Floyd Earl Santleben, Sr., a lifelong resident of La Coste, passed away on November 15, 2018 in San Antonio, at the age of 92 years. He was born August 16, 1926 in Castroville, into a large family of ten children born to William and Frieda Weber Santleben.
Floyd is a descendant of a Medina County Pioneer family that settled in Medina County, north of Castroville. The Santleben family immigrated to America from Hanover, Germany in 1845, on the ship Charles William. After sailing for seven weeks, their ship ran aground and broke apart as they entered Galveston Bay. The Santleben family were among the thirty-five of the one hundred thirty passengers that survived the ship wreck. They arrived in their new country with only the clothes on their back and a little money. All of their belongings were lost in the bay.
Floyd graduated from La Coste High School in 1944. After graduation, he joined the Navy and proudly served his country. He returned home to farm and ranch until he was physically no longer able to work.
On August 16, 1950, Floyd married Myrtle Marie Weiblen at Zion Lutheran Church in Castroville. Floyd and Myrtle raised three children and were married for sixty-six years at the time of her passing on December 12, 2016.
Floyd was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church and was a member of VFW Post #8134, Quihi Gun Club and Texas Farm Bureau.
Floyd was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Myrtle Santleben; twin brother and sister-in-law, Lloyd and Lil Santleben; brothers and sisters-in-law, William H. and Martha Santleben, Alvin (Carmen “Johnnie”) Santleben, Sr.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Hilda and Claude Rogers, Inez Santleben, Ella and Elton Brieten, Clara and Amandus Muennink, Josephine and Al Vance, Laura and Leo Reicherzer.
Survivors include his children, Phyllis Santleben of Castroville, Deborah Jones of Castroville, Floyd Earl (Marilyn) Santleben, Jr.; grandchildren, Deborah (Cody) Haegelin, Lauren (Sam) Saathoff, Weston Santleben, Sophie Santleben; great-grandsons, Zachary Haegelin and Tyler Haegelin; sister-in-law, Adeline Weiblen of Castroville; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Visitation was Monday, November 19, 2018 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Funeral Service was Tuesday, November20, 2018 at 10:00 am at Zion Lutheran Church. Interment with Military Honors followed at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in Floyd’s memory to the Zion Lutheran Church, Zion Lutheran Cemetery Fund or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home.