Jesse “Don” Satterlee, Sr., 91, of Neoga, died on Friday, April 17, 2026, at HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville.
A visitation will be held on Monday, April 27, at Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis from 4 to 7 p.m. Masonic Rites will be conducted at 6 p.m. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 28, at 10 a.m., with Pastor John M. Taliwaga officiating. Interment will follow at 12 p.m. at Camp Butler National Cemetery, where military rites will be accorded. Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Mr. Satterlee was born on May 2, 1934, in Anderson Township, the oldestson of Jesse Satterlee and Loevia Miles. In 1955, his cousin Robert fixed him up on a blind date with the woman who would become the love of his life, Janet Graden. He would tell everyone he fell in love with her at first sight. The two married on May 15, 1955, in Raymond. Together they shared almost 71 years of marriage, a lasting testament to their love, commitment and true partnership.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army Signal Corps, an honor he carried with him throughout his life. His time in the army allowed him to earn his bachelor’s degree in electronics from Princeton University. After leaving the army, he went to work as an engineer, eventually building and operating his own industrial electronics company for 61 years before retiring.
Mr. Satterlee was deeply devoted to his family and to his lifelong involvement in Masonry. He had the honor of serving as the Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State of Illinois from 2001 to 2002. He was a member of the Effingham Masonic Lodge #149 AF and AM; Hillsboro Chapter #197 RAM; Decatur Chapter #21 RAM; Hiram Council #12 Cryptic Masons; St. Olmer Commandery #30 Knights Templar; Earl of Torell Council #24 Knight Masons of the USA; Shadrach Bond Council #272 Allied Masonic Degrees, Illinois Priory #11 KYCH; Scottish Rite Valley of Springfield, Illinois, Ansar Shrine of Springfield, IL; AAONMS; Senior DeMolay; Effingham Chapter #110 OES; lifetime member of the American Legion; FFA; and Quail Forever.
He was also a longtime member of Centenary United Methodist Church, where he and his son Jae helped rebuild the sound system for the sanctuary. He will be remembered for his steady presence, his dedication and the quiet strength in which he lived his life.
Mr. Satterlee is survived by his loving wife, Janet Satterlee; sons, Don (Terri) Satterlee Jr. of Marine and Jae (Jennifer) Satterlee of Rolesville, NC; daughter, Donet (Douglas) George of Springfield; grandchildren, Rachel (Michael) Diehl, Brooke Satterlee, Maggie George and Elizabeth George; and great-grandchildren, Malachi Diehl and Ezekiel Diehl.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Loevia Satterlee; brother, Ronald Satterlee; cousin and best friend, Robert Satterlee; and great-grandson, Harry Benjamin.
Memorials may be made to the building fund for the Effingham Masonic Lodge #149, the sound system at Centenary Methodist Church, or the Royal Arch Research Assistance Fund (R.A.R.A.).
