Arnold leaned over to Doug and said, “If all
funerals were like this, our troubles would be over.”
Through the past sixteen years of Celebrant training,
the Dodge Company has always been on the front
lines of promoting and encouraging their customers,
and their representatives, to attend training.
Doug was also honored and deeply moved when
the Dodge family asked him to conduct Arnold’s
service along with Earl Grollman, in that same
auditorium in 2002. We were grateful and touched
when Mike and Kristie Dodge came to Barbara’s
funeral in Oklahoma City in 2010. We truly feel like
we’re all a part of a family.
And the rest . . . is history
Since that first handshake in 1991, The Dodge
Company has sold over 750,000 sets of Continuing
Care as well as the myriad of other books and
resources that InSight Books has produced over the
years. We would really like to hit 1 million while
Mike and Doug are still around, so if you would pick
up your phone and order a few hundred sets from
your Dodge Rep, that would be great!
Our office receives phone calls weekly from
individuals who are grateful that their funeral director
took the time and made the effort to send these books
that were incredibly helpful on their grief journey.
They are impressed that the firm was interested
in them long after the ink had dried on the check.
Brand loyalty comes from serving families, not from
billboards or brochures or websites. When you touch
someone’s heart, they will return.
At this writing, Doug has produced over 40
titles in the areas of grief and elder care and, at the
age of 84, just finished his latest book, Grief’s Second
Mile, which addresses the years beyond the first
year of grief, and is currently working on another
manuscript. His passion and his message have never
changed — grief is as unique as a fingerprint and
as impactful upon a life as a tsunami and the key to
surviving is finding ears and shoulders to hear the
stories and accept the tears.
We’ve been given valued space in the Dodge
Magazine for two decades to discuss ideas, to cause
conversation, to nudge, needle, and implore the
readers to consider how to improve the interactions
and experiences with their families. We’ve spoken at
Dodge Seminars and shared booth space with them
on convention floors.
InSight Books has always been proud and
grateful to be able to partner with a company that is
family-owned and so well-respected in the industry.
The Dodge Company has set a proud standard of
maintaining family direction and dedication for three
generations. That’s pretty impressive. Just like the
Dodge Company, we are family owned with day-
to-day operations taken care of by my sisters, Kathy
Burns and Cindy Perez, (and me when I’m around),
and sister Sandra Sherry taking care of the Continuing
Care mailing service. We understand the joys and
the challenges of working with family and learning
how to keep the business side away from the holiday
gatherings, as much as possible.
And it all came about because three men were
able to see the future and know that they could be an
important and industry-changing part of that vision
if they worked together. All because of a handshake.
Happy Anniversary to The Dodge Company
and InSight Books. I think we should have some
champagne. Or at least cupcakes!!
Brand loyalty
comes from
serving families,
not from
billboards or
brochures or
websites. When
you touch
someone’s heart,
they will return.
From Doug Manning and InSight Books
24. 888-881-6131 | runcfs.com
It is time to join the 2900+ funeral homes
powering their businesses and engaging
their communities with a Dodge/CFS
website.
Let us custom design a website for you.
There’s no obligation - if you do not like
what we build, simply stay with your current
website provider.
For more information or to get started,
call 888-881-6131 or speak with your
representative.
䌀䘀匀
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CFS is a technology partner.
Monthly fees are bad enough, but
your website may be costing you
more in terms of lost business and
missed revenue opportunities.
Why are you
still paying for
your website?
ü Responsive Website Designs
Websites that adapt seamlessly to phones,
tablets & desktops
ü Custom Designed
For your funeral home -- no ‘cookie cutter’ templates
ü Obituary Tribute Walls
Include condolences, life stories, photos, & sentiments
that never expire
ü Beautiful, Hardcover
Memorial Book Designer
Integrated into the obituary system
ü Social Media
Full integration for online sharing
ü Funeral Fund Donations
Accept online funeral donations to help pay costs or
support the family
ü Automatic SEO Features
Driveyour search ranking 24x7
ü SMS Text Directions
Ability to text or email directions & service details
directlyfromtheobituary
ü Online Payments
Allow families to make payments at your website
ü Merchandise Catalogs
Fully tailored to your specific caskets, vaults, urns, and
other products
ü Tribute Videos
Fully-integrated professional tribute videos,
powered by Tukios
ü Answering Service Integration
Auto-synchronizes data to/from ASD and others
ü Daily Grief Support Emails
Opt-in, one-year subscription service sent directly
by your website
ü Merchandise Ordering
Ability to sell your own products online
ü Direct to Florist Ordering
Allow your florists to take orders, without the use of
wire services
ü Online Blogs/Newsletters
Inform, educate and engage with your local communities
ü Community Events Calendar
Make your website a focal point for community events
in your area
...and so much more!
