LANSING — Eugene Wagner, of Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals in Cassopolis and Three Oaks, was recently elected president of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association.

MFDA is a professional organization representing roughly 1,200 funeral directors serving 500 funeral homes statewide, and representing nearly three-quarters of all licensed mortuary science establishments in Michigan.

Wagner was installed in Grand Rapids at the Association’s 138th annual convention. Wagner is the third funeral director from Cassopolis to lead the association, with John J. Fisher serving in 1919 and Thomas J. Connelly in 1971.

Wagner is a native of Detroit, and has amassed more than 40 years of experience in the funeral service industry. A graduate of Wayne State University, Wagner is also a charter member of the Michigan Embalmers Society and a founding member and past president of the Independent Funeral Directors of Indiana, and a rostered clergy (Emeritus) in the Lutheran Church.

“It’s a great honor to lead the Michigan Funeral Directors Association,” Wagner said. “As funeral directors, it is our duty to help families navigate through life’s most difficult and trying moments, and that’s an incredible responsibility.  The MFDA has always done amazing work empowering funeral directors to provide families with the very best in terms of support and comfort, and I couldn’t be more excited to lead such a worthy endeavor.”

Wagner and his wife, Lois, returned to their home state of Michigan in 2010 when they purchased their funeral home in Cassopolis. They have been active members of the community since, including service on the Cass Area Utility Authority and Cassopolis/Vandalia Chamber of Commerce. Wagner was also elected to serve on the Cassopolis Village Council.

“Eugene has demonstrated time and again that not only is he a tremendous advocate for families in southwest Michigan, but also for funeral directors throughout Michigan,” said Phil Douma, executive director of the MFDA. “I have no doubt his leadership and vision will serve our association well as we work to enhance the value of funeral service and the profession through government advocacy, public information and professional education.”

Founded in 1880, the Michigan Funeral Directors Association is the nation’s oldest organization of funeral professionals.