Marvin Dean Saathoff

Marvin Dean Saathoff, age 89 years, 5 months, 19 days, went to his heavenly home on February 5, 2022 while at Gardenside Nursing Home in Fairbury, NE.  Marvin was born at home in rural Odell, NE, on August 16, 1932, to Henry and Anna (Henrichs) Saathoff.

He was a third generation and lifelong member of Zion Stateline Lutheran Church of rural Hollenberg, KS where he was baptized September 11, 1932, and confirmed on April 6, 1947.  Marvin’s confirmation verse, When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12.

Marvin attended country school Districts 57 and 58.  In 1950, he graduated from Diller High School.  After graduation, he worked at Steel Tank in Beatrice and on a construction crew in El Dorado, KS.  Marvin drove truck hauling baby calves from Wisconsin.

In 1956, Marvin started farming with his dad and carried on the tradition by farming with his son, Randy. Marvin loved the farm and raised cattle and crops.  Starting in 1960, Marvin sold TEKSEED to area farmers. He enjoyed participating in the Jefferson County Fair winning many ribbons for crops, grasses and the spelling bee. Marvin served on the Hollenberg School Board.

Marvin and Wilma Bleich were neighbors and went to the same church.  The summer of 1959 after Wilma’s high school graduation, they went on their first date to the Hanover Picnic.  Marvin and Wilma married at Zion State Line Church on August 20, 1961, and honeymooned at the Wisconsin Dells. They returned home to a farm near Hollenberg, KS where they were blessed with three children.  In 1969, the family moved to the Saathoff family farm two miles north of Zion Church.   Church was a huge part of Marvin’s life.  He held various offices in the Church and Sunday School where he read the Bible lessons for many years.  He enjoyed the weekly neighborhood Bible study sessions.

Marvin loved sports.  He refereed basketball and volleyball games including Wilma’s high school volleyball games.  He played town team basketball.  He enjoyed watching and cheering on his children and grandchildren traveling to Florida, Wyoming and all across Nebraska.  The St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals were his favorite baseball teams. He loved playing cards with Wilma, his grandchildren and everyone else who wanted to play.  He completed many crossword and word search puzzles.

Marvin struggled with hearing since age four when he contracted Scarlet Fever.  He wanted to officially serve his country but his hearing loss prevented it. Due to his Parkinson’s Disease, Marvin moved to Gardenside in June 2019.

Marvin is survived by his ‘sweet wife’ of 60 years, Wilma.  Son, Ronald and Nancy Saathoff of Wilmington, DE and family; Michael LaVella; John (Dusty) and Vanessa Saathoff and daughters Charlotte and Morgan; Matthew and Fara Saathoff and daughters Margaret and Penelope.  Son, Randall and Becky Saathoff of Diller and family; Ethan and Nichole Thorp and daughters Elaina, Aletta, and Willa; Erin Saathoff and finance’ Garrett Kowalski; and Elecea Saathoff. Daughter, Rolinda and Terry Sample of Wichita KS and son, Trenton and finance’ Lauren Vardiman. Brothers, Alvin and Lorin Saathoff. Brothers and Sisters In-law Sharon Bleich, George and Cindy Bleich, Willis and Carol Bleich, Robert and Connie Bleich, Ray and Bonnie Bleich, Roy and Barb Bleich, Dale and Linda Bleich, Rodney and Barb Bleich, Alice and Larry Warnsing, Carolyn and David Birkman, Arlin Bleich, and Larry and Pat Bleich. Many Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.

Preceding in death were parents, Sister Arlene Saathoff, In-laws Elda Saathoff, Verna Saathoff, Pete and Emma Bleich, Harold and Alice Bleich, Jerry Bleich and Duane Bleich.

Visitation will be held at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home on Friday, February 11 from 5-7 p.m.  Services will be held at Zion Stateline Lutheran Church of rural Hollenberg, KS on February 12 at 2:30 pm. (4 miles south of Diller, 1 mile west, and 3 miles south).  In lieu of flowers, memorials to Zion Stateline Cemetery Fund or the Gideons. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com