Sam Hostetler

Sam Hostetler, 82, of Wooster, passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025.

Sam was born in Dover on April 16, 1942 to Jonas and Lizzie (Miller) Hostetler.  He was always a hard-working, spiritual man who would do anything for his family.  His children remember visiting him at Barberton Citizens Hospital where he was Director of Environmental  Services, and seeing him in his office where they pilfered mints from his candy dish and his staff always had great things to say about him.  He then moved on to being an owner-operator in the trucking industry where he made his mark as well.  Sam always encouraged and supported and was never afraid to speak his mind, in fact, you could count on that.  You always knew where you stood with him. When he retired, he purchased a van and drove for the Amish, his family and heritage that he loved so much. He never stopped caring for anyone and everyone in his vicinity.  Known as “Uncle Sam”, he was loved by all his relatives, and many more besides.  He met and married Josie in a whirlwind of a relationship and spent his last days caring for her.  A man who was rock-solid in his faith in God, love of family and a constant giver of himself, Sam was loved by and will be missed by so many.

Surviving are his children, Michele (Michael) Mays, Jonas Hostetler and Jessica (Christopher Kerzan) Hostetler; grandsons, Devin Mays and Joshua Hostetler; great-granddaughter, Paige Mays; brother, Jonas Hostetler Jr.; sisters, Elma Troyer and Dora Debord and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Josefina on Feb. 12th; son, Joshua Hostetler in 2015; brothers, Noah, Mahlon, Eli, Abe and Nelson and sisters, Erma Franks, Polly Sender, Lizzie Ann Hostetler, Susan Mast and Melinda Baum.

Services will be Saturday, Feb. 22nd at 10:00 a.m. at Murray Funeral Home in Fredericksburg with burial following at East Side Cemetery.  Friends may call Friday, Feb. 21st from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.