David Hochstatter

FUNERAL SERVICES : 11:00 am on Saturday, October 30, 2010 at Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN.VISITATION : 9:00 am - 11:00 am on Saturday, October 30, 2010 at Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN.INTERMENT : Greenwood Cemetery in Park Rapids, MN.SURVIVORS : His son, Jason (Anna) Hochstatter of Park Rapids; three grandchildren: Jordyn, Lane and Chaise; parents, Mel and Katy Hochstatter of Park Rapids; two sisters: Linda (Dennis) Thompson of North St. Paul and Mary (Les) Hochstatter of Moundsview. DAVID EUGENE HOCHSTATTEROctober 19, 1954 " October 23, 2010 David Eugene Hochstatter, age 56, a lifelong Park Rapids area resident, peacefully entered Eternity on Saturday, October 23, 2010 after waging a valiant battle against cancer. His final days were spent under Hospice care at the Heritage Living Center surrounded by his loved ones. Dave was born on October 19, 1954 at his dad"s army base near Tooele, Utah to Mel and Katy (Weekley) Hochstatter. It was in the Park Rapids area that David attended public school, graduating from the Park Rapids Public High School with the Class of 1972. While a high school student, Dave began working for the Rockcrete Products block plant with his dad for Cliff Malm. After he graduated, Dave ventured to Minneapolis where he worked for a time. Later, he returned to the Rockcrete Products block plant where he began a career as a truck driver in a career that spanned over 35 years. In 1974, Dave was married to Gwen Dennis. This union was blessed with one son, Jason who was his dad"s pride and joy. Dave loved the outdoors; especially, when he could be fishing or hunting with his family and friends. Dave especially treasured the special memories he had of deer hunting with his dad who was his best friend and favorite hunting partner. He was a talented pool player who participated in league competition for many years. He also enjoyed watching his son compete in dart leagues. Dave endured numerous hardships in life which he met with determination and perseverance and ultimately overcame. As a young man of 23 years of age, Dave was diagnosed with acute lymphoma and underwent multiple surgeries and months of radiation therapy to beat the disease. In 2004, he suffered a stroke which prevented him from working and hunting for a time. After being diagnosed with a second and different aggressive type of cancer in January of 2010, Dave went through a rigorous round of chemotherapy to combat this final enemy. Dave met every hardship with optimism and never became bitter or full of self pity. Dave"s life was made complete by his relationship with his soulmate, Karen Baldwin, who has been a big part of his life since May of 2004. Dave was a life time member of the North American Hunting Club. Above all, Dave will be remembered for his loving devotion to his son, Jason; his three grandchildren; his parents and sisters all of whom he loved with all his heart. Dave will be lovingly remembered by his son, Jason (Anna) Hochstatter of Park Rapids; his three grandchildren: Jordyn, Lane and Chaise; his parents; Mel and Katy Hochstatter of Park Rapids; two sisters: Linda (Dennis) Thompson of North St. Paul, MN and Mary (Les) Hochstatter of Moundsview, MN; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; as well as several aunts and uncles. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Saturday, October 30, 2010 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home with the Reverend David Cripe officiating. Dave"s casket bearers will be his good friends: Scott Forbes, Wes Newman, Jerry Brandenburg, Bob Safrotowich, Jim Harju and David Dahring. Honorary casketbearers will be: Bob Clark, Joe Clark, Terry Edwards, Dave Harsha, Pat Amberg and Ryan Brandenburg. Interment will be made in the Hochstatter family plot located in the Greenwood Cemetery of Park Rapids. Visitation will begin at 9 AM Saturday and continue until the time of the service at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home. Following the service, a luncheon will be hosted at the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212 in Park Rapids.