David Hostettler

David Allen Hostettler, March 11, 1961 - January 16, 2026 It is with very heavy hearts that we are announcing that David “Hoss” Hostettler died on Friday, January 16th. Dave was born on March 11, 1961, in Stockbridge, WI, where he lived until he moved to San Diego, CA in 1982. He was a resident of San Diego, recently returning to Wisconsin to help assist his family with caring for their father. While his death was unexpected, Dave faced physical and personal challenges, including severe asthma and a battle with addiction that affected his health over time. We are grateful that in his final moments he was safe and surrounded by his family. In keeping with his generous spirit and desire to help everyone, he gave the gift of life through organ donations. His memory will be a constant reminder for us all to reach out for help when needed and care for one another with compassion. Dave was born an old soul. Being born prematurely, he fought for his life from the very beginning. He loved nature and everything it had to offer. He worked at many places in San Diego, including Sega Games, Hurco Electronics, Torrey Pines Golf Course, and for the city of San Diego where he put his love of the outdoors to work. Caring for a great many plants both at home and in his work was one of his strengths and joys. Most recently, he worked at a car rental agency at the San Diego Airport where he found great joy in caring for the company’s exotic line of vehicles. While life was not always easy for Dave, he remained a dreamer with a gentle heart. He will be remembered for his brilliant mind, his laugh, and that ever-present smile that made his eyes light up, as well as for his thoughtful nature and the way he reflected deeply on life. He loved collecting and playing guitars, with music being a big part of his life. Dave loved the ocean, surfing, biking on the beach, fishing, cooking a great meal, watching a sunset and WARM WEATHER. He judged people by their souls, not their appearance or social stature. His smile and help were given freely to those most in need. He was able to care for his dog, JiJi, and a kitten he found and nursed back to health, Mr. Tiger. They were the most recent loves of his life here in Wisconsin, although he missed San Diego deeply. Dave loved his family and always signed our group chats with "love you to pieces". Dave dreamed of one day starting an animal rescue to appease his love of animals. He also dreamed of writing a book with the working title "From Here to There; Navigating Mental Illness" – offering understanding and comfort to others facing their own struggles. Dave was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents Shirley and Kay Hostettler, special friend Bobby, high school friend Bob “Bubba” Levknecht, and a few aunts, uncles and cousins. He is lovingly remembered by his sister Sharon (Randy) Glatz in Henderson, NV, sister Dawn (Joseph) Bolz in Little Suamico, WI, sister Barb (Ken) Howe in Kalamazoo, MI, brother Mark (Jenni) Hostettler in Berlin, WI, sister Bonny (Randy) Sizelove in San Diego, CA, his very special friend Lisa Lesley in San Diego, CA, and many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and friends. God and the Word were a guiding force in Dave's life. We take comfort knowing he is surrounded by light and reunited with loved ones, free from the struggles he carried for so long. Our grief over losing him is infinite. And now, so is he For more information, please refer to wieckiskipchakfuneralhome.com