William Joseph VanHoff

William Joseph (Joe) Van Hoff, 94, of Midland, passed away Wednesday, December 20, 2017 in San Antonio. He was born on October 4, 1923 to Paul Anthony and Mary Martin Van Hoff of El Paso, Texas. He lived in El Paso through his graduation from Austin High School. He then volunteered for the United States Navy during World War II and for submarine duty aboard the USS Threadfin, from 1942 to 1945. While a sailor, he met the love of his life, Marilyn Eileen Libby, at a dance at Hampton Beach in New Hampshire and married her on June 11, 1946. They then moved to El Paso where he graduated from Texas Western College as a geologist. He and Marilyn had 71 amazing years together, had seven children, and lived in El Paso, Houston, Odessa, Midland, Oklahoma City, and Denver, making life-long friends wherever they went. Joe's life was centered around family. There were family trips and vacations such as to visit cousins in New Mexico, fishing in area lakes, White Sands, Cloudcroft, The Painted Desert, Grand Canyon, and New Hampshire. Along the way, he would explain in detail all the various rock formations and their history. There was also a trip to Holland to meet with his Dutch relatives. Because he was a geologist, he enjoyed taking his children to oil well sites as an educational enrichment. He was an accomplished bowler, continuing well into his 80s. His woodworking projects were a delight to all who received some of his creations. He played bridge with friends and was a true die-hard Cubs fan! He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; his parents, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Wesley and Jeannette Libby; his sister-in-law, Nancy Libby Lemire and husband Eddie; his brother-in-law, Wesley Jordan Libby, Jr.; grandson, Matthew James Buss; and his son-in-law, James Michael Zavatson. Joe is survived by his children, Karen Elizabeth Zavatson of San Antonio, Janet Mary Van Hoff of San Antonio, Libby Jo Worsham and husband Patrick of Austin, Paul Wesley Van Hoff and wife Shelley of Odessa, Brian Anthony Van Hoff and wife Jill of Hilliard, Ohio, Kelly Jean Spencer and husband Ken of Midland, and Eric Joseph Van Hoff and wife Sara of Gunter, Texas; his cousin, Ann Van Hoff of Omaha, Nebraska; sisters-in-law, Norma Libby, Dorothy Cardow and husband Robert, and Maddy Libby of Manchester, New Hampshire; his grandchildren, William Buss of Sonoma, California, Gregory Buss and wife Katy of San Antonio, Jennifer Buss, widow of Matthew of Dorchester, Massachusetts, Sarah Worsham of Austin, Aaron Worsham of Quantico, Virginia, Jordan Van Hoff and wife Callie of Clyde, Texas, Marc Van Hoff and wife Betsy of River Forest, Illinois, Joseph and Luke Spencer of Midland, Easter Van Hoff of Hilliard, and Micah Buchanan and husband Bob of Hilliard; and his great-grandchildren, Dallis Newell, Connie Rice, Kenny Van Hoff, and Marilyn Rice of Hilliard, Matilda and Remy Van Hoff of River Forest, Annabella, Taliesyn, and Leora Buchanan of Hilliard, and Presley Buss of San Antonio; and great-great-grandson, Braxton Wingo of Hilliard; as well as a wealth of extended family members. The Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 12, 2018 at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Midland. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at St. Ann's Catholic Church, with Monsignor Larry Droll officiating. The family acknowledges a great outpouring of love and prayers from countless family and friends far and wide. We are truly grateful. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Ann's Altar Society in care of St. Ann's Catholic Church, 1906 W. Texas St., Midland, TX 79701. ~ Dad, your guiding hand on our shoulders will remain with us forever~