Bud Hosterman was a special man. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He was an accomplished athlete and outdoorsman. A terrific salesman. A loyal friend. Most of all, he was a sweet, kind, gentle, unfailingly positive man who touched everyone he met and was loved by everyone who knew him.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, the second son of Harold and Margaret Hosterman, Bud and his brother Harold ("June") lost their father at a very young age and were raised by their mother and Aunt ("Mimi"). Bud had a Tom Sawyer-like childhood, full of adventure and exploration, capped by Eagle Scout recognition

He graduated from Paseo High School, where he met the love of his life, Shirley Mae Ralls, across a crowded campus. He knew instantly she was the girl for him, and as always, he was right. They were married on June 5, 1948, and their 68-year union served as a beautiful inspiration for four children and 11 grandchildren

Bud attended the University of Kansas, then served as a medic in the Navy during World War II. After the war, he worked for many years as a sales executive for General Mills. He later launched a successful food brokerage business and finished his career as a Vice-President for California Casualty Life Insurance.

Bud and Shirl started their life together in Mission, Kansas and later lived in Madison, Wisconsin, and Arlington Heights, Illinois, before moving to California in 1965. They spent the next 52 years in Los Altos, Sierra Madre, Los Gatos, and Cupertino.

In retirement, Bud focused on family outings and athletic pursuits. He headed the Tennis Association at Rinconada and the golf club for Cal Casualty. He took the family on vacations to Lake Almanor, where early morning fishing trips and boating excursions provided many happy memories for his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed following Stanford sports and watching virtually every golf tournament on TV.

He died as he lived, peacefully, surrounded by the people who loved him.

Bud is survived by his wife, Shirley, his four children—Christy (Gary) Cavalli, Mike (Jennifer) Hosterman, Ruthanne (Ivan) Mefford, and Kim (Geno) Ponza; 11 grandchildren—Erin (David) Duran, Kelly (Steve) Glaski, Alyssa Cavalli, Heather (Wiley) Hosterman, Sarah Hosterman, Megan Hosterman, Eric Mefford, Tyler Mefford, Caitlin (Eric) Schlakman, Nicolas Ponza and Jack Ponza; and five great grandchildren—Jacob Duran, Cameron Duran, Mateo Duran, Cole Duran, and Holden Hosterman.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 9, at 3:00 pm at Sunny View Retirement Community, 22445 Cupertino Road, Cupertino, CA 95014.

Memorial donations may be made to Child Advocates of Fort Bend, 5403 Avenue N, Rosenberg, TX 77471,.