Gary M. Satterlund

Gary Milton Satterlund, 84 years old, of Enumclaw, Washington, passed away on May 19, 2022 surrounded by family and friends. Gary was born in Alexandria, Minnesota to Joe and Marie Satterlund on September 29, 1937, the 2nd of seven children. He moved west with his family when he was around 2 years old. His family lived in a few Washington towns before settling in Buckley, Washington.  Gary graduated from White River High School in 1955.

Gary met Nadine at the Neuaukum Grange Hall on the dance floor, and they went on the to get married on January 31, 1959 at Sacred Heart Church. Their love for dancing continued and brought much joy to all who watched them dance. Gary and Nadine had 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Gary had many jobs over the years. His first long term job was for the Boeing Company. He then went to work at Weyerhaeuser as a choker setter and then a cutter. Gary loved working in the woods. He ended his work career with King County when he retired at 67. He was a congregant of Sacred Heart after joining the Catholic church in 1958. At Sacred Heart he had been an usher, a lector and a bingo caller for many years. A bit of history trivia, Gary was part of the crew that was able to remove the steeple from the old Sacred Heart Church and set it up where it sits beautifully on the grounds of what we consider the new Sacred Heart and is there for all to enjoy.

Gary loved to bring out his chainsaw and cut down a tree when asked or he would ask you because he felt it needed to be cut down. He taught himself to play guitar on a guitar he has treasured for years. He loved to tinker in the garage. He loved to fix any small engine you brought over to fix. He liked to build outdoor furniture, and many have been gifted with a table or chair he built and Nadine stained or painted. He was there to help Nadine garden in their beautiful backyard. If not there, it was someone else’s backyard to garden, mow or cleanup, always the first to help. Nadine loved to cook and Gary loved her cooking! They enjoyed their casino time, rare vacations, their Trivia nights years ago and just being with their family. He had more wisdom and trivia that he learned over the years and could answer most questions when asked. He taught his kids and grandkids the importance of a good handshake.

Gary loved his family. The holiday celebrations, helping his kids, watching the grandkids in whatever activity they were involved in. He was always good for a word of advice after an activity, he would take a shoulder and lean in and offer whatever wisdom he thought you needed. He could help with homework over the phone. If you wanted to know what something meant he would tell you “get out the dictionary”. Papa was loved by his grandkids and great grandkids. He attended many grandchildren events and countless games over the years. He enjoyed the Seahawks, Mariners, Sounders and Gonzaga basketball. He played soccer for many years and coached for a few too.

His lifelong friends will lovingly remember him as Satch. There was a lifetime of stories that they all would share when they got together. His best buddy Pete and wife Sammy have been his sidekicks and by his side for years. Lot of love, laughter and memories shared by all over the years.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Nadine; his brother Kirby; and his sister Michele.

Gary is survived and will be forever missed by his children, Cindy and her fiancé Gene Powers, Jeff and his wife Carrie, Susan Losvar and her husband Dave; grandchildren, Brett (Caroline) Satterlund, Amy (Marcos) Quintero, Gina Cardenas, Sara (Aaron) Auckland, Cole Satterlund, Katie Ort, Jacob Ort; and great grandchildren, Jadynn and Jones Quintero, Kade and Carter Auckland and Sigge Van Satterlund. He will also be missed by his sisters, Christine Schamer and Mary Eaton; his many in-laws; nieces and nephews; a long list of godchildren; and friends.

The family would like to thank the countless people over these past few years who have helped with his care at home, in the hospital, or a visit at home, a phone call, or dropping off a treat for him to enjoy. Also, to the nurses at St. Elizabeth Hospital who treated him and his family with such kindness and care, we are forever grateful. A big thank you to Uasi for being his caretaker and being his next favorite cook. Also, a heartfelt thank you to his brother-in-law Fred Eaton.

Funeral Services will be held 10AM Wednesday June 1, 2022 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Enumclaw, Washington. Father Lou Cunningham will preside. There will be no visitation. Burial will follow at Enumclaw Evergreen Memorial Park. A luncheon will be held in the parish hall after mass.

Please share a memory of Gary on the tribute wall.