Charles F. Hotz, 82, of North Spencer Road died peacefully Wednesday, June 17th in the Life Care Center of Auburn after an illness. Charlie was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Phyllis “Jane” Hotz in 2013. for whom he lovingly cared during her extended illness. He leaves two sons; Jonathan C. Hotz and his wife Bethany Carlson of Rockport and David P. Hotz and his wife Amanda Eldridge of Charlton, a daughter; Priscilla Hotz and her husband Thomas Tetreault of Southbridge, six grandchildren; Christina Brown, Marissa Hotz, Zoe & Jackson Tetreault and Henry & William Hotz, a great-granddaughter Averie Toomey, a sister Ruth Ettershank of Sykesville, Maryland, a son-in-law Nevin Miller of Kutztown, PA and several nieces. He was predeceased by his daughter, Rebecca Hotzmiller in 2001.

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, he was the son of Charles A. and Ruth I. (Frederick) Hotz. Charlie earned a bachelor of science degree in dairy science from Rutger’s University, New Brunswick, New Jersey in 1951. While attending college he helped in managing several sports teams and worked in the farming industry. He was a founding member of “The Knotheads”, an informal association of students avidly interested in square dancing.

Despite being profoundly hard of hearing and gradually loosing his sight, Charlie worked for the United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service as a Soil Scientists for 37 years before retiring in 1997. In his early years with S.C.S., Charlie conducted soil surveys throughout the United States including West Virginia and Alaska. After some loss of vision, Charlie drafted soil maps for publication.

Charlie and his wife hosted children for the Fresh Air Fund for urban children and participants in the 4H International Exchange Program. They supported their local 4H Club through building projects. He was a four decade long member of the First Congregational Church in North Brookfield. He was a voracious reader and prolific writer. Charlie is most recently known for regularly exercising his First Amendment rights by his many letters published by the editor of the Spencer New Leader. He enjoyed classical and folk music, political talk radio and television news, and trivia.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 20th at 2:00 PM in the First Congregational Church of North Brookfield, 144 Main Street, North Brookfield. Burial in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton will be private at the convenience of the family. Memorial calling hours will be held Friday, June 19th from 5:00-7:00 PM in J. HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, 390 Main Street, Suite 620, Worcester, MA 01608-2111,508-754-1148.