Alan Ray Hochstetler

Dr. Alan Ray Hochstetler, former resident of Verena at the Reserve, died at Morningside Assisted Living Residence of Williamsburg on April 7, 2018. Alan endured the rigors of Parkinson’s disease for over 30 years. He is survived by his wife, and caregiver, Donna May Hochstetler. Alan and Donna May were married for 36 years and shared a love for classical and sacred music. Donna May was a professional pianist and organist all of her life and Alan was her biggest fan.

Dr. Hochstetler was born in Nappanee, Indiana on May 7, 1939. He was the youngest child of William and Mary (Maust) Hochstetler. His family were of the Old Order Mennonite Church, observing the traditions of that culture. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Charles and Dean.

Alan graduated from Bremen High School in 1957, and then studied at Goshen College receiving a BA in Chemistry in 1964. His alternate service from 1958-1961 was as a missionary in Vietnam. Later he continued his studies at Northwestern University where he received a PhD in Chemistry in 1968. He was employed by Givaudun Corporation in Clifton, NJ for over 25 years, retiring in 1994 due to his disability. In 1995, he and Donna May moved to Williamsburg. Alan was an active member of the Williamsburg Mennonite Church. He was a faithful volunteer at the Williamsburg Christian Retreat Center, and a member of the Williamsburg Stamp Club, and the Parkinson’s Disease Support Group.

During his career as a chemist, he was the author or co-author of nine patents, and ten articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals, dealing mostly with the chemistry of Cedar Wood oil, and its derivatives. Recently Dr. Hochstetler was honored by the American Chemical Society for 50 years of involvement in the field of chemistry.

Two sisters, Mary Ellen Kaufmann and Miriam Hochstetler also survive. Also surviving their uncle are three nephews, Rev. Clair Hochstetler (Carole Ann), Lee Hochstetler (Susan), Verle Hochstetler (Marcia), and several grandnephews and nieces. He is also survived by four step-children, Charles Kishpaugh (Karen), Robert Kishpaugh (Dale), Laura Margolis (Howard), Gwen Van Heest (Peter); and four step-grandsons, David and Kevin Kishpaugh, and Corey and Tyler Van Heest.

Our family wishes to express its sincerest appreciation to the staff at Morningside of Williamsburg Assisted Living Residence, and to the team from Riverside Hospice. This wonderful caring team, Megan, Debra, and Marie, walked with Alan on his final journey with love and compassion. Appreciation is also extended to the Neurology Department of UVMC, and more recently to Neurologist Dr. Shawke Soueidan, and to Dr. David Hundt, Alan’s primary care physician for many years. A special “thank you” to Thomas Alford, his companion who cared for Alan before he went to Morningside. And there are faithful friends from Alan’s Church who have known Alan for many years and kept in touch with him during his journey. “Thank You” for your faithful friendship.

A memorial service will be held at Verena at the Reserve at the convenience of the family. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.