Jerald "Jerry" Hostetler

Jerald "Jerry" Hostetler, age 81, beloved husband, father, brother, and teacher, passed away on Sunday, November 9th, 2025 peacefully surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Massillon, Ohio on March 16, 1944 to Marvin & Doris (Newcomer) Hostetler. He graduated from Orrville High School in 1962 and continued his education at Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana, earning a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Biology in 1966.
Following his passion for teaching, he served as a Biology teacher at Wooster High School for over 30 years, inspiring countless students with his knowledge and enthusiasm. He enjoyed farming during his off months in the Summer. In June of 1968, he married Betty Kay Gingerich, beginning a loving partnership that lasted a lifetime.
In addition to his professional and family commitments, he was deeply involved as a member of Martin's Mennonite Church in Orrville, including teaching Sunday School, and sharing his love of music with the congregation. His musical talents were further demonstrated through 20 years of singing for the Martin's Octet and the Orrville Community Chorus, where he also served as a board member, enriching the lives of those around him through music and fellowship.
He is survived by his loving wife, Betty; his children, Sheri (Nathan) Badertscher of Fredericksburg and Mike (Becky) Hostetler of Orrville; his grandchildren, Austen, Carter & Sienna Hostetler; his brother, Duane Hostetler of Goshen, Indiana; and many extended family members.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother & sister-in-law, Dean (Jean) Hostetler; and sister-in-law, Theresa Hostetler. His legacy of kindness, unwavering faith, generous spirit and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Friends may call on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Martins Mennonite Church, 14027 Church Road, Orrville, from 12:00 pm to 12:45 pm.
Memorial services will follow at 1:00 pm on Saturday, at the church, with Pastors Patrick and Christine Nafziger officiating, and will be live streamed by the church at http://meet.google.com/jqc-jrcd-ngh Burial of ashes will take place at the Martins Mennonite Church Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Orrville Community Chorus, P.O. Box 274, Orrville, OH 44667, orrvillecommunitychorus.org or Central American Medical Outreach (CAMO), 322 Westwood Avenue, Orrville, OH 44667, www.camo.org