Monroe “Jay” Hochstetler, 72, Nappanee, died unexpectedly of natural causes, Friday evening, July 7, 2017 at his home.  He was born June 6, 1945 in Elkhart to the late Andrew M. and Sovilla (Schmucker) Hochstetler.

On Sept. 19, 1968, he married Erma Stoltzfus.  She preceded in death October 1, 2014.

Leaving to mourn are six children: daughters: Waneta (Steven) Borkholder and Julie (Edward) Yutzy, both of Nappanee; Carol (Howard) Kauffman, Rexford, Mont.; Emily (Eric) Schmucker, Bremen; sons: Jeremy (girlfriend, Charystin Shadday) Hochstetler, Cromwell; Andy (fiancée, Mindi Yoder) Hochstetler, Milford; 14 grandchildren; one great grandchild; brothers, Wyman (Marilyn)Hochstetler, Walkerton, Richard (Esther) Hochstetler, Hale, Texas; Lisle (Mary) Hochstetler, Andrew (Tracy) Hochstetler, both of Nappanee; Danny Hochstetler, Bremen; sisters, Betty (Marvin) Slabaugh, Alma (Chris) Slabaugh, Mary Etta Hochstetler, Linda (Harley) Schmucker, Sherry (Marlin) Miller, all of Nappanee; Maude (Oscar) Burkholder, Bremen;  Judy (Wilbur) Mast, Etna Green; and sister-in-law, Laura Hochstetler, Nappanee.  He was preceded in death by his wife, twin sons, Matthew and Marcus, parents, and a brother, Devon Hochstetler.

Jay Hochstetler was a member of the Old Order Amish Church. He was a retired woodworker and had been the Amish Casket Maker for many years.

Family and friends may call after 2 p.m., Monday, July 10 and all day Tuesday, July 11 at the Edward Miller residence (30237 CR 56). Funeral services will be at 9:30 Wednesday, July 12th, also at the Edward Miller residence.  Home Ministry of the Old Order Amish Church will officiate and burial will be in Weldy Cemetery.