Peoria – Herman John Sathoff of Peoria passed away on June 28, 2021 in Peoria. He was born on September 21, 1931 in Peoria to Herman J. and G. Estellene (Crotts) Sathoff, Sr. He married Roberta E. Sathoff on June 13, 1954 in Peoria. He is survived by one son, J. Blake (Tina) Sathoff of Redondo Beach, CA; one daughter, Nadine (James) Muehlbauer of N. Chili, NY; six grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren. Also surviving is one sister, Mary Mullinax of Taylors, SC along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, and one sister, Grace Annabelle Kurth Maston of Peoria.
John earned a BS degree in chemistry from Bradley University in Peoria as well as a MS in chemistry and a PhD in nuclear studies from the Ohio State University.
He served in the United States Air Force as a Nuclear Science officer stationed in Sacramento, CA and Fairbanks, AK. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain.
John was a Professor of Physics at Bradley University for 39 years. While at BU he served as the Chairman of the Physics Department for 30 years. He was the founding member of the BU Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and an advisor for many years to students of Alpha Phi Omega. He was also one of the founders of the BU faculty bowling league. He retired from Bradley in 2000 and was named Emeritus Professor of Physics.
In addition to Bradley University he participated in experimental physics at Argonne National Laboratory, in musical acoustics at Northern Illinois University, and in medical physics ultrasound at University of Wisconsin Madison. He also explored theoretical physics at Uppsala University Sweden and Lillehammer University Norway. He was a distinguished member of the American Association of Physics Teachers as well as an active member of other professional and social organizations.
John highly encouraged others both academically and spiritually. He was a man of great faith and a member of Grace Presbyterian Church. He was also an active member of Community Bible Study. He enjoyed ballroom dancing with the Capers Club and attending the Peoria Symphony. He was a devoted husband and cherished spending time with family and friends.
The family would like to thank the staff at Liberty Village Manor Court for their kind and compassionate care.
A Memorial Service will be at 11 am on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. Visitation will be from 10 am to 11 am prior to the service. Cremation rites have been accorded, and burial of ashes will be in Parkview Cemetery at a later private family service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Grace Presbyterian Church.
You may view John’s obituary online at www.woolsey-wilton.com
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St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Grace Presbyterian Church
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