Joseph R. Hochstine

Joseph graduated from Dunkirk High School in 1971 and went on to work for Kraft Foods for many years. However, his proudest accomplishment was serving as a volunteer firefighter for the City of Dunkirk Fire Department Hose Company 2 for over three decades. He dedicated himself to serving his community and was immensely proud of his time with the fire department.

In his free time, Joe enjoyed going on car rides with no destination, listening to the Beatles along the way. He loved stopping at new attractions and cherishing each moment spent with his loved ones. Joe had a generous spirit and always gave his all, even when he had little to offer. His family and friends will remember him for his kindness, humor, and unwavering love.

He found delight in the simple pleasures of life like going to Burger King, feeding squirrels and birds, taking rides through Point Gratiot, playing lotto tickets – especially Cashwords, tending to his garden, enjoying music, and spending countless hours sitting on his porch appreciating the world around him.

Joseph will be dearly missed by those who survive him: his son Joseph Hochstine; daughters Ariel (Kirk) Gollnitz, Theresa (Paul) Hochstine, and Jessica (Justin “Bubba”) Hochstine; Grandchildren Keagan, Aurora, Bradley, Declan, Emma, Lilly, Leia, Rayna, Soren and Sebastian; sisters Mary (Mark) Nichols and Nancy Velzy; as well as other family members and friends.

He is preceded by his parents Ralph Charlotte (Lappa) Hochstine, brothers Henry Hochstine, Wally Strek, Ducky Strek, Robert and Thomas Hochstine.

Friends and family are welcome to attend calling hours on Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 4-7 p.m. at McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 10 a.m. at McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home. Interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery.