Obituary of Ernest Satterly

Ernie was born in Lamar, Colorado, November 14, 1944 to Ruby Flora (Wagner) and Melvin “Hap” Roland Satterly. From 1944 to 1957 he lived near Lamar by Granada, CO. On January 20, 1957 he was baptized at the First Southern Baptist Church of Lamar. Ernie was raised in a loving Christian home. Ernie started his “ornery” streak early and was known to set a fire or two including an outhouse and a small apartment in the backyard of his mother’s home. From 1958 to 1962 he attended Lamar Union High School and was the kicker for the Lamar High School football team. He also started working at the local turkey farm helping provide for the family. He graduated from Lamar High School in 1962 and joined the Navy. Ernie served our country in Vietnam until December, 1966. In January of 1967 he was employed by the City of Lamar Light and Power as an electrical technician. In February of 1967 he met the love of his life and future wife Martha Ann Straily. They were married July 2, 1967. They would have celebrated 45 loving years of marriage this year. In October of 1968, their first son, Thomas Nathan Satterly was born in Lamar. Douglas Wayne Satterly was also born in Lamar, August, 1970. While still in Lamar, Robbie Jack Satterly was born in July, 1974. While in Lamar, Ernie coached t-ball and little league. He also umpired high school baseball, summer baseball, and the Softball World Series. He continued his involvement and officiated high school football during the school year. Ernie could always be counted on to run a harvest truck at harvest time. His family continued their attendance at First Southern Baptist Church where he had been baptized as a young man. He loved fishing with the family at Mud Creek, John Martin Dam and Lake Thurston. He enjoyed rock hunting and spending time outdoors with his sons whenever possible, losing his sons, only temporarily, at times. In 1976 he moved his family to Sidney, Nebraska where he had accepted a position as an electrical technician with Tri-State Generation and Transmission, Inc. In Sidney he continued to umpire high school and summer baseball and softball, and officiated high school football. Ernie was very active with the school and community and served on the committee to build a new elementary school playground while in Sidney. He was always supportive of his sons’ school activities and didn’t miss a music program or ball game. While in Sidney, Ernie Marty Satterly was born on April 5, 1979. While celebrating the 4th of July, the mishaps with fire continued when the parachute of a rocket caught a wheat field on fire. Sirens ensued. In 1979 he moved his family to Burlington continuing his work at Tri-State G&T. He faithfully attended First Baptist Church Burlington and raised his family in a Christian home. As before, he enjoyed umpiring baseball and officiating football until his sons reached high school age. He became an active member of the Kiwanis Club and served as president of the Booster Club. He enjoyed helping with the parade of lights floats, concessions at the fair, and helped to start the “Good Kids” recognition at the elementary school. He served on the 20/20 organization and was instrumental in building the Outback Park. He also served on the Burlington Housing Authority. Ernie worked for Tri-State 36 years and stayed on duty until the just the last couple of weeks. Affectionately known as BPE, Big Pretty Ernie, or “old fart,” Ernie left an impression with everyone he met. Ernie never knew a stranger, and his quick wit and humor endeared him to everyone he knew. He was his sons and grandkids number one fan at every school play, sporting event, and school activity. He never turned down a fishing trip to the ponds with his grandkids and was always ready to start a fire in the fire pit, roast marshmallows, and tell stories. He was also active on the social committee at church and hosted many barbeques for the Sunday school class. His favorite time was spent around the kitchen table, playing cards, trivia, or just visiting with his family. Ernie passed away on May 5th in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family. Preceding him in death are his two brothers Tommy and Lewis, his father “Hap”, his sister Melvina and his mother, Ruby Satterly. He is survived by his wife Martha, son Tom, wife Angela, children Michael, Allie, Mari and Josh; son Doug and wife Taunee, children Jon and Shyanne; son, Rob and wife Tara, children Bronson, Madison, Cameron, Peyton, and Timmy; son Ernie and wife Melissa and soon to be grandchild number 12, as well as his “adopted” grandchildren Gabe, Jenna, Cole, Tyler, Jazmine, Spencer, Kade and many others.