Kenneth E. Hostetler, 93, of West Liberty, passed away peacefully at 3:27 a.m. on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at The Homestead at Logan Acres in Bellefontaine, Ohio.
Ken was born in Logan County, Ohio on May 1, 1930, to the late Hamer Vernon and Leah Katherine (Yoder) Hostetler. In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his son, Neil D. Hostetler; brother, Max Hostetler; and two sisters, Miriam Headings, and Helen Yoder.
Ken is survived by his wife, Mary Jeanette Hostetler; a son, Denis Hostetler of Bellefontaine; grandchildren, Cortney (Nick) Oakley of Bellefontaine, and Jerrod Hostetler of Russells Point; two great grandchildren, Harper, and Hunter; and several loving nieces and nephews.
After graduating from Bellefontaine High School, Ken married Mary Jeanette Shumaker on June 12, 1952, and the two of them volunteered for Mennonite Voluntary Service in La Junta, Colorado.
Ken is remembered as a successful dairy farmer of 40 years during which he milked many cows and cared for a favorite dog Bonnie. But he is also remembered for his many other skills, contributions, and interests. He lent his hand for woodworking, masonry, and general carpentry to so many who needed it. Among those who benefited from these skills were his church, Mennonite Disaster Service, and many family members and friends. As a longtime member of Bethel Mennonite Church in West Liberty, he contributed his carpentry skills to many projects. Over the years Ken and Jeanette enjoyed traveling together with close friends. Many of their trips were cruises to visit new places.
After retiring he dedicated more time to various volunteer projects, and in 2023 The Logan County Council on Aging honored him as the Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year for his volunteer work. This volunteer work included Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Our Daily Bread, and Mennonite Disaster Service.
Ken was an avid fan of Buckeyes football and Ohio State Women’s Basketball. He put together hundreds of puzzles and love to play dominos with his wife and friends. His regular presence at the Bethel Mennonite Men’s Breakfast is sure to be missed.
Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, at Bethel Mennonite Church, 416 Washington Street in West Liberty, where Pastor Rebecca Kauffman will officiate a funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in West Liberty, Ohio.
Memorial contribution may be made, in Ken’s memory, to Bethel Mennonite Church, P.O. Box 549, West Liberty, Ohio 43357 or Habitat for Humanity of Logan County, 4399 County Road 130, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.
Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, West Liberty, is honored to serve the Hostetler family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.