Darrel A. Hostetler

Darrel was born in Arcata, California, on April 28,1935, to Ruby Maxine Hudson and Harold Alton Hostetler. His childhood years were spent in El Monte, CA. Darrel had 2 younger siblings: Peter Swanson (preceded in death), and Susan Swanson. He graduated from El Monte High School in 1953, but missed his graduation ceremony by a few days, as he had joined the Navy Reserves and was shipped out to Cuba! He continued in the Reserves for a few years and then worked briefly for Western Electric and a Standard Oil gas station. Thereafter, he met his first love Kay Beth White who he married on July 13, 1957. Darrel then got a job with the City of Covina in the Water Department where he worked for 33 years until his retirement in 1990.

In their time together, Darrel and Kay had 3 children: Jeffrey D. Hostetler, Paul A. Hostetler, and Rebecca K. Hostetler Everett-Watson. At the time of Kay's passing, they had been married for 42 years. Darrel found love again with Maureen Matheny Lorge, and they married on April 13, 2002. He became a husband and dad to Maureen and her 4 adult children: Rick Lorge, Lori Penn, Lynn Hummel, and Ron Lorge. They started their life together in Covina, CA, before moving to Coarsegold, CA where they lived together for 20 years before finally moving to Hollister. All combined they had 7 children, 18 grandchildren, and 23 great grandchildren! He and Maureen were married for 24 years until he passed at the age of 91 years old on June 30th, 2026. He was a loving and dedicated husband to his loves, and that is a great testimony to his character!

Darrel was a family man and a good friend to all he met! He loved life and enjoyed doing all kinds of things such as motorcycle and bicycle riding, camping, fishing, dancing, and traveling. He was also a big fan of nature including plants, dogs, cats, and hummingbirds! When he wasn’t out exploring the world, Darell loved reading, watching comedy TV and documentaries, and listening to country and rock music like Willie Nelson and Rod Stewart! He was a family man, and he blessed 2 families in his lifetime!! He was a dad to all 7 of his children. With the Hostetler family, he took them to church, coached their sports teams, took them fishing on Shasta Lake and motorcycle riding in the desert, and he was involved in the PTA at their schools. With the Lorge family, he traveled the world with his wife, Maureen, and older kids on cruises, he rode motorcycles with his older boys, and he spent special dates for family time. He loved being a grandpa as well, and he was the kind of grandpa who would ride bikes, read books, play outside with the kids, and slip them some cash for pocket money! As he aged and slowed down, he enjoyed chatting on the phone, reminiscing and laughing. He would call you on your birthday and sing "Happy Birthday to you!" At the end of the call, he would always say, "Love you, Bye Bye, buy bonds!" He truly was loved by everyone, family and friends alike! Dad, you are greatly loved and missed.... you were a fun loving, generous, kindhearted, beloved husband, dad, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother. Godspeed Pop... We all loved you very much!