Charles F. Hostetler

Charles F. Hostetler, age 89, of New Castle, died Tuesday, April 25, 2023. He was born in rural Howard County (Indiana) on April 22, 1934 to Charles J. and Mary Etta (Little) Hostetler. Charlie was a 1952 graduate of Kokomo High School. He was a birthright Quaker and in 1966 was recognized as a recorded minister in the Society of Friends (Quaker). In the 1960s he pastored churches in Hutsonville, IL, Danville, IL and Hortonville, IN. In 1970 Charlie graduated from the Indiana College of Mortuary Science, where he served as class president. As a funeral director he served families in Anderson, Daleville and Middletown. In 1975 he moved his family to New Castle and shortly thereafter became owner of Couden-Hostetler Funeral Home on South 14th St. -- retiring in 1999. Charlie served on the boards of several local clubs and service organizations. Among the many projects in which he was instrumental included the installation of the “Welcome to New Castle” sign in Your Park and the monument benches at South Mound Cemetery West Lawn Addition. In later years he attended the First United Methodist Church in New Castle. He married Judith A. Julian on May 8, 1955. They were married exactly 59 years – as she passed away on their anniversary in 2014. In their life together they traveled to every state in the Union and shared countless days at their beloved “little red cottage” near Dewart Lake. Charlie had a keen, inquisitive mind and always demonstrated his attention to detail. He took great satisfaction in his ability to envision, design and ultimately build several special projects – large and small. He never met a stranger and could (and would) strike up a conversation with everyone he encountered. Charlie is survived by his four children – Wayne (Tonia) Hostetler of New Castle, Cynthia (Robert) Upchurch of New Castle, John (Kathleen) Hostetler of Hagerstown and Janet (Gregory) Schmeisser of New Castle. He was also blessed with 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Other survivors include sisters-in-law Julie Hostetler of Kokomo, Cathy (Wally) Getz Hostetler Newcomb of Wadsworth, OH, several nieces, nephews, cousins and special friend, Bette Dudley of New Castle. In addition to his parents and wife, he was proceeded in death by sister, Nancy Julian, brothers Edward and James Hostetler, brother-in-law, John F. Julian and great grandson, Sawyer Benjamin Hostetler. Graveside services will be held at 4:00 PM, Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Mt. Summit Cemetery with Pastor Mark Herbkersman officiating. Those wishing to attend the graveside service should meet at Sproles Family Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until 3:30 pm Saturday. The procession to the cemetery will commence shortly thereafter. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to Quaker Haven Camp, 111 EMS D16C Lane, Syracuse, IN 46567. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Sproles Family Funeral Home. You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to care for a fellow funeral service colleague, Charles F. Hostetler, and serve his family.

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Charles F. Hostetler

April 22, 1934 - April 25, 2023