“My dad was a State Rep. for 14 years starting in 1971,” says Patrick Von Dohlen, a consistent voice in Bexar County politics. Von Dohlen remembers having been involved at an early age, and has been active ever since—especially when it comes to pro-life and family issues.
A Texas A&M graduate, Von Dohlen currently works as a partner at The Von Dohlen Knuffke Financial Group in San Antonio. But politics has always been his true passion.
“As soon as I could walk and talk, I was helping him with his activities: knocking on doors, waving at people from sidewalks, holding up signs saying to vote for my dad.” Von Dohlen would sometimes provide tours for guests and dignitaries who came to visit his father at the Capitol. “In 1981, he was chairman of Redistricting, and I remember well the long nights of meetings filled with arguments, followed by sleeping on the black leather couch in his office.”
Although it has been quite a while since those days, Von Dohlen has stayed involved in the political process and remains consistently active in Bexar County politics during the 19 years he’s lived in San Antonio—regularly addressing the San Antonio City Council on matters of importance. “I’ve always had an interest in politics, as it affects citizens’ lives. We have to engage in the public square to help elected and public officials know the truth and remember their responsibilities to the people.”
Von Dohlen’s primary avenue for activism is the San Antonio Family Association, where he has been involved for the past few years.
“After almost two years of work, my hobby with the San Antonio Family Association led to a significant pro-life and pro-family victory on Dec. 17, 2015 when the City of San Antonio voted to approve a new ordinance that restricted future abortion facilities from moving in next to residential neighborhoods without mandatory public notification and special-use permission from the Zoning Commission and City Council,” says Von Dohlen. “This kind of significant victory to protect life and family is why we are active in the public square.”
When he’s not busy either at work or admonishing elected officials, Von Dohlen enjoys hunting, fishing, and boating with his wife, Happy, and their nine children. “Teaching my children and friends about hunting gives me an opportunity to share life experiences, historical family stories, and provides time to teach them virtues,” Von Dohlen says.
In addition to the San Antonio Family Association, Von Dohlen is involved with the Allied Women’s Center, Knights of Columbus, Joshua Initiative, Mission Sonogram, Responsible Government Coalition, Texas A&M Association of Former Students Leadership Council and Clubs, and youth sports.
