Irvin Edward Hostetler

ORRVILLE -- Irv E. Hostetler, 79, of Orrville, died Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011, at his residence, following a period of declining health.

Irv was born on Feb. 15, 1931, in Orrville, to Ammon and Lena (Weigley) Hostetler and married Edna "Maude" Berg on Dec. 15, 1950, in East Chippewa Church of the Brethren near Smithville. She survives.

He graduated from Orrville High School, class of 1949, and worked in maintenance for The J.M. Smucker Company in Orrville for 37 years, retiring in 1992. After retiring from Smucker's, he mowed lawns for Orrville City Schools for 12 years.

Irv was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Orrville. He was an OSU Buckeyes and Cleveland Indians fan and enjoyed playing fastpitch softball for many years on several local teams. He loved entertaining his grandchildren and spoiling his dog, Sophie.

Surviving are six children, Nancy (Steve) Prechtel of Wadsworth, Jerry Hostetler of Orrville, Jan (Fred) Miller of Orrville, Sue (Rick) Oswald of Wooster, Pat Wirth of Wooster, and Mike (Tina) Hostetler of Orrville; 13 grandchildren, Josh (Mandi), Joe (Megan), Kirk, Matt (Sarah), Mike (Rachel), Mollie (Josh), Alec (Jessica), Craig (Maria), Sara, Steph, Andy, Tanner, and Lauren; six great-grandchildren, C.J., Calli, Colby, Cameron, Carson, and Andrew; four brothers, Norman (Irene) Hostetler of Sterling, John (Jean) Hostetler of Orrville, Homer (Brenda) Hostetler of Orrville and Orie (Helen) Hostetler of Fla.; a sister, Isa Gochnauer of Wooster; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved poodle, Sophie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Wayne, Alvin, and Junior Hostetler; two sisters, Marie and Fern Hostetler; and a son-in-law, Ron Wirth.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, at Auble Funeral Home in Orrville, with Pastor Jim Hostetler officiating.