Jesse “Don” Satterlee, Sr., 91, of Neoga, Illinois, passed away Friday, April 17, 2026, at HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville, Illinois.
He was born May 2, 1934, in Anderson Township, Illinois, the oldest son of Jesse Satterlee and Loevia Miles. In 1955, Don’s cousin Robert fixed him up on a blind date with the woman who would become the love of his life, Janet Graden. Don would tell everyone he fell in love with Janet at first sight. The two married on May 15, 1955, in Raymond, Illinois. Together they shared almost 71 years of marriage, a lasting testament to their love, commitment, and true partnership.
 Don 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, Don went to work as an engineer eventually building and operating his own industrial electronics company for 61 years before retiring.
He was deeply devoted to his family and to his lifelong involvement in Masonry. Don had the honor of serving as the Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State of Illinois for 2001 to 2002. Don was a member of the Effingham Masonic Lodge #149 AF & 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, Illinois, 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 is survived by his loving wife, Janet Satterlee; his sons, Don Satterlee, Jr. (Terri) of Marine, Illinois, and Jae Satterlee (Jennifer) of Rolesville, North Carolina; his daughter, Donet George (Douglas) of Springfield, Illinois; his grandchildren, Rachel Diehl (Michael), Brooke Satterlee, Maggie George, and Elizabeth George; and his great-grandchildren, Malachi Diehl and Ezekiel Diehl.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Loevia Satterlee; his brother, Ronald Satterlee; his cousin and best friend, Robert Satterlee; and his great-grandson, Henry Benjamin.
A Visitation will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Stiehl- Dawson Funeral home in Nokomis, Illinois, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Masonic rites will be conducted at 6:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with Pastor John M. Taliwaga officiating. 
Interment will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Camp Butler National Cemetery, where military rites will be accorded.
Don will be remembered for his steady presence, his dedication, and the quiet strength with which he lived his life.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to 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.). 
Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.