Obituary of Charles Hosterman , 95

Charles S. Hosterman Jr, 95, of Centre Hall went home to be with his Lord Sunday,
April 19, 2015, at the Wynwood House in Centre Hall.

He was born September 22, 1919 at Wolf Store, Miles Twp. Centre Co; a son of the late Charles Stuart and Ruth V. Douty Hosterman.

On July 13, 1946 he married Jane Spyker Hosterman who preceded him in death on May 30, 1977. On June 25, 1988 he married Sara (Sadie) Gusewhite Bechtol Hosterman who preceded him in death on April 12, 2013.

Charlie graduated from East Penns Valley High School in 1937, and served in the U. S. Air Force during World War II in Newfoundland, England and Virginia.

Mr. Hosterman owned and operated a coal delivery service form 1945 to 1953. In 1953, he partnered with Gulf Oil Company and formed Hosterman Oil. In 1988 Hosterman Oil was sold to Centre Oil and Gas Co. After selling the business, Mr. Hosterman continued to work for Centre Oil and Gas and then for J. J. Powell, after they acquired Centre Oil and Gas. In addition to operating Hosterman Oil, he purchased and operated Hosterman’s Market, formerly known as Johnson’s Market in late 1982. In 1989 he sold the market to his son David Hosterman.

Charles was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Centre Hall, where he held various offices through the years. He also attended Calvary Bible Church. He was a member of the Centre County Fuel Dealers Association and the Centre Hall Fire Company He was a founding member of the Centre Hall Ambulance Club.

An avid golfer, he also enjoyed bowling, and earlier in his life, hunting and fishing. He enjoyed playing cards, particularly the game Hand and Foot.

Surviving him is one daughter, Mary Ruth Ripo of Ft. Meyers, FL; three sons, David A. Hosterman (Virginia) of Aaronsburg, Chris S. Hosterman (Linda) of rural Spring Mills, and Richard C. Hosterman (Sheree) of Centre Hall; seven grandchildren and ten great-children.

Charles is survived by these step children: Carol A. Martz (Melvin) of Centre Hall, and Fred Bechtol (Judy) of Spring Mills RD; three step grandchildren, seven step great-grandchildren and four step great-great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are two sisters, Lorna Jane Crandell of Boalsburg, and Hallie Bair (Walter) of Centre Hall, and one brother, Philip Hosterman (Jane) of Centre Hall.

Charles was preceded in death by these siblings: Ned Hosterman, Jack Hosterman, Gordon Hosterman, and Nancy Ruth Hartley.

Friends will be received Friday April 24 from 2–4 and 6-8 p. m. at St Luke’s Lutheran Church, 301 North Pennsylvania Ave. Centre Hall, PA. The funeral will be held at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church on Saturday April 25th, at 10:30 with the Reverend Richard Gilbaugh, and the Reverend Marvin Freed officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 212, Centre Hall, PA or to Calvary Bible Church. 600 North Pennsylvania Ave. Centre Hall, PA 16828.

A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.