John David Hostetler

ORRVILLE -- John D. Hostetler, 91, of Orrville went home to be with the Lord and peacefully passed away Wednesday, June 21, 2017, at LifeCare Hospice of Wayne County.

In keeping with his wishes, Gresser Funeral Home, Orrville, will be taking care of the family's private memorial services. There will be no calling hours. The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to LifeCare Hospice, 1900 Akron Road, Wooster, OH 44691; or East Chippewa Church of the Brethren, 7207 Chippewa Road, Orrville, OH 44667.

Online expressions and guest book registry are available at the funeral home website, www.gresserfuneralhome.com.

He was born Feb. 18, 1926, in Green Township, Wayne County, the sixth child of 11 born to Ammon and Lena (Weigley) Hostetler. He married E. Jean (Kiener) Hostetler on Jan. 4, 1928, in Orrville. They were looking forward to celebrating 70 years together this January.

John retired from Countrymark Feeds, Massillon, in 1991. He was a life member of East Chippewa Church of the Brethren, where he had been a Sunday school teacher, deacon and a member of the cemetery association. He spent many hours at the church on outside maintenance and had planted many trees over the years.

At age 19 in 1946, John participated in a joint project between the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration and the Brethren Service Committee to ship livestock to war-devastated countries in Europe and Asia. As a "Seagoing Cowboy," he played a vital role in keeping the Heifer Project going after World War II. In retirement, John enjoyed the Cleveland Indians, bird watching, puzzles and visiting with family and friends.

Surviving in addition to his wife are their children, Kathleen (Erick) Hendrickson of Louisville, Carol (Rick) Gregorich and John (Becky) Hostetler, both of Dalton. They have five grandchildren, Amy Nuesch, Andrew (Jill) Hostetler, Travis (Jenna) Gregorich, Scott (Alisha) Hostetler and Allison Hostetler; and four great-grandchildren, Charlotte Nuesch, Grace and Nora Hostetler and Veraline Gregorich. Surviving also are brothers, Homer of Orrville and Orie of Winter Haven, Fla.

He was preceded in death by son, Andrew Lynn, in infancy; brothers, Wayne, Norman, Alvin, Irvin and Ammon Jr.; and sisters, Marie Hostetler, Isa Gochnauer and Fern in infancy.

The family wishes to thank all of their loving friends as well as the very caring staff at LifeCare Hospice in Wooster.