Ernest R. Hochstetler

Ernest R. Hochstetler of Nappanee, IN, age 85 years, 11 months, 4 days, died at 2:10 am on Monday morning, November 17, 2025 at his residence.  He was born on December 13, 1939 in Elkhart, IN to Rudy J. and Anna (Borkholder) Hochstetler.  On October 6, 1960 Ernest married Mary E. Chupp in Nappanee.  She preceded him in death on July 28, 2023.  Ernest lived his entire life in the Nappanee area and was a  member of the Old Order  Amish Church.  Ernest is survived by 2 sons: Ray (Leona Miller) Hochstetler, Nappanee and Michael (Linda Mast) Hochstetler, Nappanee; 7 daughters: Lorraine (Mark) Stutzman, Nappanee, Sharon (Allen) Borkholder, Bremen, Linda (Frederick) Miller, Bremen, Diana (Eddie Ray) Borkholder, Bremen, Vonda (Daryl) Yoder, Bremen, Regina (Larry) Chupp, Bremen, Amy (Virgil) Yoder, Nappanee;  daughter-in-law, Etta (Schwartz) Hochstetler, Nappanee; 54 grandchildren; 53 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers: LeRoy Hochstetler of Milford, IN and Larry (Freda) Hochstetler of New Paris, IN; 2 sisters: Freida (Robert) Schmucker of Milford and Verba (Joe) Bontrager of Nappanee; and a sister-in-law, Elsie (Lapp) Hochstetler of New Paris.  Ernest was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son, Steven Joe Hochstetler; brother, William Hochstetler; and a sister, Sylvia Hostetler. Visitation will be held after 2 pm on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 and all-day Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at the family residence (955 Baltimore Ave, Nappanee, IN 46550).  A funeral service will begin at 9:30 am on Thursday morning, November 20, 2025, also at the family residence. Bishop Howard Schwartz and Home Ministries of the Old Order Amish Church will officiate.  Burial will take place in Weldy Cemetery, Nappanee.  Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.