For the latest issue of The Independent magazine, OGR caught up with Adam and Theresa Thielen, owners of Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen in Dubuque, Iowa for a chat about their funeral home, their careers, and the latest trends in funeral service. Check out the article below, and OGR members can read the full issue in our magazine archive.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (DECEMBER 5, 2025) - The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is pleased to announce the nomination period is now open for the 2026 OGR Professional Service Awards, with submissions accepted through January 31, 2026. These annual honors celebrate individuals and funeral homes that exemplify exceptional dedication, innovation, and a deep commitment to excellence in the funeral profession.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, with support from Google, are launching Small Business B(AI)sics — a national training initiative aimed at empowering 40,000 small businesses over the next three years to harness the potential of artificial intelligence. With funding from the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund, Small Business B(AI)sics aims to equip entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to leverage AI to grow their businesses and strengthen local economies. Small Business B(AI)sics At a Glance:
INDIANAPOLIS (November 7, 2025) - The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) Foundation has opened its 2025 Awards of Excellence scholarship application period.
The following article is a transcription of OGR President Kim Hunter's inauguration speech at PROGRESS in May 2025 and was published in the Summer 2025 issue of the Independent Magazine. OGR members can log-in to read more magazine articles in our magazine archive.
OGR's The Independent magazine recently caught up with Angelyna Scheck to talk about her career in funeral service! Angelyna is a member of the OGR Future Leaders Committee and was recently named as "One to Watch" by American Funeral Director magazine this fall. Check out the full interview below and OGR members can read all articles from the Summer 2025 issue in The Independent magazine archive.
OGR recently caught up with Brenden Jacobsen and Ninness Funeral Home in Porirua New Zealand for the latest issue of The Independent magazine. Read more in the article below and OGR members can check out the full digital magazine in the OGR member portal.
Twelve Order of the Golden Rule Funeral Homes were recently recognized by NFDA as part of the prestigious 2025 Pursuit of Excellence Awards program. The awards recognize funeral homes that exhibit an unwavering commitment to compassion, professionalism, and continuous improvement. To earn an award, funeral homes must demonstrate excellence in every dimension of funeral service, from care of families and community outreach to education, professional development, and ethical leadership.
INDIANAPOLIS (September 4, 2025) – The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) proudly announces the success of its recent Future Leaders Forum, presented by Full-Circle Aftercare, held August 25-27, 2025, at the Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home, an affiliate location of Pollock-Randall Funeral Home in Port Huron, Michigan.
The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) and its member funeral homes are committed to protecting families during every stage of the funeral process, including guarding against those who seek to exploit them. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning about a disturbing scam that specifically targets individuals who have recently lost a loved one.
INDIANAPOLIS (August 28, 2025) - The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR), the leading professional association dedicated to independently owned funeral homes, is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with Premier Preneed Marketing that will help expand OGR's reach and strengthen the voice of independently owned funeral homes across the US and Canada. This generous incentive removes financial barriers to joining OGR, allowing more funeral home owners to connect with a supportive network, access industry-leading education, and benefit from exclusive member resources.
INDIANAPOLIS (July 11, 2025) – The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is proud to announce the upcoming Future Leaders Forum, presented by Full-Circle Aftercare, held August 25-27, 2025, at the Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home, an affiliate location of Pollock-Randall Funeral Home in Port Huron, Michigan.
The Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is pleased to announce the newly elected leadership and members of its Foundation Board for the 2025–2026 term.
From the Spring 2025 issue of The Independent magazine.
From the Spring 2025 issue of The Independent magazine.
From the Fall 2024 issue of The Independent magazine.
The next OGR Study Group session hosted by The Zabor Funeral Home in Parma, Ohio is just over a month away! Study Groups meet throughout the year in various locations around the world to connect OGR funeral directors and provide open forums for new strategies, ideas, and leadership lessons. Read some of these debunked myths about Study Groups below, and don't forget to register for this summer's study group here!
From the Spring 2025 issue of The Independent magazine.
INDIANAPOLIS (May 29, 2025) - The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR), the world's leading professional association dedicated to making independent funeral homes exceptional, is pleased to announce the installation of Kim R. Hunter as the new president of the organization. Hunter is the owner of Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles-Newbigging Chapel in Toronto, Canada.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Professional Service Awards. The awards were presented on May 7, 2025, at the Golden Circle Celebration Dinner held at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, California. These awards honor individuals and funeral homes that have displayed exceptional dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence in the profession.
