Donald Hochstetler, age 90, passed away April 25, 2015 at Bronson Hospital. He was born November 23, 1924 in Elkhart IN, son of Fred & Iva (Heckaman) Hochstetler. Don grew up on a farm West of Constantine, MI along with his four siblings: Kenneth, Roscoe, Doris and Betty. He attended a "one room-eight grade" rural school (Quaker St) for his elementary education and graduated from Constantine High School in 1942.

In 1944, he met the love of his life, Martha Garrett, and they were married by Pastor Fox in Dowagiac, MI on June 23, 1946. Later on, Don & Martha bought the family farm and continued its operation, with the help of their children, for the next twenty-five years. They loved the country style of life, but their hearts and souls were committed to the love and welfare of their children. As 4-H leaders, they had many friends and played an important role in shaping the lives of the youth in their community.

After selling the farm, they moved to Fisher Lake where they resided for thirty-four years. Don worked at a mobile home factory, Continental Can Co., as well as residential and commercial construction with sons Ron and Ray. After retirement, he and Martha stayed active buying and remodeling single family homes.

Fellowship with their Christian brothers and sisters at Messiah Lutheran Church for over fifty-five years has been an important part of their lives. They enjoyed traveling, family vacations at Houghton Lake and a life time of support for the sporting events of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in 2011 by hosting a family style dinner at Das Essenhaus in Middlebury, IN where every member of the family was able to attend.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Kenneth and Roscoe, sister Doris (Bezaury) and two sons, Timothy and Ronald . Surviving are his wife: Martha of Three Rivers, MI. Children: Patricia (Randy) McClain, Raymond (Debra) Hochstetler, Thomas (Freida) Hochstetler, all of Three Rivers, and Daughter-in-Law Mary Hochstetler of Constantine. Sister: Betty Thomas of Portage. Grandchildren: Patrick (Tina) Hochstetler, Steven (Natasha) McClain, all of Constantine, Teresa (Todd) Haifley, Rusty (Sheena) McClain, Amanda & Nicole Hochstetler, all of Three Rivers, Jamie (Marc) Poel of Vicksburg, Christy (Scott) Johnson of Portage, and Todd (Andrea) Hochstetler of Charlotte. Great-Grandchildren: Dalton & Dylan Hochstetler, Jett & Ellana Haifley, Alexis & Delainey Poel, Ayla & Mila Hochstetler and Kylee Johnson. Several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends will be received on Tuesday, April 28th from 2-4 and 6-8pm at Eley Funeral Home, Constantine, with religious services at Messiah Lutheran Church on Wednesday, April 29th at 11:00am, lunch following. Reverend Dennis Smith will officiate. Arrangements were entrusted to Eley Funeral Homes, Constantine.