La Jara resident Gary W. Hostetter, 69, passed away October 5, 2023 at home in La Jara.

Gary was born in Alamosa, Colorado on October 24, 1953, the eldest son of Warren Glen Hostetter and Edith Christine Renner Hostetter. He grew up and spent most of his life in La Jara; the Valley was always his home. He graduated from Centauri High School in 1971 where he excelled in football, being all-conference on both offense and defense. Gary served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern California Mission. He married the love of his life, Elise Petersen, for time and eternity, in the Mesa Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mesa, Arizona on June 20, 1975.

Gary was a country boy through and through. He grew up hunting, fishing, and trekking the mountainside with his brothers and father. Working on the family sawmill from a young age, Gary developed a staggering work ethic matched only by that of his father – his life long hero. The mountains and hills surrounding the LaJara Reservoir became his second home.

Gary's work ethic extended into his career where he started several successful businesses. Ever the entrepreneur, he was always in search of ways to improve efficiency and quality. His long-lasting business impact on the San Luis Valley will be Allpine Title Inc.

Most of all Gary was a man of God, Family, and Country. A true patriot, he would have given his life for his country if called upon. Instead, he gave his life in service to his family – working till his dying day to provide for and protect them. His life's mission was to see his family securely into God's fold. Gary will be remembered as a man whose heart was as big as his hands were strong. He loved deeply and lived passionately.

Gary is survived by his wife Elise Hostetter of La Jara, CO; his children Tomena (Marlin) Reed of Sanford, Graham (Sandee) Hostetter of La Jara, Lance (Kayla) Hostetter of La Jara, Annie (Jed) Bradley of Pocatello, ID, Laurie (Brandon) Zaffini of Beaver Falls, PA, Lani (Dan) Baker of Temple, TX, Garrett (Kaleigh) Hostetter of Orem, UT, and Emma Hostetter of Salt Lake City, UT; 37 grandchildren, one great-grandchild; his siblings Barbara (Richard) Openshaw of Lehi, UT, Evelyn (Victor) Petersen of Gilbert, AZ, Harman (Dianne) Hostetter of La Jara, and John (Chris) Hostetter of Grand Junction, CO; as well as sisters-in-law, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents Warren and Edith, his brother Dan Hostetter, and his grandchildren Sam Carbutt and Robinson Reed.

Visitations for Gary will be held Sunday, October 8, 2023 from 4:00-6:00 pm, and Monday, October 9, 2023 from 8:45-9:45 am, followed by a funeral service Monday at 10:00 am, all at the La Jara Ward Building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Interment will follow at the Sanford Cemetery.

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online remarks, tributes, and words of comfort for Gary's family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com