Michael McIlheran, a licensed funeral director at Haut Funeral Home in Jamestown, has recently completed his fifth year as a Certified Funeral Service Professional (CFSP) through the Academy of Professional Service Practice Inc.. McIlheran stands out as one of only five funeral directors in North Dakota to achieve this certification, underscoring his commitment to professional development in a field that currently lacks mandatory continuing education requirements.
Achieving the CFSP certification required McIlheran to complete an impressive 180 hours of continuing education initially, followed by an annual requirement of an additional 20 hours. This extensive educational commitment significantly exceeds the prevailing standards in North Dakota, reflecting McIlheran’s dedication to enhancing his skills and knowledge in funeral service.
Additional Certifications and Background
In addition to his CFSP certification, McIlheran is certified as a crematory operator by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). He has also completed the NFDA’s Advanced Embalming and Restoration course at the renowned Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, where he was one of only 50 participants selected nationwide each year.
McIlheran holds a Master of Arts in journalism from the University of Nebraska and a Bachelor of Arts in biology/pre-medicine from Simpson College in Iowa. His education in mortuary science was completed at Des Moines Area Community College. Further establishing his credentials, he has also become a certified Medico-Legal Death Scene Investigator through the University of North Dakota.
Professional Experience and Community Role
Since joining Haut Funeral Home in November 2024, McIlheran has contributed significantly to the local community. Before that, he worked at the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he honed his skills as a funeral director. He is also a rostered Lutheran pastor, which adds a unique dimension to his role in providing compassionate support to families in their time of need.
McIlheran’s ongoing commitment to education and professional excellence positions him as a respected figure in the funeral service industry, ensuring that he remains at the forefront of best practices and ethical standards. His achievements not only reflect personal dedication but also enhance the quality of service provided to families in the Jamestown area.
