Norman Hostetler Jr., formerly of Hollsopple, Pa., entered the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Dec. 5, 2023, at his home in Morgantown.
He was born Jan. 2, 1933, in Johnstown, Pa., and is survived by his wife, Shirley (Toews); his children, Glory (Don) Burkey, Ron Hostetler (Holly), Doug Hostetler (Nancy), Cheryl (Stephen) Stupar, Jeff Hostetler (Vicki), Todd Hostetler (Lisa), Lori (Kurt) Kehl; 28 grandchildren, and 71 great-grandchildren; sister, Betty Kolb; brother, Robert Hostetler; sister, Linda Knepper; and sister, Judy Mullet.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman Sr. and Erma Hostetler; former wife, Delories (Dolly); and brothers, Leon Hostetler and David Hostetler.
He is also survived by stepchildren, Warren (Pattie) Cardiff, and Trudie (Tim) Bitterman; eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Norm grew up on a dairy and poultry farm, attended Blough Mennonite Church, and graduated from Johnstown Mennonite School. He was a gifted athlete and vocalist who dreamed about a singing career. He attended both Goshen and Eastern Mennonite colleges but cut short his academic career to take over the family farm. At Blough Mennonite Church he was both Sunday School Superintendent and song leader. And the songs he and wife Dolly sang together were something to behold. “Jr.” as he was often called, was also a tenacious hunter. He knew how to take down big game not only in Pennsylvania and West Virginia but around the world, with sons, grandsons, and son-in-law, having done hunting expeditions in South Africa, Alaska for caribou and bear, Colorado for Elk and Montana for mule deer.
Norm was also a competitor. He played third base on a fast-pitch softball team. When asked by one of his sons why he didn’t win the MVP trophy after playing in a tournament he simply slid the side of his uniform down below his hip to show the big bright red brush burn he got while sliding into home and said, “This is my trophy.”
His kids and grandkids were his greatest joy. Singing the old hymns, fall harvest, spring planting, and steak Sundays made him happy along with a special moment he had watching his son win a Super Bowl. “PeePaw” as he is called by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren had celebrated his 90th birthday less than a year ago in Morgantown, surrounded by three generations of a family he liked to call “his people” who surprised him with an outpouring of love, fellowship, respect, admiration, and singing.
He leaves them a legacy filled with memories and stories about hard work, patience, endurance, humility, forgiveness, commitment, obedience to God and His Word, seeking peace, unconditional love, keeping a Sabbath, and figuring things out. Figuring things out was a way of life on a farm. His highest prayer has always been for the salvation of his children, his children’s children, and beyond. It’s a prayer that will linger on until someday we all meet him once again in a place called Heaven.
The family would like to thank all his doctors, nurses, and staff at WVU Medicine and WV Caring, and also his neighbors who all showered him with kindness, love, and care during his time of need.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the WVU Medicine Children’s Hostetler Family Resource Center in honor of Norman Hostetler. checks can be sent to: WVU Medicine Children’s,Suncrest Center, 1085 Van Voorhis Rd Suite 350,Morgantown, WV 26505.
A visitation and funeral service will be held at Blough Mennonite Church, Hollsopple, Pa., Saturday, Dec. 9, starting at 10 a.m. until time of service at noon followed by a private family gathering. Arrangements are entrusted to the Hastings Funeral Home, Morgantown, and the George E. Mason Funeral Home, Inc. Davidsville.
Condolences:
www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
