Darrel M. Hostetler

Darrel M. Hostetler, 91, of Goshen, Ind., died Jan. 31, 2024, at Greencroft Healthcare. He was born Jan. 16, 1933, in Farmerstown, Ohio, to Atlee and Nettie (Friedt) Hostetler. On Aug. 15, 1954, he married Marian (Brendle) Hostetler.

Darrel was a 1951 graduate of Berlin High School in Ohio and a 1955 graduate of Goshen College with degrees in music and theology. He later received a master of arts degree in choral music at the University of Iowa and a master of divinity from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. He taught music and Bible at Iowa Mennonite School and Bethany Christian High School, served as executive director at Walnut Hill Daycare and administrator at Mennonite Disabilities Committee. He and Marian were missionaries in Nigeria from 1963 to 1965 and did voluntary service in Eswatini (Swaziland) from 1979 to 1982. In his later years Darrel worked as a certified nurse assistant, drove taxi and medical transportation and volunteered for Meals on Wheels.

A member of North Goshen Mennonite Church, he served as assistant pastor there for a time, and as minister of music for 36 years. He directed the Evergreen Singers and the Mennonite Central Committee Relief Sale Men’s Chorus. He will be remembered for his love of music, his listening and openness to people and ideas and his sense of humor. 

Surviving are his wife, Marian, of Goshen; two sons, Bruce (Laura Chisholm) Hostetler of Portland, Ore., and Rick (Kim) Hostetler of Goshen; two daughters, Brenda (Rich) Meyer of Millersburg and Anne (Kobi) Menahemy, Oakland, Calif.; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a sister, Joanne (Nelson) Kilmer of Hesston, Kan.

Preceding him in death were a son, Michael Alan Hostetler; and four siblings, Anna Hostetler, Robert Hostetler, Richard Hostetler and Louise Evans.

His memorial service was held at North Goshen Mennonite Church on Feb. 4. Memorial donations may be sent to MCC or the Center for Healing and Hope, Goshen. 

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