Hugo Alfred Saathoff Jr. of Hondo went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 19, 2015, at the age of 82. He was born in Hondo, Texas on February 15, 1933, to Hugo Alfred Sr. and Christina Saathoff and grew up on the family farm 10 miles north of Hondo. He was baptized at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hondo on October 22, 1933, and confirmed there in 1947. Several of his great- and great-great-grandparents were original Castro Colonists in Medina County, Texas. Hugo was a 2-year letterman for the Hondo Owls football team and an active member of the Hondo FFA. He graduated from Hondo High School in 1950, then worked for the E.E Hood Construction Company, working on the reconstruction on Hwy. 90 from Hondo to D'Hanis. That summer he enlisted in the Hondo Army National Guard, and served for seven years where he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant and served as the unit First Sergeant. On Aug. 15, 1953, Hugo Saathoff married Charlene Nester of D'Hanis in St. Paul's Lutheran Church. They made their home on the family farm north of Hondo where he lived his entire life and they raised their four children, Gary, Landa, Alan and Kim. He worked at the Hondo Air Base with Texas Aviation Industries, Hayes Aircraft, and Gary Aircraft from 1951 through 1968 and also farmed and ranched his entire life, up until his death. Hugo was a hard-working man who loved his home and land, which had been in his family since 1923. He loved the outdoors and loved to hunt, fish, swim, water-ski, travel, explore and camp. He shared these interests with Charlene, the kids and grandkids. Hugo was a loving dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and hosted many family gatherings at his farm, including the infamous Easter Campouts. Hugo also loved music and was a founder/member of the United Fiddlers Association for 35 years. He served in numerous positions including several terms as President and was currently Chairman of the Board. He was the last of the original charter members. For the past 11 years Hugo also hosted and emceed the monthly Hondo Hootenanny gatherings where he enjoyed old time country music with his good friends. Hugo was a very friendly person who loved people and had a big smile and warm handshake for everyone. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to family and friends and did it cheerfully. Everyone loved Hugo and he never had a bad word to say about anybody. He will be dearly missed. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Charlene; parents; sister, Rica Saathoff Harllee; and grandson, Shane Rogiers. Survivors include children: Gary (Nancy) Saathoff, Landa Saathoff, Alan Saathoff and Kim (Linda) Saathoff; grandchildren: Rayna (Trey) Wooten, Julie (Garrett) Mino, Dianne (Andrew) Leyva, Steven (Reagan) Rogiers, Eric Saathoff, Michael Rogiers, Rebecca Saathoff, Kyle Saathoff, Tyler Saathoff, and Trevor Saathoff; great-granddaughter, Allison Rogiers, and soon-to-arrive baby girl Wooten; and many, much-loved nieces and nephews. Visitation is on Tuesday, Nov. 24, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Guinn-Horger Funeral Home Chapel in Hondo. Funeral service will be on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 10:00 a.m., at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hondo. Interment will follow at Hondo Cemetery, Woodmen of the World Section. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Steven Rogiers, Eric Saathoff, Michael Rogiers and Kyle Saathoff, and grandsons-in-law: Trey Wooten and Garrett Mino. The family suggests memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church Building Fund.