Phil “Flip” Hochstetler, age 80, Nappanee, died at 4:45 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, after a recent sudden illness.

Phil Hochstetler

He was born July 9, 1940, in Plymouth to Glen L. and Margaret (Hill) Hochstetler.

Phil lived his lifetime in Nappanee. He was a graduate of Nappanee High School and served in the United States Navy. He married Patricia Maust in 1961. Phil retired in 2005 after working 32 years as superintendent of Nappanee Wastewater Treatment plant, which has been named in honor of him.

Phil served on the Nappanee Smokey Stover Fire Department for many years. He was one of Nappanee’s first EMTs. Phil had many interests, including hit and miss small engines and tractors and growing orchids. He was a beekeeper. He was a member of Power of the Past and the Nappanee Conservation Club.

Surviving are his wife, Pat; son Dirk Hochstetler, Nappanee; grandchildren Douglas, Andrew, David, Cameron and Chandra; eight great-grandchildren; brother Steven (Cheryl) Hochstetler, Milford; and sister Vickie O’Connell, Fort Wayne.

He was preceded in death by a son, Phil Hochstetler Jr.

Family and friends may call from 2-6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, and for one hour prior to the funeral service, which will begin at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, at the funeral home. Burial with military graveside rites will be in South Union Cemetery.