Roper & Sons Funeral Services opened its doors in Lincoln, Nebraska in December 1901, when Charles H. Roper began offering funeral services with Charles Beecher. Today, Roper & Sons continues to uphold Charles H. Roper’s commitment to serving Lincoln residents and the surrounding communities as well as keeping the business in the hands of family. Officially hired in October of 2014 after his apprenticeship, Nick Sellers is a Funeral Director at Roper & Sons Funeral Services.
How did you get started in the business? – After a few deaths in my family, I started asking funeral directors questions. My curiosity grew, and in college, I decided that I was interested enough to pursue funeral directing as a career. I was hired in a funeral home in Brookings, SD as a student apprentice. From there, I went on to Mortuary school in Minneapolis at the University of Minnesota. Following Mortuary school, I moved to Lincoln and accepted an apprenticeship at Roper & Sons in September of 2013. I passed the state exam, becoming a full time funeral director in October 2014.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Coming from a different state, and finishing my apprenticeship with all of the requirements Nebraska has that are different from other states.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – My biggest achievement so far has been being accepted as an apprentice at Roper & Sons, then successfully completing my apprenticeship and being hired as a full time Funeral Director.
Tell me a little about your family. – My wife Renee is a dental student at UNMC College of Dentistry here in Lincoln and will be graduating in May, 2015. Our daughter Mackenzie was born on November 20th.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Before Renee and I were married, I graduated from SDSU in December 2011. I moved to Lincoln in January 2012, essentially starting over. Living in a new city in a new state, with no one but myself to count on, I proved to myself what I was capable of doing.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Spending a couple of hours at the gym and hanging out with my little girl.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I am a complete metal-head; the heavier the metal music, the better.
What are you the most proud of? – My daughter Mackenzie.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Being a good funeral director is being where you need to be, but staying in the background until you are needed.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “Leveler” by August Burns Red.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – To be able to “hulk out.”
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – I have played the violin since 4th grade.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – I would like to be a gym owner and personal trainer.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – The Game of Thrones series.
What is your favorite movie? – The Departed.
What is your favorite TV show? – The Office.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Sakura China.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Call (402) 476-1225, email me at nick@roperandsons.com, our visit our website at www.roperandsons.com.