2026 OGR Professional Service Award Recipients Named
Golden Circle Celebration Dinner recognizes outstanding achievements in the funeral profession
INDIANAPOLIS (May 26, 2026) – The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Professional Service Awards. The awards were presented on May 6, 2026, at the Golden Circle Celebration Dinner held at the Galt House in Louisville, Kentucky. 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 2026 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.”
2026 Golden Light Recipient:
Chris Miller, Thomas Miller Mortuary & Crematory in Corona, CA
Chris Miller dedicated nine years of board and committee leadership at OGR, including a term as president from 2024-2025 and president of the OGR Foundation Board in 2025-2026.
As a funeral professional, he is a dynamic force with a unique ability to elevate standards, develop talent, and improve the public’s perception of funeral service. In his community, he provides essential support to the next generation of professionals by actively assisting the mentorship program at Cypress College.
He is also a leader in many spheres outside of the funeral home, demonstrated through his high-profile civic roles and profound, selfless acts of generosity. He was recently awarded “citizen of the year” in his community for his generous contributions and volunteerism.
OGR Professional Service Awards
“Chris represents the very best of what OGR stands for,” said Wendy King, Executive Director and CEO of OGR. “His leadership, compassion and dedication to both families and fellow funeral professionals have left a profound mark on our organization and the profession as a whole. The Golden Light Award is reserved for individuals whose influence extends far beyond their own communities, and Chris embodies that spirit completely.”
INAUGURAL RISING STAR AWARD
This award honors individuals who have been employed by an OGR member firm for between one and five years, whether they are young professionals entering the field or second-career professionals embarking on a new chapter of service.
2026 Rising Star Recipient:
Maddison Bakker, Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Franklin, PA
Maddison consistently demonstrates professionalism, compassion, leadership, and initiative well beyond her years in funeral service. At her funeral home, she was instrumental in launching a new aftercare program, creating meaningful opportunities for families to heal and connect following a loss. She serves on the OGR Future Leaders committee and frequently creates content for OGR education and marketing. She is also a regular attendee at OGR events, including the Future Leaders Forum.
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.
2026 Community Service Recipient:
Thomas Miller Mortuary & Crematory, Chris Miller, Corona, CA
To engage families, Thomas Miller Mortuary & Crematory organized an impactful Dia de Muertos (day of the dead) celebration for the first time this year. The funeral home licensed the Disney Pixar movie, “Coco,” which is a critically acclaimed animated film exploring the holiday and is a love letter to the importance of remembering those who came before us. The funeral home hosted the community to come enjoy a “Movie Night at the Mortuary” with freshly popped popcorn and cold drinks.
OGR is proud to recognize Thomas Miller Mortuary & Crematory for their innovation, creativity, and 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.
OGR Professional Service Awards
2026 Exemplary Service Recipients:
Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Vero Beach, Florida
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about Mary Strunk and her staff. They were extraordinary during the most difficult time of our lives. From the moment we walked through their doors, we were met with gentleness, compassion, and professionalism. Their team handled every detail of my stepfather’s funeral with fact and sensitivity. Finally, they anticipated our needs and offered guidance and support, especially to my mother, who was overwhelmed.”
Kyger Funeral Home & Crematory, Harrisonburg, VA
“Travis Kyger was amazing. We made an appointment and were seen promptly. He listed with care + concern for our wishes, was able to provide many options + gave some great ideas for our father’s graveside service. When dealing with grief it’s hard enough. Travis and his team were very caring and had answers to help us decide what to do. We were treated like royalty. We were so impressed! Thank you very much. Melinda went beyond the call of duty when I delivered my father’s ashes to the funeral home. Her kindness will never be forgotten.”
Brunswick Memorial Funeral Home, East Brunswick, New Jersey
“Charlene and Nickie were absolutely wonderful to my family and I. They couldn’t do enough for us. From the day we meet with them after my husband’s passing to the day I picked up his ashes, they were superb. And they continued to contact me + made sure I didn’t need anything else, my family feels the same as me. They raved about their compassion + service for days after.”
Osborne Funeral Home, Williamsport, Maryland
“My mother passed away on 1/6/2024. The family at Osborne Funeral Home have been so kind, compassionate, and helpful. They handled my father’s arrangements 5 years ago. When my son and I walked into their facility I was really anxious, however the environment along with their wonderful caring eased all my fears and worry. I was completely relaxed! I can’t thank them enough!”
“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.
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About the International Order of the Golden Rule
The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) 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.
