Leslie David Hostetler was born Dec. 16, 1928, in rural Johnson County, Iowa, the son of Alvin J. and Ida (Miller) Hostetler. He attended Snake Hollow School. Leslie was united in marriage to Emma Helmuth Oct. 8, 1950, at Fairview Conservative Church near Kalona.
Leslie lived his entire life in the Kalona community and was a lifelong farmer. Along with being a farmer he was an electrician, truck driver and mail carrier retiring in 1990. Following his retirement, he enjoyed working part time at Schlabaugh & Sons Woodworking and delivering parts for Kalona Auto. Leslie was a dedicated caregiver for his wife Emma for many years. He loved working in his shop, building furniture and knickknacks for his children and grandchildren. He was a member of the Fairview Mennonite Church, serving as a trustee, treasurer and on the building committee. He also served on the Pleasantview board and the Iowa Mennonite School board. Leslie died Monday, Oct. 31, 2022, at Pleasantview Home in Kalona at the age of 93 years.
Leslie is survived by six children: Carolyn (Perry) Miller of Kalona, Dale (Faith) Hostetler of Johns Island, S.C., Donald Hostetler of Warsaw, Ind., Judy (Brent) Balbinot of Holland, Ohio, Larion (Ruby) Hostetler of Linville, Va., and Phylis (Marcus) Hostetler of Charleston, S.C.; 25 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and a sister: Emma Jean Miller of Kalona.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Emma; a sister: Ruth Ann Hostetler; and infant grandchildren: Denise Miller and Blake Miller; two brothers: Joseph Hostetler and Edwin Hostetler; and a sister: Mary Katherine Brenneman.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, at Fairview Mennonite Church near Kalona. Burial will be in the Fairview Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, from 2-4 and 6-8 at the Fairview Mennonite Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Pleasantview Home or Hospice of Johnson County. Yoder-Powell Funeral Home is caring for Leslie and his family. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com
