In this inaugural episode of PodCasket, host Curtis Funk welcomes Michael "Turk" Turkiewicz, a pioneering force in funeral home technology. Known as the father of funeral home websites, Turk shares his incredible journey from a Midwestern upbringing to transforming the funeral service industry with his innovative company, FuneralNet.

Turk recounts his early years in Buffalo, New York, and Youngstown, Ohio, his football career at the University of Memphis, and his initial foray into the funeral industry with Hillenbrand Industries. He dives into the inception of FuneralNet, where he and his team built the first commercially-focused funeral home websites, forever changing how funeral services are marketed and accessed.

Listeners will learn about Turk's groundbreaking work in creating online obituaries, guest books, and pre-need arrangements, and how these innovations have become industry standards. Turk also discusses the challenges and triumphs of running a tech company, including navigating the dot-com boom and bust, and the evolution of web technology over the years.

This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and funeral service, offering a unique perspective on the digital transformation of an age-old industry.