Ferdinand Staffel Obituary

Ferdinand Louis Staffel
December 15, 1926 - January 10, 2025
Ferdinand Louis Staffel, Age 98, of San Antonio, Texas passed away on Friday, January 10th, 2025

Ferdinand Louis Staffel was born in San Antonio, Texas to Albertine Zagorski Staffel and Gerald Staffel on December 15th, 1926. He graduated from Brackenridge High School in San Antonio where he was a yell leader and member of the ROTC. Following graduation, he acquired a pilot's license and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces in June of 1945, where at 19 years of age he served as a crew chief on a transport C-47. Upon his return from post-war occupation service in Europe, he enrolled in St. Mary's University, earning a Bachelor degree in Business and Chemistry.

He married the love of his life, since the 5th grade, Charline Margaret Cheetham, on April 2nd, 1947, at Travis Park Methodist Church and was her beloved husband for 77+ years. He and Charline had six children who were blessed by his Godly wisdom and quiet strength. He provided for them as he worked for his father's company, Staffel Feed and Seed before opening his own nursery and landscaping business that included his Plantation line of non-toxic garden products. He then later developed and manufactured a biocatalyst soil activator marketed under the names of Bio-Cat and now Spray-N-Grow for over 40 years.

Ferd loved his large family, his many friends, flying airplanes and building most anything, especially boats. He spent many happy hours flying in a little Cessna, including family trips to Disneyland, the 1964 New York's World Fair, and the Texas coast. He taught his children to be fearless while trusting God and encouraged them to step out of their comfort zone, whether pursuing education and careers, ministry opportunities, business pursuits or even hobbies i.e. flying, sailing, fishing or helping to crew a shrimp boat. He entertained new ideas, methods and ways of looking at things with a curious mind. He was always interested and interesting.

But most of all, Ferdinand was a man that reflected the love and grace of his Heavenly Father. He loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and demonstrated that love to his family, friends, employees and finally his caregivers, through his kindness, generosity and never wavering commitment to the Kingdom of God.

Ferd is preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Albertine Staffel, brothers, Gerald Staffel and
Dr. Edward Staffel, sister, Patricia Staffel Carter, and son-in-law, Steve Babb.

He is survived by his wife, Charline Staffel, children, Ferd Staffel Jr. (Jaycene), Laurel Staffel Babb, Charles Staffel (Susan), Paul Staffel (Lori), Bruce Staffel (Evelyn), Elizabeth Staffel Moore (Mitch),
21 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.

A Visitation for Ferdinand will be held Friday, January 24, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, Texas 78218.
A Funeral Service will occur Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 1:30 PM, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, Texas 78218, with the Reverend Rick Randall officiating.
A Committal Service will occur Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 3:30 PM at San Jose Burial Park, 8235 Mission Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78214.

Memorials in lieu of flowers can be made to Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, Or CBN Operation Blessing, 977 Centerville Turnpike, Virginia Beach, VA 23465.