John Satter

INTERLOCHEN — John William Satter, 60, of Interlochen, passed away unexpectedly Friday, March 17, 2011, at his home.John was employed by Addiction Treatment Services beginning Nov. 8, 2005, and was the residential coordinator and house manager for Dakoske Hall. He transparently and unselfishly used his own personal hardships and life experiences to help others become overcomers. John loved to make the gardens and flowers beautiful in the spring and summer for all who came to visit at Dakoske Hall to enjoy.John was a loving, caring and very compassionate man. He would take the time to encourage those who had family that were suffering hardships from addictions. He was very dedicated to his "ministry" and will be dearly missed by a lot of people. John had a wry and somewhat droll sense of humor that invited everyone around him to join in the fun. He had no acquaintances, only friends and they were many in number.John saw beauty everywhere and in all things — and was able to apply that vision in many ways for others to enjoy. He was proficient in fiber arts, stained glass, oils, water color and charcoal. His remaining family will enjoy his many artistic endeavors and will pass them on for generations.John is survived by his sister, Mary Ellen (Jerome) Lyon; one niece, Heather Marie (Paul) Freeman and their children, Jacob Evan, Rylie Marie, Gavin Wayne, Aidda Marie and Kaleb Douglas Choe; two nephews, Christian Evan Lyon and Robert John Karczewski II, and his son, Emerson James Karczewski; and his brother-in-law, Robert John Karczewski.John was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald C. and Audrey M. (Alpers) Satter; his brother, Michael Christian Satter; his sister, Christine Joann Karczewski; and his niece, Amy Marie Karczewski.Visitation for John will take place from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with a wake service at 7 p.m.Memorial services will take place at the funeral home at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 24, also at the funeral home, with Sister Katherine Murphy officiating. Burial will be in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.The family asks that John's memory be carried on through memorial gifts to the Amy Karczewski Scholarship Fund at Northwestern Michigan College.Please share your thoughts, memories and condolences with John's family at his online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com."You are free now, John. Lift your hands and fly away."