David William Hotger

David William “Bill” Hotger, 78, of rural Kellogg, died Thursday, June 13, 2019, at Unity Point Health – Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. A funeral service celebrating Bill’s life will begin at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 19 at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will greet friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Bill would not want anyone to wear a suit, so casual attire, especially if it is IH red and not green, is encouraged. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Kellogg Township Fire Department or to the St. Luke United Methodist Building Fund may be left at the funeral home.

Bill, the son of Clarence and Verna (Eichner) Hotger, was born Jan. 15, 1941, in Newton. He lived his entire life on the family farm in rural Kellogg. Bill graduated from Newton High School in 1959. He served in the Iowa National Guard from 1964 until 1970 when he was discharged as a master sergeant.

On Nov. 25, 1972, Bill was united in marriage with Linda Clemens in Newton. They were blessed with one daughter, Christy. Bill was a lifelong farmer and an active supporter of both farming and local area organizations. He was a township liaison to the Kellogg Fire Department, 46-year Kellogg Township Trustee, E911 Service board member, and served on the board of directors for Partner Communications and Heartland Coop. He was also a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church, the Farm Service Agency County Committee, Iowa Cattleman’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Soybean Association and the national and state chapters of the International Harvester Collector’s Club. For many years he was actively involved with the corn research department at Pioneer Hybrids. Bill loved his red tractors, traveling and spending time with family and friends, especially his two grandsons.

Bill is survived by his wife, Linda Hotger of Kellogg; daughter, Christy (Mike) Lester of Lakeville, Minn.; grandson, Benjamin Lester; niece, Patty (Tom) Quinn of Exeter, N.H.; his cousins, including Marty Ford of Newton; many friends; and his right hand man since 1994, Paul Weyers of Killduff. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Owen Michael Lester; and his sister, Mary Carolyn Thompson.