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.

Volunteer Leadership
OGR BOARD OF DIRECTORS |

Paul A. Hummel, III President Hummel Funeral Homes, Inc. 500 E. Exchange St. Akron, OH 44304 (330) 253-6126
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Christopher B. Miller President-elect Thomas Miller Mortuary & Crematory 1118 E. 6th St. Corona, CA 92879 (951) 737-3244
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Jamie L. Wieting Secretary/Treasurer Wieting Family Funeral Home 411 W. Main St. Chilton, WI 53014 (920) 849-4941
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Evan J. Strong Past President Evan J. Strong Funeral Services 5502 2 St. SW Calgary, Alberta T2H 0G9 (403) 265-1199
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Kim R. Hunter Director Humphrey Funeral Home 1403 Bayview Ave. Toronto, Ontario (416) 487-4523
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S. Chase Lewis Director Lewis Funeral Homes, Inc. 6405 Hwy. 90 Milton, Florida 32570 (850) 623-2243
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Geri Oliverie Director Oliverie Funeral Home 2925 Ridgeway Rd Manchester, New Jersey 08759 (732) 657-4900
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Peter Urban, Jr. Director Anton B. Urban Funeral Home 1111 S. Bethlehem Pike Ambler, PA 19002 (215) 646-8556
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Arianna Rule YP Council Board Liaison Brunswick Memorial Funeral Home 454 Cranbury Rd. East Brunswick, NJ 08816 (732) 254-9393
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Professional Staff
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Anna Delph Meetings & Events Coordinator [email protected] (800) 637-8030, ext. 119
- continuing education - Foundation support - awards program
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Catalina Gallegos Communications & Marketing Coordinator [email protected] (800) 637-8030, ext. 144
- InSights newsletter curation - email communication - Learning Library management - social media management - Young Professionals Council liaison
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Evan Hoffmeyer Communications Director [email protected] (800) 637-8030, ext. 143
- communications & marketing strategy - The Independent® magazine editor - advertising coordination - supply partner benefit fulfillment - website management - podcasts
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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
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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
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Nancy Weil Member Resources Director [email protected] (800) 637-8030, ext. 304
- member recruitment & retention - supply partner relations - member benefits & programs - Membership Committee liaison
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Elly Wertz Membership Coordinator [email protected] (800) 637-8030, ext. 146
- membership processing and renewals - Family Contact Program manager - supply partner orders - invoicing - Board of Directors support
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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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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.

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