Samuel M. Satterlee

Samuel M. Satterlee, also fondly known as Sam, left this world unexpectedly on July 6, 2024, in Freeport, Illinois. He was born on April 2, 2004, in his hometown of Rockford, Illinois.

Sam was a bright young man with a passion for the outdoors. He found solace in reflecting outside whether he was hiking, rafting, or on one of his many adventures shared with friends and fellow scouts. A dedicated parishioner and alter boy at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Rockford, and a proud Eagle Scout of Troop 37 and Venturing Crew 10, exemplified his commitment to serving his community and preserving the beauty of the places he explored.

Educationally accomplished through St. Peter’s Cathedral School where Sam was forever thankful to Mrs. Cindy Buffo for her many gifts of stories and creative art classes and to Mrs. Betsy Conery for continuous supply of magic crackers and bandaids. As a student of Boylan Catholic High School's Class of 2022, he was a member of the Anime, Art, Film and Asian Cultures Clubs. Sam was in pursuit of higher education at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, studying graphic design and Earth Science. He continued to share his enthusiasm for life as a resident advisor utilizing the skills he learned at Canyon Camp. 

His career at BSA’s Canyon Camp as the dining hall director (’22 and ’24), trading post manager and other various positions where he worked since the age of 14, showcased his leadership skills and dedication to providing experiences for campers. He took these skills home and served as Senior Patrol Leader for over 4 years for troop 37. 

Not only did Sam strive excel academically and professionally but also thrived in hobbies such as serving as dungeon master for his on going game of Dungeons and Dragons with friends he cherished dearly. He would reach out to his grandfather, Tom Schiffmacher, for strategies and content following in his gaming footsteps. 

Sam was a cherished son to Tony and Tanya Satterlee, a beloved brother to Robby (Karissa) Satterlee, and a doting uncle to Marcy Satterlee. He will be deeply missed by his grandparents Bob and Ilona Satterlee, Jennifer Schiffmacher, Thomas (Fran Finley) Schiffmacher, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, as well as his furry companions Koda and Bae Bae. In addition to his immediate family, Sam leaves behind a second family at Canyon Camp who meant the world to him; Seth, Alex, Lee, Bruce, Dick, and many others whose lives he touched. He is predeceased by his uncles, Tom Satterlee and Mark Ballweg.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the Art Department at Boylan High School and the Canyon Camp Staff for their care and consideration for Sam. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church Street Rockford, Illinois 61103. A night before visitation will be on Friday, July 12, 2024, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a rosary at 3:30 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Avenue, Rockford, Illinois 61103. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends of Canyon Camp, https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=AM86LAAR2SBDJ. .

In remembering Sam's life journey today as we bid farewell physically though not spiritually may we honor his legacy that will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known such an extraordinary soul.

Rest peacefully among the stars Sam; your light shall continue to shine brightly through those you loved deeply and inspired endlessly.