By Steve Edwards

BCJ News

Cherie Edwards welcomed guests to the Business After Hours event hosted by the Edwards Funeral Home. With new funeral director Daniel Dahl at her side, Edwards told about 40 guests at the event, "I'm really thrilled to have Daniel and his family joining the business. I believe he will continue the legacy that Marvin (Edwards) started in 1973 when we purchased the funeral home." Noting that Daniel was looking to work with a funeral home that wanted to remain family owned and community oriented, Edwards said, "I think we have a really good fit here."

When Dahl had a turn to welcome guests he said, "I know you all are dying to hear what I have to say." Dahl has already established himself in the area as an outgoing personality with a great sense of humor. Commenting about his growing up in and recently moving from Wasilla, Alaska, Dahl said, "Some of you may recognize Wasilla as the place where Sarah Palin launched her political career. Wasilla is a fairly large town, about the size of Great Falls, so I didn't know her. However, if you like her, so do I. If you don't like her, I don't either." That brought more appreciative laughter from the crowd.

Visitors at the Business After Hours were provided some materials, including a very helpful funeral planning guide that lists the kinds of questions that always come up when there is a death. The guide allows some preplanning to list answers and gather information. An information sheet also listed some details about "Marvin's Legacy," background of Daniel Dahl and his family, and a brief history of the funeral home building. Visitors enjoyed some finger foods and a chance to connect with a new member of the community.