A Morning of Heart, Humanity (and a Little Bit of Humor) at Wolfersberger Funeral Home

Yesterday our Silver Creek Area CEO students stepped out into a cold, rainy O’Fallon morning and made their way to Wolfersberger Funeral Home — and what awaited them inside was a warmth and kindness that instantly melted away any nerves.

Owners Kim and Jim Sabella and Client Engagement Specialist Ann Martin welcomed us with pastries, juice, and coffee, greeting each student as if they were family. Even though our class officially starts at 7:00 a.m., many of our students had already lined the parking lot by 6:35 — and Kim, Jim, and Ann were amazed. What they didn’t know is that our students always wait until all have arrived, so we can walk in together — as a family. And true to form, every student shook hands upon entering and leaving — a gesture of respect, connection, and gratitude.

Some of our students even admitted to feeling a bit uneasy about visiting a funeral home, but any tension vanished the moment they stepped inside. From the very first words, we were put at ease. And once the presentation began, Kim had the group reflecting one minute to laughing the next. She’s dynamic, warm, and full of heart — the kind of person whose compassion can be felt the instant you meet her.

Ann then explained her role as Client Engagement Specialist, showing how thoughtful touches — from flowers to toiletries to small comforts — create the “wow factor” that helps make the hardest moments just a little softer for families.

As Kim spoke about the importance of care, compassion, and integrity in their business, the students were completely engaged. Throughout the morning, students peppered the presentation with thoughtful questions — from how to build trust with clients, to what skills are most important in their business, to what it takes to balance running a business with family life. We laughed aloud when Kim shared a funny story from early in their ownership days, and the room was full of energy, curiosity, and learning.

After listening for a while, Macie mentioned that while she truly appreciates the cross and spiritual items displayed throughout the funeral home, she also recognizes that not everyone shares those same beliefs. Kim explained that they serve all people equally, regardless of religion, race, or cultural background, and will do whatever is needed so each family feels most comfortable. Several students nodded thoughtfully, impressed by how much care and intention goes into making every family feel at ease during such a difficult time.

Kim and Jim are not only business partners but also husband and wife. Jim, a veteran who grew up near Chicago, learned the value of hard work in his family’s gas station business. On the very first day he and Kim took ownership of the funeral home, his father shared words of wisdom from decades of running a business: “You just went from one boss to 30,000 bosses.” Those words still guide how Kim and Jim serve their community — with humility, dedication, and heart.

Kim shared that her favorite thing in the world is simply taking care of people. Through years of military life — with all the moves, promotions, and deployments — she balanced raising their children with her calling as a mortician. In 2005, they took ownership of this historic home, built in 1877 and converted into a funeral home in the 1940s. Today, they live upstairs and remain on call 24/7 — truly living their mission of care and service.

The Sabellas are also deeply rooted in the community. They are active members of the O'Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce and Downtown District, always supporting others and showing up. They even attended our Silver Creek Area CEO Meet and Greet earlier this year and have been genuinely excited to host our class ever since.

One of the most exciting moments for our students came when Kim and Jim presented each student with a Dot card — a digital business card for their personal use. For most students, these were their very first “real” business cards, and the fact that they were digital immediately connected with our tech-savvy group. The students were absolutely thrilled — some even set up their cards and sent their contact information to Kim before the day was over. Shouts of “I love this!” and “This is so cool!” echoed across the room as students explored their new cards. The excitement and energy in the room was contagious, and the generosity of the gift reflected the Sabellas’ commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs.

Throughout the visit, Kim and Jim shared lessons that go far beyond business — lessons about integrity, kindness, empathy, and trust. They reminded our students that success isn’t measured in money or titles, but in how you treat others. And that “Do the right thing — especially when no one’s watching” is a motto they live by.

While it was still raining when we left, the students walked out feeling lighter and warmer inside — carrying with them the laughter, compassion, and lessons from a truly special morning.

In a business centered on caring for people during life’s most difficult moments, Kim, Jim, and Ann embody what it means to lead with heart. Thank you for opening your doors, your home, and your hearts to us — just one more lesson to our students that true success is about serving others well, and doing it with love.