Junior Grange
It was a privilege to know Jonathan Sattazahn.
All across this beautiful state, many hearts are saddened by the sudden death of Jon Sattazahn. He was the ultimate Junior Granger, who turned into a dynamo Youth. Jon was the kind of young man who would do anything he was asked to do to help out another Granger. He served as Junior Prince and did a fantastic job. His dedication and enthusiasm was over the top.
Jon was one of our "go to" guys at camp each year. He would mop floors, move tables, help in the kitchen, lead a workshop, fill water balloons by the hundreds, and get involved. He was a wonderful camp helper and his cabin kids adored him.
Of course, when you are as involved as Jon was, things seem to happen. One year as he was helping in the kitchen he got a steam burn on his finger. We spent several hours in the emergency room getting to know each other even better. He was a real trooper. Last year on the Royalty Trip, this time as Youth Ambassador, he gave up his seat in the van to the “ladies” as he crawled in the back.
We remember Jon with a big smile, full of life, enjoying dancing, bowling, computers, and music. He is so missed.
Janet Pratt
Here are some thoughts of Juniors from around the state:
“I appreciated the spirit and enthusiasm he displayed for Grange. I will certainly miss his goofiness and humor in making others smile. He accomplished more at 18 than most accomplish at 80. He brought life to Kutztown Grange and I was proud that he represented our Grange. We will greatly miss the spirit that he brought to our Grange.” Jane
“Family Festival this year...with the huge hug I received from him after I won..." Gail
“It was really hard to pick just one memory of Jon. I thought of two memories that I will always cherish. The first one was at State Session in Williamsport, the night after the 6th Degree. Jon and I went to his room at the Holiday Inn so he could change. When we arrived, he changed but he forgot his shoes in the car. He was walking around in shorts and boots. It was so funny! The other memory I have is the love we both shared for PSU. Every game, he would text me to make sure I was watching it. If I wasn’t he would always text me the scores. Every time I watch a PSU game I think of him. I miss him a lot.” Sam Gourley
“Jon was a great role model. He was active in all sorts of things, especially the Grange. Even though I didn’t know him very well, I know that the people who loved and who he loved, will always remember many memories about him. One thing I remember, is how he gave everyone “heifer hugs”. They were his specialty. He was many things to people. A “big brother”, “friend”, and was an even greater friend for those who will always have a special place in their heart for him. Every time it thunderstorms, I will always think he is having a fun time “bowling with God”. Everyone will miss him.” Braden Gourley
“Jon was a great friend…I will never forget the awesome times we shared at the local fairs… hanging out with our animals and other good Grange friends. He placed 1st this year with one of his calves, and we were both so excited for him. Camp just won’t seem the same without him, but he’ll be looking down on us, with that great big smile!” Ashley Mohn
“Words can’t express the loss that occurred on October 18th…Jon had so much to live for, he was involved in so many wonderful activities…Grange, 4-H, bowling, etc….I could always count on Jon to pitch in wherever I needed him…'Jon, could you carry this for me, or Jon, will you handle this?' He was always willing to do it…Jon was not only a Grange friend, but a family member as well…Our family get-togethers just won’t seem the same. His 'gadgets' and 'computer movies' will be greatly missed…We’ll cherish those laughs we shared…” The Mohn Family
“Jon - We’d like to take credit for your Grange enthusiasm, but we all know ONLY YOU can take that credit. You joined our Junior Grange as a quiet little Junior…My, how that changed. You were a friend to every Junior Granger you met. You became a 'big buddy' to so many Juniors. You were a wonderful role model to the Juniors not only in Berks County, but to Juniors across the state. Your love of Grange was infectious and you were instrumental in turning many luke-warm Juniors into fired up members… Well done Jon.” Marion Junior Grange
“There’s so many memories with him it’s unbelievable. My favorite memory of Jon would have to be that Jon was my first friend at camp my first year and that he did everything to make me fit in.” Heather Thielman
“….the royalty trip and him riding in the back! How we had to open the trunk door to let him out! Man I love that kid!” Sierra Hollabaugh
“Jon and I had become extremely close over the past year. What got us started was my friendship with Tyler. Since him and Tyler were really good friends we started to talk more. We would always text. I would text him constantly during school (even though I wasn’t supposed to). My phone bill went through the roof and, of course, I got into trouble. I had to tell him I couldn’t text him as much, so we just stuck to the computer then. We had so much fun at State Session in Reading. I remember sitting backstage during the talent contest talking to him and that’s when he decided he was going to make me a MySpace. Throughout the year we continued to become closer. I was so excited when camp came along because I would finally get to see him again because he had become one of my best friends. The first day we were put into a group together and since we were both cows (long story) he called it Team Domination. We would give each other extremely painful high fives and he would give me really tight hugs. We bonded so much that week and all you have to do is read the gossip column in the newsletter and you would see a lot of our inside jokes. When I had to leave, I think he was one of the last people I hugged…..When Family Festival came along I was excited to see him again…. He square danced with us when we needed another person. I learned so much from him and I looked up to him like no other. He was almost like a brother to me….he had wanted me to go down to Kutztown and Reading Fairs… He was going to teach me to drive his truck…but I never got the chance. Then State Session time came around again. I didn’t really want to go but I knew that a few people would have bee upset if I didn’t, Jon being one of them. I’m so glad I went. I had a blast with Jon. He was my 'date' to the All-Granger Banquet. We had a ton of great times in those few days. He had sent me a text message two days before he died and I think that was the last time I talked to him. We had so many great times and plans that we had made for next year’s camp. I miss him so much, and he will never be forgotten.” Brittany Hetzell
“Jon was the best. He was fun- loving and funny. He was my best friend at camp. He joked around with you, but when he needed to be serious he was. He made you feel good, no matter if you were sad. He was always there for a lot of us. I’ll miss him.” Daniel Pratt
“Jon was all the bundle of energy that everyone has referred too, but Jon was most of all genuine. Jon was a true friend, an honest person and always cared about others. I know that Jon was a Junior and then a Youth that I had the privilege to work with, but I always thought of him as more of an adult. I could relate anything to him in a trustworthy manner and always knew it would be handled properly. May Jon’s memories motivate us all.” Mike and Hannah Pratt
We sent candy to the funeral home, Jon’s favorite were Hershey bars. One was put in his hand in case he got hungry.
Junior Grangers make such strong friendships and bonds through their experiences at State Camp. May we always realize what an impact we have on these kids’ lives and never stop supporting our Juniors.
