Obituaries

April 9, 1928 to March 14, 2012

NORTH JUDSON - John A. Hochstedler, 83, of Winamac, passed away at 5:50 p.m., Wednesday, March 14, at Regency Hospital, Portage.

He was born April 9, 1928, in North Judson, to Laura Rena Danti. On July 15, 1950, in North Judson, he married Leatrice Minix. She survives.

Also surviving are six children, Francine (Morgan) Shepherd, Sherry (Tom) Jorczak, Russell (Sharon) Hochstedler, Rhonda (Mike Adams) McGowen, Rob (Renay) Hochstedler and Ron/Chunk Hochstedler; 18 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Edna Hochstedler Marshall, Missouri; and two brothers, Eugene Hochstedler, Bluffton, and Mike Hite, Valparaiso.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Rena, and brother, Robert Hite.

Mr. Hochstedler attended Jackson Township School and St. Cyril Methodius Catholic School in North Judson. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Denham, IN. At 17, he went to work at Thermo Products in North Judson sweeping floors. He retired 44 years later as a welder. He was an avid Notre Dame football fan. His home team was the North Judson-San Pierre Bluejays.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. (CDT), Friday, at O'Donnell Funeral Home in North Judson. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. (CDT), Saturday (March 17), at the funeral home. Burial will be in Denham Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NJSP athletic department.