CFSFeatures
No Contracts
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Ever.
25. 25 Fall 2016
Editor’s Note: The Dodge Magazine is pleased to
publish this excerpt from the first chapter of Todd
Van Beck’s latest book, The Story of Cremation.
There are no records of a time in history when
cremation has not been present, and because of this
no one really knows where and when the practice
began. In other words, cremation history first and
foremost has no definite beginning, and it certainly
has no definite end. If the student of this history
looks for primary sources, verifiable documents,
or even caveman drawings concerning the genesis
of cremation that student is doomed to failure.
Cremation is so ancient that much of what has
been promoted as historical fact is in truth history
based anecdotes, oral traditions, and well-intended
speculation.
While our historical verification of the
beginnings of cremation is somewhat sketchy what
we do have is the story of “The Mungo Lady.”
In the late 1960’s Professor Jim Howler, a
geomorphologist with the University of Melbourne
(Australia), discovered the fossilized remains
of a woman in the Willandra Lakes Region of
Lake Mungo, in New South Wales, Australia.
Immediately the corpse was dubbed The Mungo
Lady. When her remains were carbon dated, she
was found to have lived approximately 20,000 to
26,000 years ago, making her one of the oldest
anatomically-modern humans ever found in
Australia and the world.
It was certain that after The Mungo Lady died,
her remains were cremated. From burn mark
patterns on the bones it was discovered that the
Mungo Lady’s remains had undergone an unusual
ritual for the time - the body was burned, then the
bones were partly crushed, and then the cremated
remains were burned for a second time. The first
cremation probably was botched and did not
complete the burning process which was the reason
for the second, however another theory has been
promoted that possibly her descendants performed
this unusual ritual a second time to ensure that she
did not return to haunt them, but no matter this is
speculation.
Regardless of the well-intended speculations
the discovery of The Mungo Lady was extremely
important because it represents the world’s oldest
known cremation.
What is known, however, is that throughout
history (until contemporary times) earth burial by
far had superseded cremation as the preferred and
the most accessible and practical method of taking
care of the age old problem of disposing of our dead.
People who are devoted to and make their
livelihoods literally digging up history, the
archeologists and anthropologists of the world
report that cremation most probably started during
the Stone Age in the Near East and some places on
the European Continent.
One of the simple practical and common
sense impediments which tremendously affected
the use of cremation was the glaring issue of the
consistent inability of these ancient people (and
people for a long time to come) to be able to
simply generate enough heat to actually burn a
dead body thoroughly, and here thoroughly is the
key word. One can only speculate just how many
“botched” cremations were performed which ended
up in a partially burned cadaver, and it does not
take much of an imagination to think of ancient
people when the cremation was botched, a job half
done, just throwing their hands up in the air and
leaving the offensive scene for nature to take its
inevitable course of disposing of the cadaver. It is
safe to conclude that a partially cremated dead body
would have been just as repugnant and distasteful
to our Bronze Age cousins as it is today when the
crematory retort malfunctions and literally the
flame goes out half way through.
From burn
mark patterns
on the bones it
was discovered
that the Mungo
Lady’s remains
had undergone
an unusual ritual
for the time -
the body was
burned, then
the bones were
partly crushed,
and then the
cremated
remains were
burned for a
second time.
In ancient Greece
the greater the
glorified and
worshiped war
hero, the higher
the cremation
conflagration
needed to be.
The Story of
Cremation
by Todd Van Beck
27. There was also another practical problem for
these ancient people concerning cremation. To just
survive they needed wood to burn for cooking food,
and for heat, not necessarily for burning dead bodies
which in any event took a good amount of time,
and also a good amount of wood. Wood had other
much more important and vital purposes for these
people than just the funeral pyre. Wood equaled
literal survival.
