Subconsciously, I believe my decision to attend Mankato State was because both Satch and Pat attended Mankato State. The trips to campus to see him in the play “Guys and Dolls” or to return him to McElroy Hall after a weekend in Le Sueur made a huge impression on me. Once I enrolled at Mankato State, my business classes were on the lower campus so when I walked through Main Hall, I knew I was walking in Satch’s footsteps.

 

Satch’s biggest influence on me, I believe, was his dedication to his students, the wisdom he shared, and his ethical decision making. While I worked in a university environment as an advisor, rather than a teacher, I kept in mind “What Would Satch Do?” I would never claim to be as effective in my career as Satch was, however, he set a standard that I tried to meet every day. 

 

How lucky was I to have such a loving, engaging, and entertaining big brother? The depth of my loss is immense, however, my memories with Satch are numerous and so very rich. These memories will sustain me until we can meet again. Love you!

Satch and Stephanie cleverly introduced our son, David to his future wife, Jill. We are eternally grateful for that match-making effort!

Yet another Satch and Pat connection was introducing us to a great friendship with Bill and Sandi Kampen,.  Satch, Bill, and I "flocked" to several birding locations over the past 10 years, including a trip with the wives to Tuscon, AZ.  Very recently Satch, Bill and I spent two week-long birding outings together.  Satch loved photographing birds in his usual upbeat, enthusiastic manner, and we all had a great time spotting, identifying, and enjoying the birds!.  

We will continue to cherish and replay our fond memories with both Satch and Pat to the end of our days.  

Satch, you are forever missed, remembered, and loved.

Dan and Laurie Svilar 

“I can relate to you as my friend.” 

“I’m extremely grateful to know someone as kind, caring and wise.  You are a blessing to anyone with the privilege of knowing you.”

“You are one of the nicest men I know. Your dedication to the success of your students is wonderful.”

“You are the most fun and creative (and fair) teacher I have ever had and I feel blessed to know you. I got you a Hershey bar because it reminded me of you: classic, sweet, original, and a real treat to have around.” 

“Listens to what I say, will keep explaining things ’til I get it, never puts down people’s questions, never complains about teaching, seems to enjoy it…”:  "Always giving positive encouragement for improvement." 

“Enjoys teaching” - “I don’t know, it’s just…the sparkle in his eyes, it shows all over him.” 

“He talks to us like equals”            
(Highest mark from a student on the school's teacher evaluation that asked for a specific example  next to the ranking and student comment):

“Makes me feel like a valuable person.” Example: “You amaze me.” 
“I wish my dad made me feel as special as he does.” 

“One day he called me up and told me he was proud of me.” 

“Every day he teaches us something new, even if it’s off the subject.” 

“I appreciate your ability to communicate with me and other students. You are certainly not the ordinary teacher. You have broadened my outlook on many things.  I respect you for that.” 

“Thanks for all the help and support you have given me.  I never would have made it without you.” 

“You were the best English teacher I’ve had. It made me different. You not only made me learn but I learned to enjoy learning.” 

“It was good to know that I had someone to turn to and someone was behind me.” 

“Thank you for being a friend as well as a teacher.” 

Signatures included: 

"Your faithful student."
"Your eager student."
"Friends always."

“I really appreciate your consideration for people and your ability to teach without a ‘whip.’”

“You always told me that I was a bright spot in your day.  I’m glad I could do that much for you, though you did much more for me.”

“It hasn’t been very easy, but it’s been fun.” 

“You always made me feel important and always cared even when I wasn’t your student.” 

“You have really helped me know myself better.” 

“When I had a hard time there was always a place, Mr. Sigler’s room.”