Our Staff

Stephen Ater

Co-Owner/Operator

Stephen M. Ater is a Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer since 1977. He was born in Decatur, IL and is a 1976 graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale with a Degree in Mortuary Science and Funeral Service. He returned from college to work at Ater Memorial Homes in Blue Mound, Macon and Decatur, his family funeral business, and later moved to Urbana to be with Renner-Wikoff Chapel in 1985. 

Stephen is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Illinois Funeral Directors Association and Illinois Funeral Ethics Association and is a Certified Crematory Operator. He regularly attends continuing education courses that relate to the funeral profession and has gained valuable experience as a funeral professional. He has assisted people from many diverse religious and cultural beliefs in the planning of all aspects of the funeral process. His experience includes counseling in planning of traditional services, Celebration of Life services as well as cremation options. He is also involved in pre-planning services.

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Matt Schable

Co-Owner/Operator

Matt Schable graduated from Atwood-Hammond High School in 1991. He attended Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL and graduated from Southern Illinois University School of Mortuary Science in 1994. He became a Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer in 1995 and after working for several area funeral homes, he began working at Renner-Wikoff Chapel in 1997. 

Matt is also a Certified Cremationist, Illinois licensed insurance producer and pre-need counselor.

“I enjoy working with people and find it especially gratifying when I have made the entire death experience easier for families. Helping someone through, quite possibly, the most difficult time of their life is something that can be difficult, but rewarding. When a family member approaches me, after the funeral or memorial service, and says, 'Thank you. You made this so much easier on our family.' I cannot think of any other profession I would want to have.”

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Susan Satterlee

Funeral Director/Embalmer

Susan Satterlee was raised in Colfax, Illinois and graduated from Octavia High School. She attended the University of Illinois and graduated from FTCC with a degree in Funeral Services. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and Who’s Who Among Universities and Colleges. Susan is a licensed funeral director, has advanced schooling in Restorative Arts from the Fountain National Academy and is a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner.

She is a member of  Rotary, Illinois Paint Horse Association, Chairman of Licensing & Permits and   Alderman for the City of Paxton. Susan and her husband, Steve, retired Army Officer, have three daughters: Kelly Satterlee -Hopkins, Elizabeth Satterlee-McWilliams and Shannon Satterlee-Walters.

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