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 15 ^th 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. 3 ^rd 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