Harold "Hotie" D. Platt

Harold D. “Hotie” Platt Jr., 91, of Goshen, formerly of Bristol, Elkhart, Eagle Lake (Edwardsburg) and South Bend, died at home in Greencroft being cared for by Harold and Jessica Eichhorn under hospice care on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at 9:07 PM.

Hotie was born July 3, 1933, in Elkhart to the late Harold D. and Margaret M. (Lilly) Platt.  He was also preceded in death by a brother, James L. Platt and a daughter, Karen Lynn Platt Eichhorn. On August 7, 1954, Hotie married Barbara G. Singer in South Bend.  Barbara died in 1988.  He then married Gracielee A. (James) Matz on January 11, 1991, in Bristol.  Gracielee died on September 4, 2021.

Harold is survived by three sons, Kirk D. Platt of Goshen, Dan L. (Wendy) Matz of Elkhart and Jeff B. (Tammy) Matz of Niceville, FL; two daughters, Patti J. (David) Pittman of Bristol and LuAnne M. (Patrick) Van Kirk of Cassopolis, MI, two biological grandchildren, Harold W. (Jessica) Eichhorn and Kyle A. (Erin) Platt, fourteen step grandchildren and twenty-five great grandchildren.

He began his work career with his father at the Platt Trailer Company and Platt RV Sales.  More of an entrepreneur and businessman, Hotie worked in many different areas including real estate.

Hotie graduated from Elkhart High School in 1951.  He then attended Indiana University in Bloomington from 1951 until his graduation in 1955 where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing. He was a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity, the Elkhart Moose Lodge, the Elkhart Lions Club, CBMC, Greater Elkhart Area Chamber of Commerce, Trinity on Jackson Church, Sunnyside Presbyterian Church in South Bend, Thursday 6:30 AM Men’s Bible Study, Eagle Lake Yacht Club, Boy Scouts and the YMCA.  He also volunteered as a Red Coat at Elkhart General Hospital and Greencroft Goshen Auxiliary. He was a Christ Care Leader for Stephan Ministries, Sunday School Teacher and Facilitator.  Hotie also served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 12:00 noon at Trinity on Jackson 2715 E. Jackson Blvd. Elkhart, IN.  Friends may call one hour prior to services at the church.  The Rev. Karen Koelsch will officiate.  Hotie has been cremated and his cremains will be buried at a later date at Rice Cemetery.  Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity on Jackson, Greencroft 1721 Greencroft Blvd. Goshen, IN 46526 or Harvest Community Church 17285 C. R. 34 Goshen, IN 46528.

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