WOOSTER – Gerald E. Hosfeld, 96, of Wooster, passed away Monday, February 15, 2016 at Danbury Woods in Wooster, OH.
Surviving are his daughter Margaret œPeg  (Ben) Lent of Wooster and son, Carl (Sandy Crocker) Hosfeld of Medina, grandchildren, Kristie (Roy) Shoulders, Ryan Lent, Bret Hosfeld, and Jennifer Hosfeld.
Gerald was born January 29, 1920, the son of Edward E. and Gertrude Marthey Hosfeld in Fredericksburg, Ohio.   Along with his parents and siblings, he grew up on their family farm in Holmes County.
With the onset of World War II, in 1942 Gerald proudly served with the US Army in the European theater. He was a machinist in the 125th Ordinance Battalion which rebuilt 40,000 General Motors engines for the American 5th Army.   Among other locations, he worked extensively in Egypt where he had the opportunity to see the pyramids.   Also stationed in Italy, he met Pope Pius XII and memorably kissed his ring.   Additionally, he told the story that in the days just before D Day, the secret invasion plans were housed at his base and he took his turn on guard duty over them!
Throughout his time in the service, he corresponded with Ruth Weideman of Creston, and then Kent, Ohio, whom he had met her through her brothers prior to his deployment.   Upon returning from the war, he moved from Holmes County to Wooster where he married Ruth June 10, 1945.  
Gerald began his career as a Tool & Die maker and after 43 years, retired from Volvo White of Orrville in 1985.   His family grew.   Peg (Margaret Ann) came along, followed by Carl.   Gerald and Ruth ™s brother, Robert, built their new, young family ™s home where they thrived, and it still stands today supporting another young family.
Traveling was an important part of his life.   He loved getting in his car and striking out for adventures in St. Louis, the Canadian Rockies, or any National Park.   When Ruth died in 1983, he lost his loving wife and traveling companion.  Retirement allowed him to relax, travel and tinker in his workshop.
Throughout his life, Gerald was a story teller who was consistently optimistic about people and life.   He loved his children, his grandchildren, multiple nieces and nephews, friends, and neighbors.
Gerald also enjoyed a number of years spending time, and numerous outings with his longtime friend Florence Keltz.   In 2015 he left his home to move into Danbury Woods Assisted Living, which gave him an opportunity to make new friends including Betty Gantz.
He was a lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church.
He and his family are so grateful for the love and care of the entire staff of Danbury Woods.   Also, we thank LifeCare Hospice and Dr. Frank Cebul III for their kindness and medical support and Fr. Stephen Moran and Deacon Tim Linch (great-nephew) for their services.
Friends will be received at the McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster on Thursday evening, February 18, 2016 from 5-7:00 p.m. and 1 hour prior to the service at the church.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 19, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 527 Beall Ave., Wooster with the Rev. Stephan Moran as celebrant.   Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery.
Those who wish may make memorial contributions to St. Mary Catholic Church, PO Box 109, Wooster, OH 44691 or LifeCare Hospice, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
 

Memorial Contributions
Those who wish may make memorial contributions to St. Mary Catholic Church, PO Box 109, Wooster, OH 44691 or  LifeCare Hospice, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691

Service
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February  19, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 529 Beall Ave., Wooster.

Visitation
Thursday, February 18, 2016 from 5-7:00 p.m. and 1 hour prior to the time of the service.