Ethical Standards | History | Volunteer | Board of DirectorsProfessional Staff 

About OGR

The Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is an association of independently owned funeral homes across North America and overseas who pledge to a strict code of ethical business and service standards conduct. The men and women at Golden Rule funeral homes lead their businesses with compassion, dignity and the cornerstone philosophy of "Service measured not by gold, but by the Golden Rule" (to do unto others as you would have them do unto you). OGR has worked for over 90 years to resolve common challenges that independently owned funeral homes face, and to prepare them for and guide them through the next stages of funeral service.

Ethical Standards

Golden Rule funeral homes are held to the highest service standard. Fewer than 5% of independently owned funeral homes can call themselves Golden Rule funeral homes, pledging their efforts to the pursuit of the standard of the Golden Rule in all of their personal and professional relationships. Those that do hold this title promise to adhere to a set of 11 ethical standards:

  • We pledge to treat you and your loved one with compassion and respect.
  • We pledge to serve any family in time of need.
  • We pledge to abide by a strict code of ethics.
  • We pledge to be truthful in all we do.
  • We pledge to respect all faiths, creeds and customs.
  • We pledge to keep families’ confidences.
  • We pledge to disclose prices fully and clearly.
  • We pledge to clearly explain charges.
  • We pledge to provide the highest level of competence and care.
  • We pledge to further our education to better serve you.
  • We pledge to help meet the needs of those in grief.

History

By the 1920s, funeral homes had moved out of the backs of furniture stores and livery stables and established a place for themselves among the business community. The public, however, had no way to determine the reliability of a particular firm in this relatively new industry.

To a group of funeral directors in 1928, the "Golden Rule" - a fundamental principle that is universally admired and upheld - became the cornerstone upon which to build a professional association. The founders embarked on a mission to seek out dependable, ethical funeral directors in every community by means of a carefully tested screening process. They wanted to establish a quality-minded identity in the minds of families everywhere. The Golden Rule credo - "Service measured not by gold, but by the Golden Rule- speaks to that identity.

Today, the International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is affiliated with independent funeral homes worldwide that share common goals such as outstanding service and care and compassion to families in their time of need. Our long-lasting association offers members several ways to maintain their legacy of great service through OGR’s advantages of membership.

Volunteer

OGR is a successful member-driven organization thanks to our volunteers who contribute their time, talent and expertise. Grow your professional network and get involved with opportunities that match your schedule, with some requiring no more than one hour of time. Learn more about the opportunities currently available by clicking here.

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Volunteer Leadership

OGR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Paul Hummel

Paul A. Hummel, III
President
Hummel Funeral Homes, Inc.
500 E. Exchange St.
Akron, OH 44304
(330) 253-6126

Christopher B. Miller

Christopher B. Miller
President-elect
Thomas Miller Mortuary & Crematory
1118 E. 6th St.
Corona, CA 92879
(951) 737-3244

Jamie L. Wieting

Jamie L. Wieting
Secretary/Treasurer
Wieting Family Funeral Home
411 W. Main St.
Chilton, WI 53014
(920) 849-4941

Evan J. Strong

Evan J. Strong
Past President
Evan J. Strong Funeral Services
5502 2 St. SW
Calgary, Alberta T2H 0G9
(403) 265-1199

Kim Hunter

Kim R. Hunter
Director
Humphrey Funeral Home
1403 Bayview Ave.
Toronto, Ontario
(416) 487-4523

S. Chase Lewis

S. Chase Lewis
Director
Lewis Funeral Homes, Inc.
6405 Hwy. 90
Milton, Florida 32570
(850) 623-2243

Geri Oliverie

Geri Oliverie
Director
Oliverie Funeral Home
2925 Ridgeway Rd
Manchester, New Jersey 08759
(732) 657-4900

Peter Urban, Jr.
Director
Anton B. Urban Funeral Home
1111 S. Bethlehem Pike
Ambler, PA 19002
(215) 646-8556


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Professional Staff

Wendy King

Wendy King, CAE
Executive Director & CEO
[email protected]
(800) 637-8030, ext. 140

 - strategic execution / management
 - sponsorships
 - Board of Directors liaison
 - OGR Foundation
 - industry liaison

Nancy Weil

Nancy Weil
Member Resources Director
[email protected]
(800) 637-8030, ext. 304

 - member recruitment & retention
 - supply partner relations
 - member benefits & programs
 - Membership Committee liaison

Emilie Perkins

Emilie Perkins, CAE, CMP, CMM, PMP, CED
Education & Events Director
[email protected]
(800) 637-8030, ext. 161

 - Professional development
 - Conferences & Events
 - Professional Development Committee liaison

Anna Delph

Anna Delph
Meetings & Events Coordinator
[email protected]
(800) 637-8030, ext. 119

 - Continuing Education
- Events
- Foundation support

 

Gena Hayes

Gena Hayes
Member Services Coordinator
[email protected]
(800) 637-8030, ext. 146

 - Member Resources
 - Awards
 - Supply Orders

Hannah Fetterhoff

Hannah Fetterhoff
Family Contact Program Coordinator
[email protected]

 - Family Contact Program 

 

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