Charles Wayne Hochstetler

Born on March 1, 1942, Chuck was the youngest child of Paul and Lelah (Russell) Hochstetler.

Chuck went to school just down the road from the family farm through 8th grade and then to Winterset Community School. After graduation, Chuck attended Northwest Missouri State University before transferring to Iowa State University and even spent a summer in Colorado working as a forest fire fighter. While in college Chuck met and married Karen Joan Fish, his wife of 62 years. While Chuck finished college, he and Karen lived in Ames, IA, where their first child (Mike) was born. After graduating with a degree in fisheries, Chuck took a job with the US Fisheries Service which led to them relocating several times in the early years of their marriage, first to Minot, ND, then to Manchester, IA, where their second child (Kelly) was born. The family of four then moved to Marion, AL, before welcoming their third child (Kevin). Next stop was Senecaville, OH, followed by Valley City, ND, before coming full circle and returning to the family farm in Madison County following the death of Chuck’s father.

Chuck loved being a farmer, spending time outside, working with animals, and tending to the land. He was particulary blessed to have spent his later years farming alongside Mike. Chuck was a man of deep faith and an active member of Early Chapel Christian Church. He was also a lifelong Cyclone’s fan.

Chuck was preceded in death by his wife Karen (Fish) Hochstetler, parents Paul and Lelah (Hochstetler) Luckinbill; brother Jim Hochstetler, and son Michael Hochstetler.

Chuck is survived by his sister Betty Gogerty of Waukee, IA, daughter-in-law Kimberly Hochstetler of Winterset, IA, daughter Kelly Hochstetler (Brian Jennison) of Charlottesville, VA, son Kevin (Darcie) Hochstetler of Grimes, IA, grandchildren Ashley (Erick) Miller of Cabot, AR, Tyler (Carol) Hochstetler of West Des Moines, IA, Brooke (Matt) Donahue of Adel, IA, Crystal (Gage) Harden of Adel, IA, Noah (Marisa) Hochstetler of Detroit, MI, and Kayla Robnett of Grimes, IA, and his beloved great grandchildren Austin and Anderson Baker; Fiona, Eliana, Uriah and Salem Hochstetler; Maddox and Zeke Harden; and Maeve and Addie Donahue). He missed meeting great granddaughter Leela Hochstetler by just three days.

The family would like to thank Jean Huckstadt as well as the staff at Edencrest, Adel, and Suncrest Hospice for their support but especially for the compassionate care they provided Chuck in his final months.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at Early Chapel Christian Church (1462 165th St Earlham IA 50072) on Wednesday, June 17, at 11:00. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00. Lunch will be provided following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Chuck’s honor to Early Chapel Christian Church (https://www.earlychapelchristianchurch.com/give) or St. Joseph’s Indian School (https://www.stjo.org/) in Chamberlain, SD.