Edward James Saathoff was born on the family farm by Dempster on January 7, 1921, to John and Dora (Heibult) Saathoff. He attended Cozy Cottage Country School through the 8 ^th grade. He passed away on June 23, 2019 at his home.

He worked for various farmers until 1942 when he moved to Michigan where he worked at the Michigan Air Plane Motor Factory, in Muskegon and Grand Haven area. Ed returned to Estelline in 1945.

He enlisted into the Army Air Corp on May 4, 1946. Ed did his basic training at Ft. Sill, OK. He was stationed at Andrews Field as a weather technician, then served at Kimpo Air Base in Korea and Tachikawa Airfield in Japan where he served as an airplane armorer and mechanic. He was honorably discharged on June 4, 1947.

Ed married Evelyn VanDykHorst on November 2, 1948 at Hamlin Reformed Church. They lived their entire lives in Estelline.

Ed worked at the Estelline Community Oil, owned the local Mobil Station with his brother, Jim, ran the City Liquor Store and worked in maintenance at the Estelline Community Hospital and St. Ann's Hospital. He also repaired and maintained the fuel oil furnaces in Estelline. He went out in many Blizzards to help the families whose furnaces had gone out. He retired in 1983.

In retirement Ed drove gravel truck, trapped pocket gophers for the local farmers and helped his wife run Camp Grandma every summer for their grandchildren. They made many special memories with their grandkids.

He especially enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons, grandkids and his best friend, Stanley Lundquist and hosting his hunting friends from Michigan.

He served on the Estelline Community Hospital Board, Estelline UCC Board and belonged to the American Legion Post 184 and the Hamlin County Sportsman's Club.

Ed is survived by his children, Larry Saathoff, Dale (Pam) Saathoff, Russ Saathoff, Connie Saathoff and Julie (Mark) Johnston; 10 grandchildren, Monica, Miranda, Pauline, Vickie, Kristi, Jason, Jennifer, Bryan, Jason and Kaitlin; 13 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn, granddaughter, Charity Dawn Saathoff, his parents, three brothers, and four sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, June 29, 2019 at the United Church of Christ in Estelline. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Friday at Geise Funeral Home is Estelline.