Wesley R. Hostetler

   Wesley Ray Hostetler, 84, of Hertford, NC, passed away peacefully in his home on October 7, 2018, surrounded by family.

   Born in Louisville, Ohio in 1934, he was the son of the late Ellis Hostetler, an educator and long-time high school principal, and Bernice (Gerig) Hostetler, a teacher and homemaker.

   Wes’s life was shaped by his Mennonite Swiss immigrant farm family roots, music, and education. In high school Wes played trumpet in the marching and stage bands and sang tenor in the Men’s Glee Club. He was also selected by the faculty to attend Buckeye Boys’ State before his senior year, a one-week American Legion-sponsored program focused on democracy and government.

   Despite being an English major with a History minor, Wes met Jan Lais, his wife of 62 years, in a science class at Ohio Wesleyan University, where they both graduated three days after their wedding on June 8, 1956. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity, where he was choral director for the annual Interfraternity Sing.

   After a four-year teaching career in Lakewood Ohio, Wes joined Pfizer, the international pharmaceutical company, as a sales representative. Following a promotion to a job in New York City, the family moved to Yorktown Heights, NY, where they made many lifelong friends, including “the bridge group”, a close group of family friends that continues to this day. A few years later, the entire family, which now included four children and a large dog, moved to Belgium, where Wes took a job with Pfizer International in Brussels. His job required extensive travel worldwide, and the family was also able to do much traveling throughout Europe during their stay.

   Following the family’s return to the U.S. in 1973, they settled in South Salem, NY, and Wes completed an innovative MBA program during his daily train commute to New York City. He spent the last ten years of his career furthering his passion for education as proprietor of the Huntington Learning Center in Norwalk, CT.

   When Wes and Jan were ready to retire, they were blessed to find a wonderful new community in Hertford, NC. Retirement allowed Wes the time to enjoy and devote energy to his many community interests and activities. Wes loved people; he had a generous spirit and he embraced opportunities to engage with and help others. He was an active participant in the Albemarle Chorale, various church music events, and the Albemarle Sounds Barbershop Chorus and Quartet; he particularly enjoyed delivering many of the Quartet’s Singing Valentines. Wes also immediately renewed his interest in sailing, which started with his many summers at Lakeside on Lake Erie. He and Jan acquired a 25’ sailboat, Windsong, and he enjoyed many years of Osprey Yacht Club participation, both on the water racing with his yacht club crew, as well as social time at the dock. He and Jan have been active members of the Hertford United Methodist Church since they arrived, with Wes serving as a trustee for many years. He was active with Habitat for Humanity, was a board member of the Museum of the Albemarle for three years, a member of the Chowan Hospital Foundation board, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce, chairing the Hertford Christmas Parade for two years. His most cherished activities came through his participation with the Hertford Rotary Club, and their extensive efforts to meet community needs. He worked tirelessly on Rotary efforts, including his many years of fundraising, tutoring in local schools, and tax preparation assistance. His generosity of spirit was recognized in 2015 when Wes was honored as Hertford’s Rotarian of the Year and also selected as the Area Rotarian of the Year for the 45 Rotary Clubs in northeastern North Carolina.

   Wes is survived by his wife, Jan; sister, Kay of Glendale, CA; children, Kimberley (Bruce Rueben) of Tallahassee, FL, Jim (Liisa) of Concord, CA, Susan of Nanuet, NY, and Stacey Hostetler Carter (Jimmy Carter) of Elkridge, MD. Grandchildren include Jamie (Chris Klepps) and Kara Cullen, Christine, Jenny, and Alex (Courtney) Hostetler, Taylan Lais Hostetler Salvati, and Thomas and Wesley Carter; and great grandchild, Connor Klepps. In addition, Kim’s four stepchildren, Jennifer, Ashley, Julia, and Jonathan Rueben, were welcomed to the family in 2015 when she married Bruce.

   Wes’s family will be forever grateful for the friends he has made in so many places, particularly here in Hertford. The focal point of Wes’s joy and life was his family, his faith, his music, and his service to others. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, and joy in his marriage, family, and friends. He went out of his way to maintain personal contacts and was loved by so many.

   Friends are invited to a Celebration of Life service on Friday, October 26, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. in Hertford United Methodist Church, followed by a reception in the Church Fellowship Hall.

   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hertford Rotary Scholarship Fund (Hertford Rotary Club, PO Box 155, Hertford, NC 27944), Chowan/Perquimans Habitat for Humanity (http://www.cph4h.org/Donations.html), or the Albemarle Sounds Barbershop Chorus scholarship fund (Albemarle Sounds, 303 Queen Anne Drive, Edenton, NC 27932), or the organization of one's choice.

   Miller & Van Essendelft, Funeral and Cremation Providers, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, is assisting the family with arrangements, and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.