For the second straight year, Worlein’s Funeral Home in Austin was honored with a national award.

The home received a Pursuit of Excellence award from the National Funeral Directors Association this past week, joining seven other funeral homes in Minnesota to receive the honor.

“We are thrilled,” community services director Mary Kittelson said.

Worlein’s joins 166 other homes across the country to receive the award. To qualify, a funeral home must exemplify commitment to ethical practices, ongoing education and professional development for staff, outstanding programs and community involvement, according to the NFDA.

“The Pursuit of Excellence Award Program proves that funeral service excellence is not limited by geographical boundaries,” NFDA Chief Executive Officer Christine Pepper said in a press release.

“These award-winning firms, no matter their size and location, are dedicated to improving the face of funeral service by going above and beyond the expectations of the families and communities they serve.”

Paul Worlein, director of the home, said it’s nice to be recognized.

“A lot of these things we’ve been doing for a long time,” he said. “Now it’s just a good time to focus in on it.”

Kittelson said shooting for the award each year gets staff motivated. “It’s a scorecard for us,” she said. “We’ll just keep at it.”