Gary Gordon Hosbein

1943 - 2023

Gary Gordon Hosbein, 79, of St. Joseph passed away on April 12, 2023, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph.

A celebration of life service will be at noon on Wednesday, April 19, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel in St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral home from 10 a.m. to the time of the service on Wednesday.

Please send donations in lieu of flowers to the Alex Mandarino foundation, thealexmandarinofoundation.org. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com.

Gary was born on Dec. 23, 1943, in Benton Harbor, Mich., to Gordon and Velma Hosbein.

He graduated from St. John's High School in 1961, and then enrolled at the University of Notre Dame, where he received his bachelor's degree. After Notre Dame, he attended law school at the University of Detroit and received his Juris Doctorate in 1968.

He then began his legal career before opening his own law office in 1976 at 320 Main St. His office was affectionately known as the gingerbread house in downtown St. Joseph. He looked forward to lighting up and decorating his office every year for the community to enjoy. Even though he was a zealous advocate for his clients, he wasn't one to argue. His style was caring and empathetic.

His trial strategy was humbling, yet effective. His opponents couldn't get mad at him and his jurists couldn't help but trust him. He would smile and talk calmly but encapture and amaze with his wit and expertise. His civility was an example for all aspiring attorneys.

He was also known as "Coach Hoser" by many local athletes as he had a long career as a girls' basketball coach from LMC and Lakeshore. His coaching philosophy didn't just involve winning, he taught and guided young people life lessons and many practices ended with pizza and ice cream. Coach Hoser had the honor to coach his own daughters and grandchildren.

Gary married Barbara Puffer in 1966 at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame. Gary and Barb were high school sweethearts. Gary first set eyes on Barbara while playing basketball for St. John's High School when the basketball landed at the feet of Barbara, who was cheerleading for St. Joe Catholic High School. He dove to save the ball, and the rest was history. Together, they had five children, and 11 grandchildren.

Gary was a devoted husband, fantastic father, and an amazing "Poppie."

Survivors include his wife, Barbara; his daughters: Stephanie (Bob) Burch, Heidi (Dana) Hosbein Skidmore, and Carrie (Chris) Adams; his son, Gordon (Julie Anna) Hosbein; his grandchildren: Drew, Luke and Eleah Hedstrom; Ashlee, Avery, Riley and Annabelle Adams; Gordon, Samantha and Benjamin Hosbein; and his sister, Sandie (Ken) Kaminski; along with many nieces and nephews who adored him.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Elizabeth Mary Hosbein; granddaughter, Grace Elizabeth; his sister, Valerie Thomas; and his parents: Gordon and Velma Hosbein.

The family would like to thank and recognize Gary's many wonderful caregivers who helped to keep him healthy and comfortable in the last few years of his life. Those who knew and loved him will miss his bear hugs, his quick wit, genuine conversations, inspirational ear, and his "Barbara smile." However, we all take comfort in knowing that his fingerprints are left all throughout this community.