While many high school students dream of becoming teachers, athletes, or business owners, Potosi High School senior Lacey Langmeier has her sights set on a career that few people her age think about. After graduation, Lacey plans to become a funeral home director and embalmer, a profession centered on compassion, care, and helping families through some of their most difficult moments.
“I want to be a funeral home director and embalmer,” Lacey said. “I want to help people’s loved ones have their last chance on Earth and make sure the family doesn’t have a lot of stress on them during a grieving time.”
Lacey’s interest in this career began after her grandfather passed away, when the care and compassion shown by the funeral home left a lasting impression on her. That experience later helped her realize during her freshman year of high school that becoming a funeral home director and embalmer was the right career for her.
“They did a really good job of making him look a little lively, like it was his last time on Earth,” she said. “It really helped me grieve, so now I want to help other people.”
To expand her knowledge about this career, Lacey began job shadowing at a local funeral home, working with one of the directors there. She describes this person as both a mentor and a role model. “[This] is a really great mentor and someone I really look up to,” Lacey said. “Seeing what [they do] in the job made me realize this is truly my calling.”
During her job shadowing experience, Lacey has observed the various steps in the funeral home process. For Lacey, one of the most interesting aspects of learning about the job is the embalming process itself.
Despite the seriousness of the work, Lacey says the experience has been exciting and rewarding. “I know this is what I want to do,” she said. “It makes me so excited to finish high school and continue on this journey.”
Looking ahead, Lacey has a clear plan for her education. In the fall, she plans to attend Western Technical College for one year before transferring to Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) for another year. After completing her two-year program, she will be ready to begin her career.
For Lacey, this career choice is about much more than a job. It is about helping others during times of loss and providing comfort when it is needed most. Through her dedication and compassion, she hopes to make a meaningful difference in the lives of grieving families.