Michael Hochstetler

Michael Wayne Hochstetler, 60, of Winterset, IA passed away unexpectedly on April 11, 2025.

Michael was born in Des Moines, IA to Charles and Karen Hochstetler on January 30, 1965. After graduating high school in Earlham, IA, he attended Iowa State University where he received his Bachelor’s in Finance. Shortly after finishing college, he married Kimberly, then moved to Little Rock, AR where he worked for Video Home Theater and, later, Frito Lay. They stayed in Little Rock for 15 years and had 3 children.

They moved back to Iowa in 2004 and settled in Winterset, where Michael would help out with his parents’ farm and, eventually, start farming full-time. He also worked for Ferrellgas delivering propane part-time. He was a loyal member of Early Chapel Christian Church in Earlham where he served as an elder, Sunday school teacher, men’s group leader, chairman of the board, and farm manager. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for his church or its congregation.

His family remembers him fondly as a great listener, thoughtful teacher, dependable provider, and loyal protector. Michael had two favorite times of the year - March Madness and Fantasy Football season. As an avid Iowa State fan, he particularly enjoyed following the Cyclone Basketball team each year. Most of all, Michael had a deep love for his family, especially his grandchildren with whom he had a very special bond. He was looking forward to retiring from the sheep business and pouring more of his time into his family, attending grandchildren’s events, sports, growing his faith in God, and serving where needed.

Michael is survived by his wife, Kimberly of Winterset, IA, daughter Ashley Baker of Ward, AR, son Tyler (Carol) Hochstetler of West Des Moines, IA, son Noah (Marisa) Hochstetler of Detroit, MI, grandsons Austin and Anderson of Ward, AR, grandchildren Fiona, Eliana, Uriah and Salem of West Des Moines, IA, his parents Charles and Karen Hochstetler of Winterset, IA, sister Kelly (Brian) of Charlottesville, VA, brother Kevin (Darcie) of Grimes, IA, and countless other loving family members.

He was preceded in death by his in-laws, Thomas & Shirley Curray, Uncle Jim & Aunt Kay Hochstetler, nephew Allan Curray, and grandparents Paul & Lelah Hochstetler and Floyd & Gertrude Fish.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at Early Chapel Christian Church in Earlham, IA, where Pastor Gale Juhl will officiate the service. Visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00PM, followed by the service at 3:00PM. Friends and loved ones are invited to leave online condolences and join the webcast at www.caldwellparrish.com. Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Early Chapel Christian Church.