Alvin J. Sattler

Alvin J. Sattler

Cedar Rapids

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Alvin J. Sattler (Al) on February 2, 2026, into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to so many. Al was a beacon of strength, wisdom, and love to all who knew him.

Al Sattler was born in Protivin, Iowa. In 1943 the family moved and settled in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Al began the seventh grade at St. Wenceslaus Catholic School. In high school, Al discovered St. Wenceslaus had a basketball team. He was determined to play on it. He was named to the All-City Basketball Team and graduated in 1949.

After high school Al enlisted in the Air Force, serving during the Korean War from 1950 – 1953. While in the Air Force he attended electronics school, eventually moving on to an advanced electronics school in Maryland. He returned to Cedar Rapids and began working in the construction industry as a carpenter with his father, Julius. His carpentry work quickly led to full construction and the start of what would become Sattler Homes. He built hundreds of homes in the Cedar Rapids area.

Al developed a love for home building. His service to the local home building industry runs deep, serving as the Home Builders Association (HBA) president twice and eventually being inducted into the local hall of fame in 1989. Finally, in November of 2018, Al received the rare prestigious honor of being named as Honorary Member.

On June 25, 1955, Al married Sally Cunningham, who also grew up in Cedar Rapids. Together they raised five children – Mike, Jim, Tom, Julie, & Joe – and became an anchor in the Cedar Rapids community. As member of St. Jude Catholic Church, Al was active for years. He was instrumental in starting the annual sweet corn festival, coordinating the festival setup as the Chairman of the Building and Grounds for years. The family enjoyed a lifetime of fun, including camping and boating at the lake and memorable cross-country motorhome trips.

As empty nesters, Al and Sally traveled for years with trips throughout the U.S. and abroad. They enjoyed spending time with grandchildren and attending activities together. The love affair with Sally continued until she went home to be with the Lord on December 29, 2004.

Al lived the All-American life. He taught his children and grandchildren the value of a work ethic. In addition to a life of designing and building homes, he was a builder of men; to teach them pride in a job well done – honesty and fairness. Al said, “You put your name on it and you’re proud of it”. All of Al’s five children followed him into the home building business. He modeled integrity, morality, and virtue – a legacy that continues through the generations to today.

He was a friend to many. He loved fishing and made trips to Canada for over 50 years. He developed a passion for golf and enjoyed playing with his friends, including in the Knights of Columbus golf league. It is no secret that he enjoyed a cold beer on occasion and once made a trip to Octoberfest in Germany. Al was a lover of music, playing the accordion as well as teaching himself to play the piano by ear. He was a loyal listener to the Sunday morning polka radio show and the Molly B Polka Party.

In his latter years he enjoyed spending time with family, kids, and grandkids, sharing his life stories. His weekly stops at the Knights of Columbus, Cadets of Saint George, HBA outings and more kept him busy.

Al is survived by his children, Mike (Jeannie) Sattler, Jim Sattler, Tom (Donna) Sattler, Julie (Scott) Dunkirk, and Joe (Julie) Sattler; grandchildren, Tiffani Sattler, Amber (Ben) Horton, Matt (Sonia) Sattler, Sara (Shawn) Sattler, Nick Sattler, Lauren Sattler, Jaci Sattler, Matt (JJ) Sattler, Ryan Dunkirk, Lindsay (Nick) Strebel, Nolan Dunkirk, Sean Dunkirk, Jordan Harrelson (Haleigh), Emily (Lucas) Rundle, Elsie Sattler (Dylon), and Ashley Sattler (Tom); eight great-grandchildren; and sister, Shirley (Norman) Hopkins

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Clara (Kalishek) Sattler; wife, Sally Sattler; and grandson, Dylan Sattler.

Visitation: 4:00-6:00 p.m., Friday, February 6, 2026, with a Vigil Service held at 6:00 p.m., St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church Basement.

Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 7, 2026, St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids.

Burial: St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for distribution to some of Al’s favorite Christian charities.