In the study of ancient cremation history
the beginnings of the acceptance of cremation,
regardless of available fuel and convenience, appear
to be rooted in the thinking and philosophies of
the Greeks. The Greeks embraced cremation not
because of some odd ritual requirement which used
fire, but, not surprisingly, the Greeks based some
of their interest in the practice of cremation on
the revolutionarily new idea for the time of public
health concerns. None other than Plato himself
proclaimed that no earth burials (this included
cremations) should be made in agricultural fields
or by places which were highly populated. It
would be a great overstatement to say that the
Greeks embraced cremation on the level that we
see currently in some places in the world, but it
is clear that the Greeks viewed cremation with an
acceptance that had not been seen before in history.
The Greeks also, being somewhat aggressive
in warfare at times, used cremation as a very
practical method of bringing back the bodies of
dead Greek warriors who had died gloriously in
battle in some far off land. The rationale, of course,
being it’s easier and much more pleasant to ship
a small bundle of cremated remains 2000 miles,
without the obnoxiousness of decomposition,
than to attempt to ship a corpse 2000 miles that
would be in the advanced stages of decomposition
upon arrival. The Greeks were also the first to
decide that in the instance of cremation you could
also have earth burial - simply bury the cremated
remains. Here then is a good example of the
historical truth that there is nothing new under
the sun, for contemporary cremation practices use
this method of inurnment burials routinely. People
who are illiterate of cremation and someone out
in the present world might even be so bold as to
take credit for inventing the inurnment idea, but
that would be historically incorrect. The Greeks of
antiquity invented the cremation urn burial.
Frequent and protracted battles throughout
the ancient classical world made cremation first
a commonplace thing, and then, for the military
anyway, the preferred means of disposal of the
heroic warrior dead. Although ground burials were
used for most everyday Greeks, cremation became
so closely associated with valor, manly virtue,
patriotism, and military glory that in time it was
regarded as the only fitting end to an epic life.
Status symbols are not new, and in ancient
Greece the greater the glorified and worshiped war
hero, the higher the cremation conflagration needed
to be. The Iliad tells how elaborate and elegant
cremation became for Greek heroes. For instance
Zeus, the supreme deity compels the victorious
Achilles to turn over the corpse of Hector so that
the slain hero’s father, King Priam of Troy, can
cremate it in royal style. Achilles earlier had ordered
a huge funeral pyre built one hundred square feet to
gloriously burn to ashes the body of his slain friend
Patroclus. Unfortunately nothing lasts forever
and sadly after an arrow pierced Achilles all-too-
vulnerable heel, the leader of the Trojan War was
himself afforded the most spectacular incineration
yet - it was a classic case of status, keep up with the
Jones’ and good old-fashioned one-upmanship.
As the Greeks went, so did the Romans,
however the inventive and economically savvy
Romans turned cremation into profit or they tried
to. By the time of the great Roman conquests and
empire building the idea of extramural burials
(outside the city walls) was accepted as being the
normal method of disposing of the dead. This is
compared to intramural burials where the dead
were always buried within the city walls.
Virgil in the Aeneid lambasts the tasteless, crude
etiquette of cremation conducted without religious
funeral rituals and ceremonial fanfare (oh where
did the Greeks go?), done merely for profit and
expediency (a kind of contemporary immediate
disposition Roman style). On the other hand Virgil
praises a conflagration in which the correct kinds
of dried leaves, twigs, and dead cypresses are set
ablaze to the prayerful cries of the mourners who
are circling the cremation funeral pyre.
The Romans were quite skilled at putting
on elaborate ceremonies, pageants and rituals.
Today’s New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration
harkens its beginnings back to the Roman funeral
processions of old. The Romans even had their
own version of ancient funeral directors that were
called “Libitinarius” and they were in business to
organize all types of death activities, which included
cremations, and to be paid for their services.
Predicated on all these Greek and Roman
cremation activities was this issue of money.
The poor of both cultures might well have been
cremated, but the poor received communal
cremations. The elaborateness of Roman cremations
made them life’s last status symbol. Whereas the
indigent, the poor, the wretched went up in small
flickering flames, and usually as a group, the wealthy
departed this world in towering infernos, however
such cremation opulence was not to last.
It will be helpful here to interject the reminder
that cremation, while it is evident throughout
history in truth is not the oldest form of disposing
of a dead body (earth burial holds that record), and
it needs to be clarified that cremation throughout
history has always been an example of the merging
of and living with the tensions created by the merger
of sacred rituals combined with secular customs.
27 Fall 2016
The Romans
even had their
own version of
ancient funeral
directors that
were called
“Libitinarius”
and they were
in business to
organize all
types of death
activities,
which included
cremations, and
to be paid for
their services.
