Of Chelsea, Michigan, age 89, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2026, at his home in Chelsea. He was born May 20, 1937, in Chelsea, Michigan, the son of Vernon J. and Edna C. (Ortbring) Satterthwaite.
Ron was well-liked and deeply connected to his community. He served on the Chelsea School Board for eight years and was a member and past president of the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club, where he was a member for 58 years. Over the years, he worked at Blaess Elevator (Honeggers), and was co-owner of Smith's Service for 24 years. Ron was also a longtime member of the First Congregational Church in Chelsea.
Ron proudly served in the Army for 18 months active duty where he was honorably discharged. He had a lifelong love of old two-cycle John Deere tractors, and when he was 80 years old, he rebuilt a 1949 M.C. John Deere bulldozer. He was an exceptional mechanic - if it didn’t run, he would fix it. He enjoyed many simple pleasures in life, including trap shooting, hunting, fishing, and reading. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, teasing them and sharing his sense of humor. He also enjoyed bringing Jean Taco Bell and making pretzels with her.
Ron married Jean Kay Begole on October 6, 1962, and she preceded him in death on February 29, 2024. He is survived by his three sons, Rodney (Julia) Satterthwaite of Palo Alto, California; Curtis (Emily) Satterthwaite of Howard City; and Lance (Amy) Satterthwaite of Grass Lake; and his grandchildren, Hunter, Jordan, Henry, Liam, Maggie, Micah, Jonah, and Ryli. He is also survived by special friends Ted Blaker and Catherine Schmidt. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Darrel and Jerry, and his grandson, Richie.
Funeral services were held Friday, Aug. 28, 11:00 am at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with Rev. Rachel Ciupek-Reed officiating. Burial followed at Vermont Cemetery in Chelsea.
The family received friends Thursday from 2-4 & 6-8 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to For the Boys Foundation, Chelsea Rod and Gun, or Heartland Hospice of Ann Arbor.
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Comments
Please accept our sincere condolences. May GOD bless you and your family.
You will all be in our continued thoughts and prayers
I've had the pleasure of knowing Ron and enjoying his unique sense of humor since he let me join his table at Chelsea Rod & Gun 39 +years ago. He was CRGCs oldest member and often enlightened the newer club members to the past history and events of our club. We club members always look forward to when Ron and Jean would make ham and cheese pretzel rolls for our meeting. Ron was a true gentleman, he set an example for others as what it ment to be a friend and a caring person. I will miss him and will always appreciate his friendship.
Sincerely , Tim Eiseman