The International Order of the Golden Rule 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.
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 2025 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 measured not by gold, but by the Golden Rule.”
2025 Golden Light Recipient:
Kevin Opsahl (pictured at the top of this article), Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory in Yankton, SD
Kevin Opsahl dedicated nine years of board and committee leadership at OGR, including a term as president from 2010-2011.
He started and hosts the annual tradition of the OGR pheasant hunt invitational which continues today after 24 years. He has a passion for future leader development and has mentored numerous students and apprentices from local colleges and high school internship programs. In his community, he serves on numerous boards and committees in his church, he has coached several youth sports teams, volunteered for clean up during floods, supported first responders, and traveled to Ukraine to help refugees.
After 43 years of continued service, Opsahl continues to show that families always come first. His caring nature and empathetic professionalism sets him apart.
“Kevin’s unwavering commitment and remarkable contributions make him a more than deserving candidate for the golden light award,” said Kim Hunter, OGR Board President. “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.
2025 Community Service Recipient:
Arlington Memorial Chapels, Raffy Jose, Quezon City, Manila, Philippines
This year, Arlington Memorial Chapels engaged families using a new program called “Timeless Tastes,” a cookbook of recipes collected from client families to act as a tribute to the enduring connection that we maintain with our loved ones through the food that we share. Additionally, Arlington offers a range of specialized aftercare and grief support services to families and hosts a variety of events throughout the year designed to bring the community together.
OGR is proud to recognize Arlington Memorial Chapels for their long history of community service and their commitment to OGR values.
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.
2025 Exemplary Service Recipients:
Farmer & Son Funeral Home; Geneva, Nebraska
“They are the most compassionate people. They let you decide what you want but help guide you to the right decisions. They have followed up with us to let us know they are there for us if we need anything. The visitation and the service were above our expectations. They tried very hard to make my husband look good after a rough bout with cancer and they did a great job. The funeral home had arranged for the USA Army Honor Guard to be at the cemetery and it was beautiful. It meant a lot to the family. The owners and staff do a wonderful job of making a very emotional time as easy as it can be.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler Mortuaries & Crematory; Omaha, Nebraska
“Each and every member of the staff we encountered in-person or over the phone was kind, patient, understanding, respectful, and professional. One member of the staff in particular was exceptional in responding to a request that was the result of the review of our mother before the transport to the church. Specifically, her hair was not styled the way she wore it. Dawn responded to our request promptly and professionally, on short notice, and made it right! Dawn is a credit to herself, Heafey-Hoffman-Dworak-Cutler and professionals!”
Oliverie Funeral Home; Manchester, New Jersey
“Everyone was very friendly, compassionate, and professional. They were understanding and made a hard situation a bit easier. It was nice to not have to worry about anything regarding the viewing of the funeral. It all went smoothly. Everything was set up so beautifully, from the casket to the memorial video. At the cemetery, I did not have to wonder about anything; it was all taken care of smoothly and subtly. Both of my uncles chose Oliverie for their funeral services and they chose wisely. It’s a beautiful, modern funeral home with amazing staff.”
“We are thrilled to honor these exceptional individuals and organizations who have raised the bar in the funeral profession,” said Wendy King, Executive Director/CEO of the International Order of the Golden Rule. “Their dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence have made a significant impact on their communities and have set a standard of excellence for others to follow.”
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.
About the International Order of the Golden Rule
The International Order of the Golden Rule is an association of independently owned and operated funeral homes dedicated to ethical service to all. Founded in 1928, it is our mission to make independent funeral homes exceptional. We do this by building and supporting member interaction, information exchange and professional business development through a wide range of programs, services and resources. For more information, visit www.ogr.org.
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