Todd is the Director of Continuing Education
at John A. Gupton College in Nashville, Ten-
nessee. Read Todd’s latest book now out and
available on Amazon, The Story of Cremation.
28. 28The Dodge Magazine
In our challenging work with families, funeral
directors may fail to grasp our impact on their
health. The intersection of our interventions at
the juncture of death mandates that we do have an
impact. The question for the professional is do we
help or hurt our families ability to process a death.
Our ability to help rests with helping families
make good decisions, decisions that commemorate
a lifetime of relationships and memories. Impeding
those decisions are several factors which coalesce
and potentially harm a family’s vision.
The purpose of this article is to help the funeral
director clarify that vision.
Factors that negatively affect a family’s
judgement at the time of death come from various
sources. Most families do not want to be in our
offices, never mind make important decisions.
Often we offer options to families whose minds are
racing with thoughts about survival without their
loved one. Families also arrive in our offices with a
sense, shared societally, that funeral directors may
take advantage of them in their vulnerable state.
Partially fueled by budget conglomerates, such as
Costco marketing caskets, customers may come to
view a “fancy” funeral as an expensive one.
The nature of today’s deaths also may impinge
on clear decision-making. Many communicate
to funeral directors that they have been ravaged
emotionally watching their loved one’s lingering
death. At the time of funeral arrangements this may
translate into, “Let’s get this over with quickly.”
Understandably, they feel that they have “suffered
enough,” but lost in this mindset are the years of
memories prior to those final days.
Given this climate and these factors, how
are funeral directors able to help families? Let’s
examine how a decedent’s daughter, accompanied
by her aunt, makes a decision about her father’s
burial.
Aunt to Niece: I think it is best, Paula, for you to
have a direct burial for your dad like I did for my husband.
We don’t have to stretch this out for days. Your dad was
a simple man.
Paula, the daughter: I don’t know what to do. I’ve
never had to do this before. Maybe you’re right, Auntie.
Funeral Director: Funerals do not have to stretch
out for days. We have different types of arrangements and
many are inexpensive.
Aunt: Money is not the object here. Can you
provide us with a direct service with a brief ceremony at
the cemetery?
Funeral Director: Sure, if that’s what Paula wants.
Aunt: I think it’s best for everyone, Paula.
Paula: Maybe you’re right, Auntie.
This narrative highlights how ambivalently
some major funeral decisions are made. Paula’s
anxiety is palpable as she struggles to plan a funeral.
Her ultimate choice is more one of resignation as
she searches for answers with input from others.
This scenario also highlights the difficulties
funeral directors find themselves in while
attempting to help families. We will lose this mental
tug-of-war to help Paula every time without careful
intervention. As we see in this case, however, the
aunt’s advice seems to satisfy her own needs rather
than Paula’s.
In general, funeral directors should be aware
that cognitive and emotional elements interact in
all of our decisions. Describing the benefits of a
funeral product without understanding the grief-
laden mind will lead to failure. This explains why
someone may reject another’s good idea simply
because he doesn’t like the person.
In our funeral world, understandably, our
families’ emotions may even dominate their
reasoning. We see in Paula’s case that her indecision
seemed to create great anxiety for her. Her rapid-
fire decision seemed to be a triumph of anxiety over
thought, freeing her from the task of careful funeral
planning.
Let’s examine an alternate scenario for the
narrative.
Aunt to Niece: I think it is best, Paula, for you to
have a direct burial of your dad like I did for my husband.
We don’t have to stretch it out for days. Your dad was a
simple man.
Paula: I don’t know what to do. I’ve never had to do
this before. Maybe you’re right, Auntie.
Funeral Director: Please let me say, Paula, that my
job is to provide any service that meets your needs. This is
something that you do not do often, fortunately, and it is
understandable that you would be confused. I want you to
know that a direct burial would not involve any viewing
of your dad.
Paula: Oh, I see. Most funerals I have attended have
had some type of service.
Aunt: All I know is that it was easier for me not to
see my husband.
Funeral Director: Did your father ever discuss his
funeral wishes with you?
Perceived
pressure or
coercion to get
someone to act
a certain way
is unsuccessful.
A person, in a
sense, persuades
herself that
benefits exist she
may not have
seen previously.
Are You Helping or
Hurting Your Families?
by Stephen Rocco
