Bruce Rolf Saathoff departed this world peacefully at home on August 1, 2020. Bruce was born August 2, 1942 in Quihi, Texas to Rolf Ehme Saathoff and Evelyn Lizetta Burger Saathoff. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Quihi, Texas.
Upon graduation from Hondo High School in 1960, Bruce attended Southwest Texas Junior College in Uvalde. He continued his college education at Sul Ross University in Alpine, Texas and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in 1964. During his college years, he spent his free time riding saddle bronc and calf roping. He enjoyed hunting and working cattle in Texas, Colorado and Wyoming. In the late 60’s, he and his friends frequented the Hi-Ho Dance Club in San Antonio; he danced the “whip” to his heart’s content!
Bruce joined the United States Air Force in 1965. He served in the Military Police division until 1971.
In 1974, he purchased the property of his great uncle and great aunt, Fritz and Amanda Saathoff Fuos. That land, along with additional acquisitions, was recognized by the Texas Department of Agriculture as a Texas Century Ranch for the continuous ownership and operation as a family agricultural enterprise since 1873.
For about forty years, every Wednesday a small group of locals played cards at the hunting cabin at Bruce’s. He also regularly joined his friends at “The Headquarters” in Castroville for socializing, making sausage, and cooking bar-b-que. Bruce loved to bar-b-que and was called upon to cook for the Nancy Groff Memorial Golf Tournaments, weddings, anniversaries, reunions and other gatherings in Hondo, Quihi and Castroville. Bruce was also a member of the Lindeburg School Association, Quihi Gun Club, American Legion and Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
Bruce was blessed to have his wife, Cindie Warnke Saathoff, who helped with his ranching and farming operations during the last twenty-three years. She also helped care for him after his stroke in March of 2019.
Survivors include his wife, Cynthia “Cindie” Saathoff in Quihi; son, Dr. Brian Saathoff (Nicole) of Hockley; grandsons, Slade Saathoff and Miles Saathoff; sister, Connie L. Willis (Stephen) of Hondo; sister-in-law, Sherri Welch (Rodger) of Hondo; brother-in-law, Carl Warnke (Paula) of Bulverde; father-in-law, Jim Warnke of La Coste as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Rolf and Evelyn Saathoff; mother-in-law, Sandra Kay Warnke.
Public Visitation will be Wednesday, August 5, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at Hondo Cemetery in Hondo, Texas.
Memorials may be made in Bruce’s memory to the Quihi Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 3901 FM 2676, Hondo, TX 78861 or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home.