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About the Episode: Summer is here and along with it comes a new crop of funeral service program graduates. In this episode, host, Gabe Schauf, sits down with 4 of them to hear about their experiences, challenges and goals moving forward.
A big congratulations to the funeral service program class of 2024 graduates and special thanks to Ashley Trent – graduate from Lake Washington Community College, Kate Marnul – graduate from the Milwaukee Area Technical College, Michelle Finnegan – graduate from Salt Lake Community College and Patrick Wheeler – graduate from Cape Cod Community College for their time.
About Ashley Trent: Ashley Trent is an Indiana native and Marine Corps veteran who moved to Washington State after meeting her fiancé, a Washington native, in Okinawa, Japan. Her interest in the funeral profession started when she was enlisted and decided to learn more about mortuary affairs. After moving, Ashley enrolled in the Funeral Service Education program at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. Ashley is currently planning on moving back to Indiana this summer and join the funeral service profession as a licensed director.
About Kate Marnul: Kate Marnul is a funeral director apprentice in Northeast, Wisconsin and has worked in funeral service now for 3 years. She recently graduated from Milwaukee Area Technical College’s funeral services program with the class of 2024 and is eager to begin serving her community as a fully licensed funeral director upon the completion of her boards. She loves the deeply personal and service-oriented nature of funeral work and is honored to be a part of it every day and with every family served.
About Michelle Finnegan: Michelle Finnegan is a graduate of the Mortuary School program at Salt Lake Community College. She also has a Bachelor’s in Human Services. Michelle recently started as a resource staff at Larkin Mortuary to intern and become a licensed funeral director. She has been called to work with families in times of acute crisis and need and feels the sacredness of helping people memorialize and honor a life lived and care for the body that has “housed a spirit.”
About Patrick Wheeler: Patrick Wheeler was born and raised in New Hampshire. He started his funeral home journey in 2010, when he attended Mount Ida College while working in a funeral home. After a career change, working for the Medical Examiners Office in Boston, MA, he then returned to the funeral business, and is employed with Lambert Funeral Home in Manchester, NH. Patrick finished his college degree at Cape Cod Community College and looks forward to perfecting his skills and assisting and serving families.