Jeremiah 'J.J.' James Saatzer

J.J. was born on February 16, 1981 in New Prague, MN to Randy and Connie (Staebell) Saatzer. He graduated from Le Sueur Henderson High School, then attended St. Cloud State University for a few years before embarking on a road trip that lead him to Alaska. He loved the beautiful state so much that he stayed and embraced all that Alaska had to offer. He worked on the North Slope of Alaska in the oil fields, and above Alaska where he helped build planes. His main passion was working for MaHay’s River Boat Service in Talkeetna, and he recently renewed his Coast Guard Captain license.

J.J. enjoyed fat-tire bicycling and even entered into the Iditarod bike race finishing in 18 hours non-stop. To say he was an avid outdoorsman is an understatement. He was a true, self-taught, naturalist and enjoyed sharing his love and knowledge of the outdoors with everyone. Although he loved the outdoors, his greatest love was his daughter, Campbell; she meant the absolute world to him. They enjoyed spending their time hiking and being together out in nature.

He is survived by his daughter, Campbell Saatzer; parents, Connie Saatzer and Randy Saatzer; siblings, Lindsey (Jerry) Laabs, Bekah (Matt) Nevala, Solomon Saatzer, and Chelsea Saatzer; niece and nephews, Lydia and Sawyer Laabs, and Noah Nevala; maternal grandparents, Vern and Alice Staebell; paternal grandfather, Ron (Nancy) Saatzer; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Barbara Saatzer.