Joseph Francis Saathoff, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend, military officer, pilot, musician, athlete, and faithful Catholic departed this world on May 15, 2015, in Austin, TX.

Joseph Francis Saathoff was born March 13, 1925, to Joseph and Margaret (Fahey) Saathoff in Crofton, NE. He grew up with his two younger brothers, Bill and Jack, in Omaha, moving to Marcus, SD, in 1933 following the untimely death of his father due to pneumonia. After attending a one-room school house in Marcus, he graduated from St. Martin's Academy in Sturgis in 1943. Joe enlisted in the U.S. Air Corps in 1943 and served during WWII, the Korean War, and the Cold War. He graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha following his military career, and assisted in the development of a model medical computer system at the University of Missouri. Pioneered by the current Director Emeritus of the U.S National Library of Medicine, Donald Lindberg, MD, the program at the University of Missouri was groundbreaking in its application of computer technology to healthcare.

Joe married Jeanne Frances Kovarik on April 14, 1953, while stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, SD. Joe and Jeanne raised six children in the course of his careers in the military and computer science, and her career in nursing education. Joe was an avid athlete and musician. During retirement, Joe's greatest pleasure was in spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. A world traveler, he appreciated the opportunity to share his experience with others, whether piloting his planes or behind the wheel of his car.

Joe is survived by his brother, William; his children, Daniel Saathoff (Linda), Patrick Saathoff, Gregory Saathoff (Andrea), Mary Blackwell (Chuck), Joanne Saathoff (Dan Lupo), and Stephen Saathoff (Anna), as well as 17 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jeanne Saathoff; and his infant daughter, Anne Therese.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, SD, followed by Rosary, Scripture, and Sharing at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will occur at 10:00 a.m. at St. Martin's Chapel, Sturgis, SD, followed by 11:00 a.m. lunch for friends and family at St Francis of Assisi Church Hall and then burial service at Black Hills National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. Arrangements are entrusted to Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, SD. Family and friends may sign/view the registry on their online guestbook at kinkadefunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Joe Saathoff's memory, please consider a donation in his name to Conception Abbey through its Development Office at 660-944-2827 or development@conception.edu .

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