Merrill D. Hostetler, 85, died at 12:05 a.m. Aug. 29, 2009, in Miller's Merry Manor, Warsaw.
He was born March 24, 1924, in South Bend, to Dorence and Wreatha Hearn Hostetler. On Sept. 4, 1946, in Nappanee, he married Marjorie Louise Curtis, who survives.
Living most of his life in Kosciusko County, he was a tool and die maker for Clausing Inc., retiring with 30 years of service. He was a member of Packerton United Methodist Church and Warsaw American Legion 49. He entered the U.S. Navy Feb. 11, 1943, in Toledo, Ohio, serving in World War II. GM3C(T) Merrill D. Hostetler was honorably discharged Jan. 27, 1946, in Toledo.
Also surviving are two sons, Terry (and spouse Mary) Hostetler, Warsaw; and Gary Hostetler, Wynnwood, Okla.; three grandchildren: Marcia (and spouse Brian) Rhoades, Warsaw; Sarah (and spouse C.J.) Urbanek, Davis, Okla.; and Dee Dee Lynn (and spouse Darin) Dankelson, Highland, Mich.; six great-grandchildren: Riley and Jack Rhoades, Jack Urbanek, Peter and Jacob Dankelson and Haley Hostetler. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Donovan Hostetler; and a grandson, Justin Hostetler.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Packerton United Methodist Church officiated by the Revs. Bill Wood and Noel Reed of the church. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton, with military graveside honors by members of Warsaw American Legion Post 49 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1126.
Calling is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw.
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Memorials to Packerton United Methodist Church, 7676 S. Packerton Road, Warsaw, IN 46580; or Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice, P.O. Box 1196, Warsaw, IN 46581-1196.
