Elva Gene Satterfield's Obituary
Big Rapids - E. Gene Satterfield, 93, of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, January 23, 2023, at The Brook Retirement Community of Big Rapids.
He was born March 9, 1929, in Union City, TN, the son of Erbie and Annie (Moore) Satterfield. In his youth, Gene moved with his family to the Detroit area, and graduated from Livonia Clarenceville High School in 1947. From 1950 - 1952, Gene served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Alaska.
Following his discharge, Gene returned to Michigan, and in 1953 he married Lady Alice Horton. For many years, he was a custom woodworker for Burry Millwork in Farmington Hills, retiring in 1994. Gene was a member of the Farmington Hills Elks Lodge, and enjoyed boating and fishing. His pride and passion was following his grandchildrens' activities and sporting events.
In 2018, Lady Alice passed away, and Gene moved to this area to be near family. He is survived by 2 daughters, Sue Ellen (Stephen) Birkam of Reed City, and Deborah Ann Shepard of Mt. Pleasant; 4 grandchildren, Matthew (Hannah) Birkam, Frederick Gene (Sonya) Birkam, Raymond Lee (Christy) Shepard, and Alisha Kathleen (Steve) Vroma; 9 great-grandchildren, Cole, Bryce, Shawn, Stephen, Lillian, Payten, Maddy, Dallon, and Lady; and several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by a daughter Kathy in 1980, and a sister Sally Monks.
The Celebration of Life for Gene will be from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 29, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions in his name may be made for Spectrum Health Hospice or the Wounded Warriors Project. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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