Carolyn Hochstetler, 89, of Wellman died Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Pleasantview Home in Kalona.
Carolyn was born Oct. 14, 1934, in rural Parnell, the daughter of Orval and Lavanda (Swartzendruber) Kinsinger. Soon to be joined by her younger siblings, she learned early on to care for others. She attended and graduated from Tucker Country School, a 15-minute walk around the corner from the Kinsinger home on a gravel road known locally as Wall Street.
She graduated from Iowa Mennonite School and attended Hesston College. While her fiancé was volunteering in post-war Europe, Carolyn spent time in service in the heart of Chicago. On Oct. 14, 1956, Carolyn was united in marriage to Leslie Hochstetler at West Union Mennonite Church where she was a lifelong member.
After a few years on a Johnson County farm, they moved to the Iowa County farm where Carolyn lived for more than 60 years. Carolyn’s love for all of creation showed itself in her attachment to the land she called home. Aside from the significant task of raising four children, Carolyn always found ways to share the resources she had with others. They opened their home to many students that attended Iowa Mennonite School (now Hillcrest Academy) and continued to do so when their own children had moved on. Carolyn’s interest in the broader world led her to participate in a Faith and Agriculture group in the ‘80s, and help her church become involved in the Iowa City Free Lunch Program, for example. She also volunteered at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp and in Louisiana, cooking for Mennonite Disaster Service workers after Hurricane Katrina. Carolyn loved growing, preparing and sharing food. It was one of the primary ways she communicated her love to others.
Carolyn’s love for music was another thread that was consistently woven into her years. Listening to her elders sing in harmony at West Union was one of her fondest childhood memories. She was a willing participant in singing groups when the church needed special music, and led singing as well. In her later years she immersed herself in the hymnals she had used in her lifetime, and organized hymn sings for several of her birthdays. Hymnals were her friends.
Carolyn is survived by her children: Lynn (Deb) Hochstetler of Kalona, Diane (Tony) Miller of Wellman, Bruce (Edie) Hochstetler of Wellman and Sara (Wes) Bonner of Lawrence, Kansas; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and siblings: Phil (Dottie) Kinsinger of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Kate (Ervin) Brenneman, Barbara Miller, and Nancy (John) Halder all of Iowa City.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband: Leslie; sister: Norma Kelting; and two brothers-in-law: Garth Kelting and Kenton Miller.
Funeral service was held Monday, March 18, 2024, at the West Union Mennonite Church. Pastor John David Kenney officiated. Burial was in the West Union Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established for the Iowa City Free Lunch Program. The service will be livestreamed Powell Funeral Homes Facebook page and at www.powellfuneralhomes.com The Yoder-Powell Funeral Home is caring for Carolyn and her family.
