Gordon L. Hotchkiss
November 25, 1934 – June 22, 2025
Prayers will be said at the grave on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at South Portage Cemetery. A reception will follow at Schoolcraft Assembly of God
13000 N. US-131, Schoolcraft. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gordon’s name to Loaves & Fishes or Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
Obituary
Gordon L. Hotchkiss, age 90, of Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, June 22, 2025, after a courageous battle with bone cancer.
Born in Kent City, Michigan, on November 25, 1934, Gordon was the beloved son of George Hotchkiss and Nellie and Marie Hotchkiss, all of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his sister Judy (Melvin) Saur. He is survived by his sister, Sally Haverkate.
Gordon proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany, where he met the love of his life, Renate J. Bubser. They were married on July 1, 1957, in Malmsheim, Germany, and together built a beautiful life upon returning to Michigan in 1958. They were looking forward to celebrating their 68th wedding anniversary this year.
Gordon was a dedicated educator at Gull Lake High School, where he devoted 34 years to teaching and counseling students. He held a bachelor’s degree in education with a minor in accounting, and a master’s degree in counseling from Western Michigan University and Michigan State University, respectively.
A devoted family man, Gordon is survived by his wife Renate, their four children—Scott Hotchkiss, Douglas Hotchkiss, Kristina Moore, and Lisa (Steve) Benson—as well as his cherished grandson, Derek Teall.
Gordon had a deep love for photography and, in his younger years, was an avid golfer. Above all, he treasured the time spent with his family and was known for his quiet strength, sharp mind, and kind heart.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Lisa and Steve, Lifting you all up in prayer as I know how close you were. Hold on to your precious memories and the love you share.
To the family of Mr. Hotchkiss, I was so very sorry to learn of his passing. I graduated from Gull Lake 51 years ago this month and I can honestly say he was one of the nicest people I have known in my life. I struggled emotionally in high school. He was always quietly supportive. When I opened my report card at the end of the year there was a note from him. “I hope the butterfly of happiness grabs you and never lets go!” That’s just the kind of person he was. Thank you for sharing him with his students. Just think of the butterfly that might never have landed except for him! Praying that all the joy he spread comes back to comfort you now.
My sincere sympathies to the Hotchkiss family I grew up on Sherwood and Abbott Street with Scott, Doug, Kris and Lisa. I consider them all as some of the closest friends I had in my youth. Mr. & Mrs. Hotchkiss (Gordon and Renate) were like another dad and mom to me. I remember Gordon with the warmest of memories and am so sorry I was out of town during the funeral. I wish I could have been there to share my condolences with the family. He will be missed by all that had the honor of knowing him. Charles A. Hotchkiss