Joseph Leland Hostetler, 84, passed away April 24, 2021, at Schowalter Villa in Hesston, Kansas. He was born Jan. 31, 1937, at Kalona, Iowa, to Alvin and Ida (Miller) Hostetler. Joe graduated from Iowa Mennonite School and received a Master of Educational Technology degree from East Texas State University.
Joe spent his entire career in education. The last 30 years of his career, he was the Director of Media Resources at Hesston College for 10 years and then Butler County Community College for 20 years, before he retired.
He was a member of Hesston Mennonite Church. Joe was involved in Mennonite Voluntary Service in Mathis, Texas, for two years before moving to Alice, Texas, to help in a church plant. After 17 years in Texas, he then made his home in Hesston, Kansas.
Joe had many hobbies, including raising and giving away African Violets, woodworking, gardening and photography. He was known as a jack-of-all-trades handyman. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Joe always had a smile for everyone.
Joe married Norma Jean Hershberger April 26, 1958, in Wellman, Iowa. They shared nearly 63 years together.
He is survived by his wife; sons: Keith (Beth) Hostetler of Hesston, Charles (Karla) Hostetler of Hesston, and Kurt (Shawn) Hostetler of Newton, Kansas; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brother: Leslie Hostetler, Kalona; sister: Emma Jean Miller, Kalona; sisters-in-law: Susie Hostetler, Kalona, Ruth Hershberger of Wellman, and Phyllis Hershberger of Wellman, Alice Mary Hershberger of Florida, Mary Miller of Indiana; and brother-in-law: Carroll Hershberger of Iowa.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; daughter: Carol Jean Hostetler; brother: Edwin Hostetler; sisters: Mary Brenneman, and Ruth Anna Hostetler.
Cremation has taken place. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 8, 2021, at Hesston Mennonite Church. The service will be livestreamed at https://hesstonmc.org/livestream/. Private family inurnment will be at Eastlawn Cemetery. Family will meet with friends one hour prior to service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Good Samaritan Fund (for Schowalter Villa), or Harvey County Compassionate Friends (please make checks payable to Harvey County TCF) and sent in care of Miller-Ott Funeral Home, P.O. Box 32, Hesston, KS 67062
