Obituaries

W. Merle Hostetter, 92

W. Merle Hostetter, 92, died Saturday, August 27, 2011 at Arbor View in Willow Valley. He was born in Strasburg to the late Jacob and Minnie Althouse Hostetter. His loving wife of 69 years Violet Forster Hostetter died this past January 31st.

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Hostetter served in France and Italy during World War II with the 15th Field Artillery Battalion, and was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He worked as a PBX installer and switchman for Bell Telephone Company until age 55 when he started a mobile home sales and park business.

Merle was a charter member of Community United Methodist Church, and a member of Strasburg Sportsman’s Association and Lancaster Lodge #43 F. & A. M. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time with his family.

Surviving are his daughter Judy, wife of Pete Rogers of Willow Street, and sons David, husband of Faith Hostetter and Bruce, husband of Pat Hostetter, both of Lancaster, and 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great great-grandsons. His siblings Ruth, Mildred, Elva, Marvin and Lloyd preceded Merle in death.

A Visitation will take place Saturday, Sept. 3rd from 9-10 AM and the Funeral at 10 AM, with The Rev. Carolene S. Brubaker officiating, at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 414 E. King St., Lancaster, PA. Interment with Military Honors in Strasburg Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Community U. M. Church, 130 Tennyson Dr., Lancaster, Pa 17602. To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 717-393-9661

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It was my honor to be part of his health care. You and he are in my prayers . . . 

Kat, Cardiac Consultants

Cousins:Judy,David, Bruce,
Please except our deepest condolences.Your Mom & Dad will surely be missed.Everytime I passed through PA, and stopped to see them , they were the best. We are sorry for not being able to come down for the funeral, we are going to Thailand soon, and we have so much, to get squared away before we go. Somsongs sister isnt doing to well, and we figure we best go and see her..You probably have heard that Lloyola, and her daughter Joyce passed away , within a month of each other..First ,Joyce,she was bi-polar,died from an overdose of meds, and Lloyola ,it was cancer…been a tough year for all of us.
Again, our condolences.
Love to All,
Michael and Somsong Hostetter

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