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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA longtime attorney and managing partner of a Valparaiso law firm who also was an entrepreneur and known for co-hosting a weekly jazz radio program has died, his former firm announced Wednesday. William F. (Bill) Satterlee was 82.
Satterlee passed away peacefully on Nov. 17, according to an obituary provided by Hoeppner Wagner & Evans, where he practiced for nearly 50 years and had been a long-term partner. He retired in 2015.
“In that position, he actively promoted the advancement of women and minorities in the practice of law. Bill was an accomplished trial lawyer and skilled civil mediator. He also served two terms on the Indiana Judicial Nominating Commission and is a former director of the Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum,” according to his obituary.
In addition to his legal career, Satterlee enjoyed art, photography, music and acting. He also co-hosted a weekly radio program, “The Feeling of Jazz,” with Kent Lindquist and David Woodworth on public radio in northwest Indiana. (Read a related 2014 Indiana Lawyer feature story here.)
Satterlee also owned an agency that cast extras in films and television shows in Chicago, acted as an extra in movies and shows shot in Chicago, and was a co-creator of the Lifestyles store in Valparaiso. He served many Indiana communities and organizations, including as a member of the Indiana State Bar Association and the Northwest Indiana Business Council, and as an emeritus member of the Gary Literacy Coalition.
He loved Chicago, its clubs, art and jazz festivals, museums – especially the Art Institute – Gay Pride parade, and his beloved White Sox. After moving to the Windy City in 2016, he became an active member of the Lakeview Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed spending time near the water, whether in Chicago, at Flint Lake in Valparaiso (on the “S.S. Satterlee,” as he affectionately called his boat), or in Sarasota, Florida. He also was an avid golfer, runner and a voracious reader.
Born February 25, 1938, Satterlee grew up in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, graduated from Marietta College of Ohio, and Valparaiso University School of Law. He was a military veteran and was admitted to practice law in Indiana in September 1966.
He is survived by his wife, Joellen; daughters: Kathleen Blake (Tracy) of Honeoye, New York; Karen Porter (Chris) of Cincinnati; Anne Mackiewicz (Michael) of Broomfield, Colorado; and stepdaughter Erin Shencopp of Chicago. He was beloved by his extended family, including two former spouses: Martha McAtee and Nancy Satterlee, with whom he maintained friendships; two former stepsons; 11 grandchildren and stepgrandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
A memorial service is being planned for 2021 after COVI-19 restrictions have been lifted. Memorial donations may be made by check to the Gary Literacy Coalition, 650 Grant St., Suite 8, Gary, IN 46404, or online here.
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