Harold Saathoff

Harold LeRoy Saathoff was born January 2, 1937, to Herman and Della (Silverants) Saathoff, at Franklin, Nebraska, and he died Monday, October 22, 2012, at his home in Franklin, Nebraska, at the age of 75 years, 9 months, and 20 days.

Harold lived and attended school in Franklin. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1955..

He married Carol Beth Goracke, on August 20, 1961. To this union two children were born - Scott and Natalie. Harold served in the United States Army from August 9, 1960, to July 31, 1966. He was an expert sharpshooter and enjoyed driving tanks. Harold did custom harvesting with his father and enjoyed the time spent in wheat harvest. He also worked as a parts man at John Deere, and for Dr. Scratch. Harold retired from Bostwich Irrigation as a ditch rider.

He loved to go fishing, hunting and enjoyed the seasonal changes. With the changes of seasons, Harold followed his grandkids who played volleyball, basketball and football. He also was a Husker football fan.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents - Herman and Della; step-mother- Mable Saathoff; sister- Joan Gaddis; and three brothers- Bob, John, and Dick Saathoff.

He leaves to mourn his death, his wife of 51 years', Beth of the home; daughter- Natalie and Curtis Bienhoff of Kennsington, Kansas; son- Scott and wife Deb Saathoff of Franklin, Nebraska; five grandchildren- Kyle and Michaela Bienhoff, Quinten, Skyler, and Cassandra Saathoff; two brothers- Gerald Saathoff of Franklin, and Larry Saathoff of Hastings, Nebraska; two sisters- Carolyn Sturtevant and Kathy Hunnicutt both of Hastings, Nebraska; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life service for Harold L. Saathoff was Thursday, October 25, 2012, at 2:00 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church, Franklin, Nebraska, with Pastor Jim Bendorf officiating. The congregation sang one song, and Van Bradley sang "Old Rugged Cross" with Mrs. Connie Kahrs as the organist. Casket bearers were: Quinten Saathoff, Randy Saathoff, Jody Saathoff, Darren Saathoff, John Rose, Kyle Bienhoff, and Ben Kugler. Interment was in the Greenwood Cemetery, Franklin, Nebraska. Military Honors were presented by Nebraska Army National Guard. The family suggests memorials to Aseracare Hospice or Franklin County Memorial Hospital of Franklin, Nebraska. Hutchins Funeral Home, Franklin, Nebraska, arranged services.