Star City 6: Laurie McAdams
Serving the Lincoln community since 1883, Butherus, Maser & Love is a locally owned and operated full-service funeral home. Laurie McAdams is a Family Service Representative at Butherus, Maser & Love.
Tell us a little about your business.
With a crematory, chapel and reception facility on site, we are able to assist the families we serve with the funeral arrangements they have chosen.
How did you get started in the business?
Having lost my father, mother-in-law, mother and husband in four year’s time, I became very familiar with the funeral planning process. When my tenant of 15 years died in 2011, I sent his family to Butherus, Maser & Love. When I decided to retire from the City of Lincoln’s Retired & Senior Volunteer Program after 30 years, I felt as if I was drawn to the funeral home and was hired shortly after that.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
I have found that many people are fearful of our industry. As such, it’s assuring people that getting their plans in order will certainly do no harm, but instead, will relieve the surviving family of the emotional burden of making funeral arrangement decisions at an already emotional time.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Any time I’m able to help families get funeral arrangements in place for a loved one long before it becomes absolutely necessary. Most people tell me that they have worried about “getting this done” for a long time. It is very satisfying when they leave the building saying that they feel great relief.
Tell us a little about your family.
My two older sisters live in Wyoming and Colorado. I have nine nieces and nephews and five greats. I also have what I consider to be an “adopted” granddaughter who I get to spend time with here in Lincoln, many friends who are like family, and a cat.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Well first of all, sleep in, and then have a leisurely morning drinking coffee and reading the newspaper. I have a garden and love to read, but mostly it’s the time I get to spend with my friends.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be
Kind.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
I would love to be a Family Practice Physician. I’d never want to attend school that long, but I think that it would be a very rewarding profession. I’m sure it has something to do with how much I like my doctor.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
I’ve always loved Friendship Home and volunteered there a number of years ago. The Food Bank of Lincoln and Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach are also high on my list. I’m a huge fan of National Public Radio and Nebraska Educational Television too.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Blue Orchid, Parkway Pub, Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill…I really enjoy going out to eat in general!
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
He’s not all that famous, but I would love to have one last dinner with my husband Keith Landgren.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
They are welcome to call me at (402) 488-0934, contact me via email at laurie.mcadams@bmlfh.com, or visit our website at www.bmlfh.com.
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