John Jay Hostetler
Dr. J. Jay Hostetler passed away on March 9, 2016. He was born on March 4, 1926 in Peoria, Illinois to the late Reverend S. Jay and Ida Hostetler. Jay lived in Lafayette, Indiana since 2006, moving there from Green Valley, Arizona where he retired in 1990. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy A. Redding.
Dr. Hostetler was the son of missionaries serving in India where he lived the first 18 years of his life. He returned to the U.S. following graduation from Mt. Hermon School in Darjeeling, India.
A graduate of Goshen College and Indiana University, he earned his doctorate in education administration from Purdue University. He taught school in LaGrange and Topeka, Indiana, and held administrative positions in the Westview School Corporation as Principal and Administrative Supervisor.
Beginning in 1972, he worked for Kappa Delta Pi, an International Honor Society in Education, serving as its Executive Director from 1978 until his retirement in 1990.
He is survived by two daughters – Debra Dietrich of Highland Park, Illinois, and Lisa Hostetler-Steppe (husband Gil) of West Grove, Pennsylvania; a grandson Erik Dietrich (wife Amanda) of Wheeling, Illinois; four step-sons, Mark Redding and Barry Redding (wife Carla) both of Lafayette, Donald Redding (wife Michelle) and Timothy Redding both of West Lafayette; nine step grandchildren and 11 step great grandchildren; and a sister, Lois Bjerkestrand (husband David) of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Jay was preceded in death by a daughter, Karen Hostetler and sister, Mary Ann Melchert.
Jay was beloved for his wisdom, compassion and generosity of spirit; for his wonderful sense of humor and ready ability to tell a good story; for his love of teaching and sharing knowledge with those around him; and his great love for his extended family. His absence leaves a hole for so many but how much richer we are for our time with him.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2016 beginning with visitation at 1:00 p.m. followed by the service at 2:00. The service will be held at Faith Church, 5526 State Road 26 East in Lafayette, Indiana.
Memorials may be given to the J. Jay Hostetler Scholarship Fund, Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society, 3707 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268 or www.kdp.org/giving/donate.php and noting “Jay Hostetler scholarship award” in the application section.