The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) has elected Adam Thielen, licensed funeral director and owner of Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory, to its Board of Directors. Thielen joins the leadership team as a Board Member-at-Large following a special election held to fill a vacant seat. He will serve a two-year term extending through May 2028.
Thielen brings decades of dedicated service and industry expertise to his new leadership role. He holds licenses as a funeral director and embalmer in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, and works alongside his wife, Theresa, as a licensed life insurance producer in Iowa. His dedication to funeral service began at age 14 while assisting his grandfather at their family funeral home, establishing a lifelong foundation built on compassion, professionalism, and community care.
“We are pleased to welcome Adam to the OGR Board of Directors,” said Peter Urban, Jr., president of the board. “His experience in funeral service, commitment to OGR and dedication to serving families will bring a valuable perspective to the Board. We look forward to his leadership and contributions as we continue working to strengthen OGR and support independent funeral homes.”
Deep Commitment to OGR and Community Service
Thielen’s appointment reinforces his ongoing dedication to the association. In addition to his new role on the governing board, he serves on the OGR Foundation Board of Directors and maintains active membership in The 660 Club, the Iowa Funeral Directors Association, and the National Funeral Directors Association. Beyond his professional engagements, Thielen stays deeply involved in his local community as head usher and Eucharistic Minister at the Church of the Resurrection, as well as an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council #15813 and 4th Degree Assembly #3556.
“OGR has given me the opportunity to build relationships with funeral professionals who share the same commitment to serving families and strengthening independent funeral service,” Thielen said. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve on the Board and give back to an organization that has welcomed me with open arms. I look forward to listening to our members, learning from my fellow Board members and helping ensure OGR continues to be a valuable resource for independent funeral homes.”
About the International Order of the Golden Rule
Founded in 1928, the International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is an association of independently owned and operated funeral homes dedicated to ethical service for all families. OGR advances its mission to make independent funeral homes exceptional by fostering member interaction, facilitating information exchange, and offering professional business development programs and resources. Additional information is available at www.ogr.org.
