[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 180 (Tuesday, November 12, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF EDWARD WALTER HOSTETLER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2019

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to 
the life of Edward Walter Hostetler, who passed away on October 22, 
2019. Edward served our nation with honor and selflessness and will be 
missed by many in the community.
  Edward Walter Hostetler was born on December 17, 1920 in Sugarcreek, 
Ohio. He attended Ohio State University on a 4-year academic 
scholarship and was a member of the ROTC program. In 1943, he graduated 
with an agriculture degree and joined the United States Army, serving 
during World War II. He served in Germany, Belgium, France, and 
Luxemburg. He was assigned to the Artillery, Tank Destroyer, Infantry 
and Calvary Branches as a Lieutenant. In 1945 Edward was assigned to 
the 7th Army War Crimes Court and was then transferred to a 
Constabulary Unit. Edward returned home in June of 1946 and was 
honorably discharged in September of 1946.
  Upon his return to civilian life he began teaching in Orville, Ohio, 
before meeting the love of his life, Merry Belle Groff. The two married 
in Clearfield, Pennsylvania on December 10, 1947. After honeymooning in 
California, Edward and Merry made it their permanent home. Together 
they were the proud parents of Greg, Rory and Suzanne.
  Edward and Merry initially lived in Los Angeles where Edward worked 
as a dairy inspector. Eventually they moved to California's Central 
Valley. Edward worked for the Chowchilla Water District and Cal Farm 
Insurance. The family moved to Dos Palos in Merced County in 1964 and 
eventually opened their own real estate brokerage, Hostetler Real 
Estate. Edward also supported his wife's entrepreneurship, as she was 
the proud owner of House of Hostetler Antiques.
  Edward always enjoyed being surrounded by family and making new 
memories with his children and grandchildren. The family frequently 
vacationed together, creating lifelong memories. He was a man of strong 
faith and believed in helping others in need. Edward could always be 
found watching his Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday afternoons.
  Edward is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 70 years Merry 
Belle, his brother Richard Hostetler, and his daughter-in-law Cathie 
Hostetler.
  He is survived by his sons Greg and Rory Hostetler of Los Banos, 
California, daughter Suzanna Hostetler Rider of Fresno, California, 
four grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
Edward Walter Hostetler. His presence in the community will be greatly 
missed. I join his family and friends in honoring his great life.

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