Fourth-Generation CCMS Graduate Earns Leadership Award from OFDA

Cincinnati, OH – Nearly one hundred years after his great-grandfather attended Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, Robert William Weigel stepped to the stage to receive the Ohio Funeral Directors Association award for Leadership at his commencement from CCMS.  As a fourth-generation graduate of the college, Robert follows the lead of his great-grandfather, grandfather and father in the field of funeral service.

The award provides a scholarship, which Rob will put to use in continued professional development after being awarded his Associate of Applied Science at CCMS’ recent graduation ceremony.  Rob was selected by the faculty for the OFDA honor because of the student leadership he demonstrated throughout his coursework.  “It was such an honor to be chosen for this award by the CCMS faculty, considering there were 42 students in my class, each with special talents and gifts,” says Rob.  “It is the mission of CCMS not only to train our students as funeral service providers but also to shape them to become leaders in the industry,” notes Karen Giles, president of the college.  “Rob’s receipt of this prestigious award is a salute to his ability to motivate by his example.”

Born to a family of funeral directors Rob developed an interest in the industry naturally from hearing stories of his great-grandfather and grandfather.  So with three generations before him graduating from CCMS, his decision to attend their alma mater was an easy one.  And in the family tradition, he will live and work in Hamilton, Ohio, the community that his family has always called home.

 “We are proud when students like Rob entrust their funeral service education to CCMS,” says Giles.  “We value that trust and deliver a program that blends academic excellence with the practical hands-on learning that sets us apart, and has for generations.”

The family business, now called Weigel Funeral Home, began as Klaus Funeral Home in 1926 by his great-grandfather, Robert Klaus.  The name changed to Klaus-Weigel Funeral Home in the 1960s after his grandfather, Robert L. Weigel, became involved.   Now as Weigel Funeral Home it is operated by Rob’s father, Robert L. Weigel II, who looks forward to carrying on the family tradition by working side by side with his son.