John Philip Hostetler

Phil Hostetler age 86 passed away peacefully at this home on December 15, 2018 under
the loving care of his wife and Oaklawn Hospice. He was born December 3, 1932 in Logansport, Indiana
the son of Bertram and Helen (Dalzell) Hostetler. Phil served our country in the United States Air Force. He earned his PhD in experimental psychology at Purdue University and served as a Professor of Psychology at Albion College for 35 years until his retirement in 1999.

He was interested in hypnosis and while on sabbatical at Stanford University, he conducted hypnosis research with Dr. Earnest Hilgard. He was also very interested in fitness, teaching courses like Health Psychology, and with his wife Sharon, he taught the interdisciplinary Mountain Wilderness course in the mountains of Colorado for 10 years. While on another sabbatical and leave of absence, Phil spent one year in Cape Town, South Africa at the University of Cape Town teaching classes and conducting psychoneuroimmunological research with sangomas in the townships surrounding Cape Town.

For 20 year's Phil served with his wife Sharon, as a volunteer EMT for Albion Ambulance Service. They also gave the Albion Community 34 years of instruction in CPR and First Aid. He was an active volunteer for assisting with Kids Cardiac Life Support for the elementary schools in Albion.

His faith journey played a big part in his life; he participated in the Walk to Emmaus in Jackson, and then worked many sessions after the one he attended. He was actively involved with many aspects of the Albion United Methodist Church, playing bass guitar in the praise band, served on many committees, was an usher, a counter and he ran the soundboard.
He loved playing pick-up basketball until his joint replacements kept him from playing. He continued having fun by playing vigorous games of ping-pong with his friends at the Forks Senior Center.
Always the optimist, Phil had a great sense of humor. He would smile and laugh easily. He always saw the best in people and sought to encourage them. He loved his extended family and enjoyed challenging them to competitions.

Phil leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife and best friend of 46 years, Sharon and children:
Lori Hostetler of Indianapolis, IN, Annie (Stephen) Hostetler-Notman of London, England, Cynthia (David) Herriman-Baird of Battle Creek, Susan (Bryan) Herriman Ryan of Raleigh, NC, Rebecca (Paul) Hostetler Hecker of Wheaton, Il, Dawn (Jon) Herriman March of Grand Rapids, David (Linda) Herriman of Caledonia, Kurt Hostetler of Muncie, IN; 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. His parents and a brother, Robert Hostetler, preceded Phil in death.

Phil's family will receive visitors in Fellowship Lounge at the First United Methodist Church, 600 E. Michigan Avenue, Albion on Saturday, January 5, 2019 from 2 to 4PM. The Celebration of Life Service will be on Sunday, January 6 at 2:00PM in Wesley Chapel, First United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions to honor Phil may be made to the First United Methodist Church

Arrangements entrusted to J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion,
Michigan 49225.

To leave online messages of condolence, please visit www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com