You have a unique and interesting career background. Can you take me through that? – I was born in Omaha and grew up in Council Bluffs. My very first job was working for Dave Heineman in the State Treasure’s office until 2000. Then, I decided to go to KCKCC for their mortuary program. After I graduated, I worked for a funeral home in Northeast Nebraska for a few months, and then came back to the area and started at Westlawn-Hillcrest. From there, I went to Braman Mortuary. Then some folks encouraged me to apply for the election commissioner job in 2015. I worked with the election commission from 2016 to 2026. I thought I’d retire from there, but then Steve Brunken reached out to me about Forest Lawn (ForestLawnOmaha.com).

What interests or excites you about the leadership opportunity with Forest Lawn? – The people. I knew many of the people that were here, and had worked with several of them. They are spectacular people, trustworthy and honest. So that was a big draw for me. It is like a mini reunion.

What do you think is the biggest challenge you’ve faced, or the biggest challenge you are facing going forward? – When the people in Omaha heard that Governor Ricketts appointed a funeral director as the next Election Commissioner. I had to show the community through hard work, and integrity and transparency that I would be fair to all.

Talk a bit more about that. What Forest Lawn is known for? – Some would say that geography is a challenge. We’re not exactly in the middle of the city, or at 72nd and Dodge. But Forest Lawn is established and is beautiful. With the funeral home that has been here for more than a decade, we’re able to provide options, service and choices, for whatever a family may need. We’re so well known for all of our beautiful burial gardens in the cemetery.

What would you say are some of your personal core values? – Integrity. I’d say that honesty and service are my strongest values. And that’s what builds trust, but I will always be honest and truthful. Another thing that is extremely important about Forest Lawn, is we are governed by a Board of Directors, so we are locally controlled. We’re not a corporation that’s operated out of town.

So, that kind of local ownership and control isn’t common? – It depends. I can tell you Forest Lawn is not going to be sold. We have been very blessed by the people that have come before us. They have maintained, managed and increased a perpetual care fund.

You’re from here, and a part of this community. Can you share more about that? – I’m very involved in my church, St. Vincent de Paul here in Omaha. I was the vice president of the Parish Council when we built the new Kampschneider Hall. I’ve been involved in CHAD (Combined Health Agencies Drive)for a long time, which supports community health agencies.

What sorts of hobbies or things do you do in your free time? – I’m a history major and history buff. So, I’ve traveled to Presidential museums and libraries.

What’s something about you that someone might find surprising? – Some people are a bit surprised that I was a traveling salesman for a few years when I was young, out on the road, living out of suitcases and hotels. There was a certain self reliance that comes with that, the level of preparation, organization and service that is needed.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Phone: 402-451-1000 | Email: Bkruse@forestlawnomaha.com