Golden Circle Awards Celebration recognizes outstanding achievements in the funeral profession. 

The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Professional Service Awards. The awards were presented on May 8, 2024, at the Golden Circle Celebration Awards Dinner held at the DeSoto Hotel in Savannah, Georgia. These awards honor individuals and funeral homes that have displayed exceptional dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence in the profession. 

The OGR Professional Service Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the field, recognizing outstanding contributions and achievements in various categories. A distinguished panel of industry experts carefully reviewed nominations and selected the winners based on their demonstrated expertise, exceptional client service, and significant impact on their respective fields. The winners of the 2024 OGR Professional Service Awards are: 

GOLDEN LIGHT AWARD

The Golden Light Award salutes professional excellence exemplified by an individual member who has inspired others by their commitment to service through OGR involvement, community service, or volunteer activities that demonstrate "service not measured by gold, but by the Golden Rule."

2024 Golden Light Award Recipient: 

Thomas (Tom) Hemmerle, Barnett-Strother Funeral Home, Madison, KY

Tom Hemmerle is a true champion of the OGR community, embodying the values of dedication and innovation that the Golden Light Award seeks to honor. As an avid supporter of OGR, he has consistently gone above and beyond to contribute to the organization's success. His time as president demonstrated his strategic acumen and directly saved the association financially, ensuring its sustainability and growth. 

In addition to serving on OGR's Board of Directors, Tom has also served on the association's nominating committee and membership committee, and currently serves on the OGR Foundation Board of Directors. His commitment to the association is impressive; his funeral home has been a member of OGR for 68 years. 

In his community, Tom is an avid supporter of veterans, hosting an annual toy drive to benefit local organizations. He was also recognized for his disaster relief efforts, where he has held drives to help victims who lost homes from tornadoes in his area. He has received the award for America's best funeral home and the reader's choice award. 

"Tom's unwavering commitment and remarkable contributions make him a more than deserving candidate for the Golden Light Award," said OGR President Jamie Wieting. "This award showcases his exemplary leadership and dedication to the betterment of the funeral profession and the OGR community."

GOLDEN RULE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

The Golden Rule Community Service Award singles out a member firm for outstanding service as demonstrated by activities benefiting local organizations and/or the community they serve. 

2024 Community Service Award Recipient: 

Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Adam Guthrie, Franklin, PA

Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services held a variety of events last year that impacted its community, including a valentine's lunch, a butterfly release service, a Veterans Day luncheon, and a Healing Grief through Art class. These events attracted hundreds of people from across the community, fostering a sense of togetherness and helping individuals transition from a period of grief to one of healing. 

Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services embraces the OGR values of compassion and excellent care and puts that into their work every day. 

GOLDEN RULE EXEMPLARY SERVICE AWARDS

The Exemplary Service Awards recognize Golden Rule firms that have displayed outstanding professionalism and exemplary service to the families they serve. Recipients are selected based on feedback received through OGR's Family Contact Survey Program. 

2024 Exemplary Service Recipients: 

Askew-Houser Funeral Home, Inc., Tim Houser, Nanty Glo, PA

"My dad had a very complicated last few years and was not taking care of his personal needs as he should. When we viewed him for the first time, it was a blessing to see him look so well and like we all wanted to remember him. He looked like 'our dad' again. Thank you!"

Beckwith Mortuary, Inc., Kyle Beckwith, Larned, KS

"Tamara and Kyle Beckwith did a wonderful job! My dad was 93 years old and a veteran of both Korea and Vietnam. Kyle did an outstanding job with the military planning. He placed all the ribbons and patches on my dad's uniform, which took a lot of time to place correctly, so he could be buried in it. Beckwith Mortuary did a great job with everything, it all went so well - my dad would have been so proud."

Flora Funeral Service, Inc., Lee Flora, Rocky Mount, VA

"Thank you for allowing to use his truck instead of the hearse! Just in doing that one wish, it meant the world to us. Everyone went out of their way to prepare for all of our needs and wishes. 

Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Mark Jahn, Decatur, IN

"Mark was the ultimate professional in helping us preplan for the funeral. Mark met every single one of our needs for the day of the funeral with compassion and empathy to help us through a very painful time. He even contacted the restaurant we had for the follow-up meal, during the service, to update them on a much larger attendance than anticipated. From the placement of the chairs and flower arrangements to the entertainment at the cemetery, Mark cared for every detail. Mark was so responsive to meet the needs of visitors waiting in line, increase seating, and perfect timing of streaming music during the service. He has a very soothing, soft-spoken voice that puts families and visitors at ease. Mark did an outstanding job!"

A complete list of award winners and nominees can be found on the official International Order of the Golden Rule website at www.OGR.org/Awards.