John J. Hochstetler, age 93, was called to his eternal home on April 25th 2020. He was born in Ashland County in 1927 to John Hochstetler and Edna Ewing Hochstetler. As a young boy, he moved frequently with his family, until settling in Smithville and later in Orrville, where his father worked on farms. At age 15, John began working at Koppers, a wood preserving company. In late 1944, he was called into the service and trained as a paratrooper. In 1945, he proudly served his country by parachuting into Germany toward the end of the war and patrolling in Berlin.
After the war ended, he continued to work at Koppers Company, while attending and graduating from The College of Wooster as a chemistry major. He married Marjorie Silver in1949. After graduation from college, he was promoted to a position as a chemist at Koppers, where he worked until he became part owner of Silver Brothers, a cement and building supply company in Wooster. He worked there well into his mid-80s, with an active mind and vibrancy that lit up the office.
Raised during the aftermath of the Great Depression, he was known for saving everything, often to the rolling eyes of his adult children. However, from his gleanings, he often engineered and fashioned remarkable items that were admired by all. A wizard of ingenuity, practicality, and perfectionism, he left us all footprints to follow. However, he will be most remembered for his keen interest in others, gently asking questions about our lives and then totally focusing on our answers. Family was most important to him, and he made numerous trips around the country to stay connected with his sons and daughters and their families. He was also an active member in the United Methodist Church and had an astute interest in studying the Bible and sharing his wisdom. His faith carried him through his physical difficulties in his final years, along with the loving support of hospice and his Brookdale family of helpers. Always wishing to be loving and caring, his actions were a testament to his faith in the Lord.
John is survived by his wife, Marjorie (Silver) Hochstetler of Brookdale Wooster, along with his children: Tom Hochstetler (Cherie Redfern) of Wooster, Susan (Martin) Dawson of Fountain Hills, Arizona, Nancy (Bob) Banchero of Denver, Co. and Dan (Sherry) Hochstetler of O’Fallon, Missouri; grandchildren – Rachael, Jon, Ryan, Tara, Christopher, Shannon, Michael, Justin and Robin and great-grandchildren – Gabby, Riley, Sydney, Grant, Mason, James, Ava, Finnley, and Charlotte.
The family would like to express a special thanks to Brookdale Wooster and Lifecare Hospice. Memorial contributions may be made to LifeCare Hospice or to any charitable organization of your choice. There will be no calling hours or services at this time though in his memory, you may choose to carry forth God’s love and compassion toward others as John would consider that the best memorial for now and always.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
Memorial Contributions
Ohio’s Hospice L:ifeCare, 1900 Akron Road, Wooster, OH 44691 or charity of the donor’s choice
Service
No services
Visitation
No calling hours
Prayers and deepest sympathy to The family