Eli J. Hostetler

Eli J. Hostetler, 77, of Shreve, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, Dec. 23, 2019 at Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare after a 9 month period of declining health.

Eli was born Feb. 17, 1942 in Wayne County to the late Joni T. and Mary (Miller) Hostetler and married the former Linda J. Shetler on May 3, 1962. He had first worked at Wayne Mines as well as farmer and for 32 years was a self-employed log transporter having driven for Boreman Hardwoods and Stutzman Lumber.  On Sept. 13, 1970 Eli was ordained and served many years as the pastor of Bethany Conservative Mennonite Church.  He and Linda enjoyed doing mission work in Haiti and Eli was a people person and friend to everyone.  He enjoyed Farmall Tractors, spending time at the winter home in Florida for the past 15 years but his greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife, Linda; children and their spouses, Mary and Jason Coblentz of Dundee, Robert and Lisa Hostetler of Shreve, John and Angie Hostetler, Ivan and Vi Hostetler, Rosann and Jerry Troyer and Christy and John Yoder all of Millersburg and Phil and Amy Hostetler of Shreve;  21 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; sisters, Linda Gingerich of Millersburg and Emma Hostetler of St. Petersburg, FL, and brothers and their spouses, , Robert Hostetler of Millersburg, Atlee  and Elsie Hostetler of Holmesville, Dan and Linda Hostetler of Fredericksburg and Joni and Fannie Hostetler of Killbuck.    He was preceded in death by his daughter, Emma, grandson, Colton Yoder, his parents and an infant brother, Harvey.

Services will be Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at New Life Fellowship Church, 8580 CR 245, Holmesville with Pastor Paul Yoder officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Friends may call Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the church.  Murray Funeral Home in Fredericksburg is handling arrangements.  Memorial contributions may be made to the New Life Fellowship.

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