Canale appointed to state Mortuary Science board

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Mark Canale, of Marquette, and Kathleen Barone, of Coldwater, and the reappointment of Monsignor Russell Kohler, of Detroit, to the State Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science.

The nine-member board regulates the practice of mortuary science and oversees the state’s nearly 750 funeral homes and more than 2,100 mortuary science licensees.

“These are experienced and professional individuals and I thank them for their willingness to serve on this board,” Snyder said.

Canale is owner and president of Canale-Tonella Funeral Home Inc. and Canale-Gwinn Funeral Home, is a managing partner of Canale Properties LLC, and a managing partner of Block 500 Partnership LLC. He is the president of the board of trustees of the Marquette County Community Foundation and board chair of the U.P. Catholic Credit Union. Canale holds a bachelor’s degree in mortuary science from the University of Minnesota. He will represent professionals and replaces John Desmond.

Barone is owner and president of Dutcher Funeral Home, and also owner of Kolcz Funeral Home, in Bronson, and she was formerly the director of Lynch & Son’s. Barone holds a bachelor’s of business administration in fashion/business from Parsons School of Design and a bachelor’s degree in mortuary science from Wayne State University. She will represent professionals and replaces Steven Kemp.

Kohler is the pastor of both Ste. Anne de Detroit and Most Holy Trinity Church, and previously served at multiple parishes. In 1974, he established the Pope John XXIII Hospitality House for cancer patients. Kohler holds bachelor’s degrees in English and philosophy from Sacred Heart Seminary. He also studied theology at St. John Seminary and at the University of Detroit.. Kohler will continue to represent the general public.

Members serve four-year terms expiring June 30, 2017, and their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the state Senate.