John Henry Hostetler
John Henry (Chick) Hostetler, of Harrisonburg, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026, after a valiant fight with Myelodysplastic Syndrome. He was 95. John was born in Kalona, Iowa to John L. Hostetler and Emma Brenneman Hostetler, where he spent his childhood. He graduated from Eastern Mennonite High School in Harrisonburg in 1949. He graduated from the Medical College of Virginia School of Pharmacy in Richmond, Virginia in 1961 and began a long career in Pharmacy.
John was predeceased by his mother and father, his stepmother Katie Brenneman Hostetler, sister Vileen Hostetler, and wife of 73 years Anna Mae Hartman Hostetler.
John is survived by his three sons: Larry Hostetler (Emily), Stanley Hostetler (Lee), Keith Hostetler (Kathy), special friend "adopted daughter" Wanda Revercomb (Mark), sister Lafena Hostetler of Kalona, IA and half-sister Sharol Phinney (Larry) of Elkton, VA.
Surviving Grandchildren are Jennifer Dierker (Rick), Ryan Hostetler (Krysta), Zach Hostetler (Becca), Ben Hostetler, Martin Revercomb, Kaitlyn Hertzler (Josh), Colton Revercomb; nephew Trent Phinney (Christy), niece Bethany Conley and 8 Great-grandchildren.
In September of 1952 John married the love of his life, Anna Mae Hartman. They raised three sons and their adopted daughter. His pharmacy career began in Broadway, VA and then for many years he worked for Brown's Pharmacy in Elkton, where their sons were raised. Later, John worked at Park View Pharmacy in Harrisonburg and then for several years at Rite Aid Pharmacies throughout the Valley. He completed his long and distinguished professional career in pharmacy volunteering at the Free Clinic in Harrisonburg.
John enjoyed watching sports of all kinds but had a special affinity for college football and basketball. He was a nearly life-long fan and supporter of UVA basketball and had season tickets for many years and attended the ACC Tournament 23 times. He was proud to have attended UVA's Final Four appearance in 1981 in Seattle. He was also a faithful follower of the Iowa Hawkeyes.
John was civic minded and frequently involved with community activities. He was a Charter member of the Elkton Ruritan Club and helped establish their BBQ chicken sales as a primary fundraiser. John also served on the VMRC Board of Directors for several years.
Growing up in Iowa, he enjoyed being outdoors, especially summer vacations in Minnesota fishing with his Father. In his retirement years, he enjoyed gardening and was known for his lima beans and his Amish sweet dill pickles. A "big country breakfast" was one of his specialties along with homemade apple sauce when he transitioned into the cooking role when Anna Mae was unable to. His cooking skills improved, and he was proud to closely replicate the Grace Hartman Potato Salad recipe.
He loved being with family and enjoyed spending time at their cabin on the Shenandoah Mt. Farm. He loved talking with friends and was always ready with a joke. He was quick to make new friends when he moved into the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community.
John's Faith was at the core of his life. He and Anna Mae cherished their Church family at Cornerstone Church of Harrisonburg, and they attended regularly. They especially loved their small Life Group.
The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors that have taken care of John; at RMH in the outpatient department, the Emergency Department and on 5th floor; at the Augusta Health Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, specifically, Raymond Cruz MD, Jamie Ewing PA-C, and Amr Al Ramahi MD.
We are also thankful for the staff of VMRC for the excellent care provided for both John and Anna Mae during their residence at Crestwood, Oak Lea, and the Brunk House and to the nurses and staff of 1st Choice Hospice for their compassionate care and family support in the recent and brief difficult time.
The family will receive friends between 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Bridgewater. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at Weavers Mennonite Church, with Pastors Joe Slagell and Gerald Martin officiating. Burial is private.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VMRC Compassion Fund, 1501 Virginia Ave, Harrisonburg, VA 22802, in John's name.
John's life was a testament to faith and family. We pray that his memory will bring smiles to your faces and will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know him.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at johnsonfs.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Funeral and and Cremation Service in Bridgewater, Virginia.
