Hostettler, Arnold Herman (1873-1949)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1949 Sep 1 p. 3

Birth date: 1873 Jul 19

text of obituary:

ARNOLD H. HOSTETTLER

Arnold Herman Hostettler, son of Christian and Mary Unziker Hochstettler [sic Hostettler], was born July 19, 1873, near Pekin, Ill. He passed away at the San Antonio hospital, Upland, Calif. on August 5, 1949, at the age of 76 years and 16 days.

He was taken ill quite suddenly on July 8 at his home in Long Beach, Calif. and was removed to the Upland hospital on July 9. His illness was diagnosed as coronary thrombosis, and after almost four weeks of suffering and difficulty in breathing, he departed to be with his Lord, a desire he expressed during his intense suffering.

The family of Mr. Hostettler moved to Aurora, Nebr. when Arnold was quite a young lad. After the early death of his father, his older brother Robert and he took over the work of the farm.

Arnold was married in Aurora, Nebr. to Lina Oesch, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Andrew Oesch. In 1918 they moved to Upland, Calif., where they purchased a lemon grove. On July 26, 1929, Lina preceded him in death.

During his lifetime he was a farmer and rancher. During the First World War he worked in a planing mill and railroad shops. In World War II was employed at the California Aero Flying academy and Army depot, both of Ontario, Calif.

On October 9, 1932, Rev. A. J. Neuenschwander united Arnold and Miss Amanda T. Hirschler in marriage. Amanda was the youngest daughter of Rev. J. S. and Christine Schmidt Hirschler, the former for many years pastor of the First Mennonite church of Hillsboro, Kans. The Hostettlers made their home alternately between Upland and Long Beach, Calif., the latter on account of his heart. Arnold was a faithful member of the Mennonite church, first at Aurora, Nebr., then later of the First Mennonite church at Upland, Calif., where he served as deacon for one term.

He leaves to mourn his departure his beloved wife, Amanda; two sisters, Mrs. S. E. Nafziger (Laura) of Bloomington, Ill. and Mrs. H. G. Moses (Clara) of Guernsey, Wyoming; one brother, Otto J. of North Platte, Nebr.; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at the First Mennonite church, Upland with Rev. Earl Salzman officiating. He was laid to rest in the Bellevue cemetery, Ontario.