Alfred Alvin Saathoff of Hondo, Texas, passed away February 9, 2006, at the age of 101, in Hondo. He was born November 1, 1904, in Hondo, the son of Ehme & Alwina (Moebius) Saathoff. He was baptized at St. John's Lutheran Church in New Fountain on March 7, 1905, where he also confirmed his Christian faith in 1917. He attended New Fountain School through the sixth grade, walking several miles morning and evening. He "quit" school after the sixth grade to work on his Dad's farm. After several years, he moved to San Antonio to work in a grocery store owned by his half brother, Albert Scharf. On November 21, 1933, he married Eleen Saathoff in Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Quihi. After going to San Antonio to have their wedding portrait made, they traveled to Galveston for their honeymoon. Upon returning from their honeymoon, they settled in San Antonio whee Alfred went to work for Rio Vista Farms delivering milk door to door in a horse drawn wagon. He started his "Milk route" every morning at 4:00 a.m. In 1941, Alfred and Eleen moved to their ranch in Verdina, where he raised angora goats and cattle. In 1945 they bought a farm on the Verde Creek near New Fountain. Soon after Alfred began delivering gas for Sinclair Oil Company to customers in rural Medina County. Alfred and Eleen were blessed with three daughters: Willie Jean, Dolly and Patricia. Upon retiring, he continued raising cattle and sheep. In 1982 Alfred survived a near fatal tractor accident, crushing his pelvis. He remained in the hospital for nearly three months, surprising his doctors by making a full recovery. In December of 1988, his loving wife of 65 years, Eleen, passed away. Alfred remained in his home until January 2004, when he made the decision to move to Community Care Center in Hondo, where he enjoyed playing bingo, dominoes and cards. Alfred continued to worship regularly at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, where he was an active member for many years. Alfred was blessed with a wonderful, loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brothers Matt and Rolf Saathoff; sisters Ida Mae Cole, Frieda Saathoff; half-brothers Kurt and Albert Scharf, Albert Saathoff; half-sisters Christina Saathoff, and Annie and Olga Nietenhoefer; sisters-in-law Evelyn Saathoff and Lucille Saathoff; granddaughter Kelly Lynn Guinther; grandson-in-law David DeCock. Alfred is survived by his daughters Willie Jean Schott and husband Wilburn of Castroville, Emilie Marie Meyer and husband Stanley of Hondo, Patricia Ann Guinther and husband Carl of Hondo; 9 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren; brother Ehme M. Saathoff, Jr. and wife Velma of Hondo; sister-in-law Wilfreen Saathoff of Hondo. The Visitation was from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 10, at the Guinn-Horger Funeral Home and the Funeral Service, officiated by Pastor Stephen Schur, was at 3:00 p.m. Saturday February 11, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Quihi. Interment followed in Quihi Cemetery.