LANSING — Eugene Wagner, of Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals in Cassopolis was recently elected Recording Secretary of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association (MFDA).

MFDA is a professional organization representing roughly 1,200 funeral directors serving 500 funeral homes statewide and over three-quarters of all mortuary science licensees in Michigan. Wagner was installed at the Association’s recently held 135th annual convention in Kalamazoo.

Wagner is a native of Detroit who brings over 40 years of experience helping families to Connelly Chapel. A graduate of Wayne State University, Wagner is a charter member of the Michigan Embalmers Society, a founding member and past president of the Independent Funeral Directors of Indiana, and a rostered clergy (Emeritus) in the Lutheran Church.

Wagner and his wife, Lois, are active in church and civic activities in Southwest Michigan, including service on the Cass Area Utility Authority and Cassopolis/Vandalia Chamber of Commerce.  Wagner is also a member of the Cassopolis
Village Council.

Founded in 1880, the Michigan Funeral Directors Association is the nation’s oldest organization of funeral professionals. The MFDA board of directors guides the work of the association in its mission to enhance the value of funeral service and the profession through government advocacy, public information and professional education. The recording secretary post is the association’s entry-level officer position and generally ascents to the presidency in three years after serving in the additional offices of Vice President and Treasurer and President-elect.