Krause Agency, De Pere, announced the acquisition of a preneed insurance division—and its existing funeral home relationships—from insurance carrier and long-time partner ELCO Mutual Life & Annuity.
While Krause Agency has historically supported funeral homes through select insurance solutions, preneed insurance has not been a core business line. The acquisition represents a new division and an expanded area of focus. The move establishes preneed as a central offering, providing funeral professionals with access to multiple preneed product options and increased sales and operational support.
As part of the move, preneed industry leaders Jim Palm and Julie Palm have joined Krause Agency in key leadership roles. Jim Palm will serve as preneed sales director, and Julie Palm will serve as preneed operations director.
“This acquisition represents a strategic step forward for Krause Agency and the funeral professionals we serve,” said Thomas Krause, J.D., president of Krause Agency. “By bringing an established preneed division and experienced leadership into our organization, we’re growing our ability to support funeral homes with consistent service, strong relationships, and expanded product solutions.”
In the coming months, Jim and Julie Palm will focus on onboarding existing accounts and ensuring a smooth transition for funeral home partners. They will also work closely with Krause Agency’s internal teams to strengthen operational processes and support future growth of the preneed division.
“Krause Agency shares our commitment to serving funeral professionals with integrity and long-term vision,” said Jim Palm. “We’re excited to continue working with funeral homes and agents in this next chapter and to be part of an organization that is investing in the future of funeral pre-planning.”
This acquisition serves as a launching point for Krause Agency’s ongoing expansion within the funeral industry and its focus on providing comprehensive insurance solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of funeral professionals and the families they serve.
