Donald Gene Hostetler

Donald Gene Hostetler, age 83, of New Philadelphia died Tuesday, April 29, 2014 in Union Hospital at Dover following a brief illness.

A son of the late Rueben Hostetler and Thelma (Knipe) and Lloyd Gerber, Don was born at Sugarcreek, Ohio on June 4, 1930.

He graduated from the former Shanesville High School and served his country during the Korean War as a member of the United States Army.

For nearly four decades, Don was employed by the Warner & Swasey /Gradall Company at New Philadelphia. He served as a department supervisor for the Tool Crib and was recognized for the creation of a special tool which resulted in a significant savings to the company. Following his retirement in 1992, Don enjoyed getting out and being a vehicle runner for Ferris Chevrolet at New Philadelphia.

His most enjoyable hobby was gardening. Winter months were spent marking pages and ordering from seed catalogs and then starting his own seedlings for his garden. Most often, Don ended up giving many of his plants and vegetables to his family and friends as he always ended up growing more than he could ever use. He was proud of not only his own garden but enjoyed keeping a community garden he once shared with his buddies.

When not gardening, Don and his family spent many summers camping full time at Atwood Lake, where they enjoyed the company of family and friends. Yearly camping and fishing vacations to Lake Superior and his love for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula were among some of his other favorite activities. However, Don’s camping travels culminated with his dream trip to Alaska where he spent several months enjoying the wilderness. Above all, the time Don cherished most was being able to be with his grandchildren.

His memberships included Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the New Philadelphia Quaker Club, where he served as a former president of the organization. He was also a life member of the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. #510 and a member of the Carl C. Stoller Post #1445 of the New Philadelphia Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He is survived by his wife the former Mary Kay Pompey, whom he married on January 27, 1951; two sons, Daniel (Colleen) Hostetler and Timothy (Patty) Hostetler all of New Philadelphia; five grandchildren, Seth (Corrie) Hostetler, Kyle (Nicole) Hostetler all of Columbus, Chase Hostetler, Nicole Hostetler Wright and Jessica Hostetler all of New Philadelphia and two great-grandchildren, Lillian Wright and Aspen Hostetler.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by an infant son, David Hostetler; a sister, Miriam Maust, and a grandson-in-law, Jeremy Wright.

The family will greet guests on Friday, May 2, 2014 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Father Jeff Coning will lead a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 10:00 AM in the Sacred Heart Church at New Philadelphia. Burial with military honors will follow in the Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia. Following services, all are invited to join the family in St. Ambrose Hall, adjacent to the church.

Memorial contributions in Don’s name may be directed to the New Philadelphia Quaker Club, PO BOX 202 New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or Sacred Heart Church, 139 Third Street NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.