The International Order of the Golden Rule is pleased to announce the newly elected leadership and members of its foundation board for the 2026–2027 term.
Jamie Wieting, Wieting Family Funeral Home, Chilton, Wis., has been elected chair of the foundation board. Roger Beyers, Beyers Funeral Home & Crematory, Leesburg, Fla. was re-elected as secretary/treasurer, continuing his longstanding service to the foundation.
They join continuing members:
- William Brock, Vander Plaat Funeral Home of Wyckoff, Wyckoff, N.J.
- Peter “Skip” Urban, Anton B. Funeral Home, Ambler, Pa.
- Laura Kendrick-Godwin, Pollock-Randall Funeral Home, Inc., Port Huron, Mich.
- Charles Castiglia, Lakeside Memorial Funeral Home, West Seneca, N.Y.
- Thomas Hemmerle, Barnett-Strother Funeral Home, LLC., Madisonville, Ky.
- Paul Hummel III, Hummel Funeral Home & Crematories, Akron, Ohio
- S. Chase Miller, Lewis Funeral Home, Milton, Fla.
- Peter Urban Jr., Anton B. Funeral Home, Ambler, Pa.
- Justin Zabor, The Zabor Funeral Home, Parma, Ohio
- Adam Thielen, Hoffman Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa
- Brenden Jacobsen, Ninness Funeral Home, Porirua, Wellington, NZ
The foundation board, established in 2014, plays a vital role in supporting OGR’s mission and values through scholarships, charitable giving, and advancing educational initiatives in the funeral profession. This past year, OGR members came together to raise a record-breaking $32,000 in support of the Foundation’s work. These funds will help provide scholarships to mortuary students and spotlight outstanding leaders across the funeral profession.
“We are grateful for the commitment and leadership each of our board members brings to the Foundation,” said Wendy King, OGR executive director. “Their dedication ensures we can continue to make a meaningful impact within the profession and support the next generation of funeral service leaders.”
“The Foundation is a cornerstone of OGR’s future-focused work,” said Wieting, OGR board president from 2024-2025. “This year’s board reflects a powerful mix of experience and fresh perspectives that will move our mission forward.”
If you are interested in supporting the work of the Foundation Board, please contact Wendy King at wking@ogr.org or visit www.OGR.org/Foundation.
About the International Order of the Golden Rule Foundation
The International Order of the Golden Rule Foundation (OGR Foundation) is the charitable arm of the International Order of the Golden Rule, a professional association of independently owned funeral homes. It is committed to strengthening the future of the funeral profession by providing scholarships and supporting professional development. Through these efforts, the Foundation empowers the next generation of funeral service leaders and promotes compassionate care in communities around the world. To learn more, visit www.ogr.org/Foundation.
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