Jonas Lloyd Hochstedler

Kalona- Jonas Lloyd Hochstedler was born on November 21, 1935, the son of Samuel and Lizzie (Otto) Hochstedler. Jonas grew up on a dairy farm just south of Frytown and attended West Lincoln Country School. The family attended Fairview Mennonite Church, where Jonas was baptized and became a member at the age of 14. Jonas helped his dad on the family farm until he married Ann (Nissley) Hochstedler, also a member at Fairview Mennonite Church, on December 25, 1955. In 1956, Jonas and Ann moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan for 1-W service. In Michigan, two sons were born.

In 1959, Jonas and Ann moved back to the Kalona area, where Jonas was employed on a turkey farm. But Jonas’s first love was farming. He and Ann rented a farm in the Hills area, and then in 1962, they first rented, and then purchased, a beautiful dairy farm in the rolling hills on Angle Rd, one mile north of Joetown, where Jonas and Ann raised their six children.

Jonas was a Mid-Prairie school bus driver for 15 years while farming. Jonas and Ann and their family attended Sunnyside Mennonite Church, where they were very active in church work. Jonas sang on the Men’s Chorus, taught Sunday School, served as VBS Superintendent, Chorister, Trustee, MYF youth sponsor, and on the M.C.C. Committee for too many years to count.

In 1987, Jonas sold the farm, and took a position as janitor at Washington Township School, the school where his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren attended. These were rich and happy years for Jonas, as he became a grandpa figure to dozens of Township students. He was dearly loved by the children and staff at Township. He joined the Optimist Club, of which he was a part for many years. He and his longtime friend Leo Schrock helped to run the summer softball and baseball program at Washington Township School. They spent hours caring for the diamonds and running the concession stand.

Jonas was a jokester and a master storyteller. He loved to tell stories about attending West Lincoln School, especially the one where all the boys jumped out the window to go to recess, instead of using the door like they were supposed to. He loved to tease his grandchildren and the children at Township school. If you asked Jonas his age, he would tell you how many years he had to go until he was 100, and then let you do the math to figure out his age. Jonas had ten years, three months and 24 days left to get to 100. He passed away on Monday, July 28, 2025 at Pleasant View Home in Kalona.

Jonas is survived by his faithful and loving wife of 69 years, Ann, 3 sons and their wives: Darwin & Gloria Hochstedler, Kevin & Shirley Hochstedler, and Scott & Linette Hochstedler; 3 daughters and their husbands: Dawn & Bob Stauffer, Sandra & Gregg Straits, and Lynette & Tim Schrader; 3 grandsons, 15 granddaughters, 10 great-grandchildren and 2 step great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, 2 sisters, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, nine siblings, and a granddaughter, Elizabeth Stauffer.

Jonas will always be remembered for his kindness, his love for people, laughter, and a good story.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Sunnyside Mennonite Church in Kalona. Private family burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in rural Kalona. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for Sunnyside Mennonite Church Missions or Pleasantview Home. Yoder-Powell Funeral Home in Kalona is caring for Jonas and his family. Tributes may be made at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.