Bontrager, John M. (1877-1946)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1946 Aug 29 p. 1

Birth date: 1877

text of obituary:

PIONEER RESIDENT OF KANSAS COMMUNITY DIED IN AUTO ACCIDENT

Haven, Kansas. — John M. Bontrager, 69, who moved to Reno County with his parents 62 years ago, sustained fatal injuries in an auto accident on Route 50S west of Strong City,Kansas, on Tuesday evening, August 20.

Mr. Bontrager's car went into the ditch when a tire blew out. Other occupants of the car, including his wife, Mrs. Henry Stutzman and daughter, and the two small daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Yoder, all of near Haven, were not seriously injured. They were returning to their homes here after a vacation trip to Indiana.

Mr. Bontrager is survived by his wife, one daughter and three sons. Funeral services were held at the Yoder Mennonite church on August 22, where more than 600 people attended. The services were in charge of ministers Levi Miller and Harry Diener.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1946 Sep 19 p. 3

text of obituary:

JOHN M. BONTRAGER

John M., son of Daniel E. and Mary (Nissley) Bontrager, was born in LaGrange County, Ind., Feb. 17, 1877, died Aug. 20, 1946, aged 69 years, six months, three days. His death was the result of an automobile accident while returning from a rip to Indiana.

He was a faithful member of the Yoder Mennonite church, always willingly giving of his time and means. On Feb. 7, 1898, he was united in marriage to Fanny Yoder of haven, Kans. To this union were born seven children. Two daughters preceded him in death.

Surviving are his widow; daughter Elizabeth, Mrs. M. B. Yoder; four sons, Jerry, Mahlon, Simon and Emery; 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He also leaves three brothers and three sisters: Jake T., Topeka, Ind., Fanny Miller, Hutchinson, Kans., Barbara Miller, Topeka, Ind., harry D., Haven, Kans. Dan M. Scott City, Kans., and Mary Plank of Arthur, Ill., and many other relatives and friends.

He was a cheerful and happy disposition, a friend of old and young alike and a neighbor to all. He will be greatly missed by his family, the church and the community.

Funeral services were held Aug. 23 with Harry A. Diener in charge at the home and at the church, assisted by L. J. Miller. Text was I Thess. 4:13-18. — Mrs. John M. Bontrager and family.