Eugene E. Hochstedler, 85, of Bluffton, passed away Saturday afternoon, Mar. 9, 2019, at his daughter's residence in Bluffton.

Born on June 23, 1933, in North Judson, IN, to Edward and Laura Ann "Rena" (Danti) Hochstedler, Eugene married Shirley M ^c Grath in Bluffton on November 3, 1956.  Shirley preceded him in death on Dec. 5, 2005.

Eugene was the first in his family to graduate high school, graduating from North Judson High School in Northwest Indiana.  He then entered the United States Army during the Korean War, serving as a mechanic, from 1953 until his honorable discharge in 1961.

He worked as a tool and die maker his entire life, having worked at Franklin Electric for 20 years, then at CTS in Ft. Wayne for 15 years, retiring in 1996.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bluffton.  Eugene enjoyed fixing things, especially anything mechanical.  He also enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include a son, Jerry Hochstedler; three daughters, Cindy (John) Legge of Markle, and Sandy Langel and Laurena "Lolly" Harter, both of Bluffton; six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; a brother, Mike (Ruth) Hite of Valparaiso; and two sisters-in-law, Leatrice Hochstedler of Denham and Marge Hite of Bluffton.

In addition to his wife and parents, Eugene was preceded in death by a sister, Edna Marshal; and two brothers, John Hochstedler and Robert Hite.

Visitation will be Tuesday, Mar. 12, 2019, from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M., at Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton.  Services will be held on Wednesday, Mar. 13 ^th , at 10:30 AM, at the funeral home, with one hour of visitation prior to the service.  Pastor Les Cantrell will officiate the funeral service.  Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery in Bluffton, with military graveside rites provided by the American Legion Post 111 of Bluffton in conjunction with the United States Army Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions in Eugene's memory may be directed towards the Alzheimer's Association.