WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Charles D. “Chuck” Hastings of Perry, longtime owner and operating of Hastings Funeral Homes in Perry and Jefferson, was recently honored for 50 years of dedicated service in the field of funeral service by the Iowa Funeral Directors Association (IFDA).
Hastings is one of 11 funeral directors from around Iowa to be recognized by his peers and colleagues for 50 years of service to Iowa communities in annual IFDA ceremonies.
Hastings first developed his interest in funeral service while living in LeRoy, Minnesota. He accepted a job with Martz Furniture Store and soon found himself working with an ambulance service and then a funeral home. He started his career venture with his wife, Dina, and four little boys.
Hastings graduated from the University of Minnesota and worked for Martz Funeral Home in LeRoy before returning to Iowa. He worked for Slininger Funeral Home in Jefferson and Greg Gullick-Loehr Funeral Home in Newton before building his two successful funeral homes in Jefferson and Perry.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s annual convention of the IFDA was canceled, but Hastings will be recognized at next year’s convention. He has received his pin and celebrates 50 years this year.
IFDA represents over 700 Iowa licensed funeral directors and 425 funeral home establishments throughout the state. The mission of the Iowa Funeral Directors Association is to promote and support high standards within the field of funeral service through continuing education programs, legislative representation and service to Iowa communities. For more information, please visit the IFDA website.
