Bontrager, Oliver J. (1898-1970)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1970 May 14 p. 11

Birth date: 1898 Dec 26

OLIVER J. BONTRAGER

Oliver J. Bontrager of Route 5, Goshen, Ind. was born on Dec. 26, 1898 to Amanda and Joseph M. Bontraggter, and went to his eternal rest on March 10, 1970.

He graduated from the Mishler Elementary School in LaGrange county. In April of 1914, upon his confession of faith, he was baptized by D. D. Miller. He was a member of the Forks Mennonite Church, Middlebury, until moving to the Goshen community in the later years of his life. At Goshen he was a member of the College Mennonite Church, being faithful until his death. Until recent weeks he was able to enjoy the services and shared with fellow-members in many meaningful experiences.

On Jan. 8, 1922, he was married to Verna Hershberger at Walnut Creek, Ohio. Rev. Lester Hostetler * officiated at the marriage. Together they shared life for 47 years, until she preceded him in death on June 22, 1969.

The first years of married life were spent near the Honeyville community where Oliver collected cream for the Middlebury Creamery. Most of the family's early years were spent in Middlebury where Oliver and Verna worked hard sell- * ing meat and produce through home deliveries and public market. Oliver spent his last active years employed by Miles Laboratories until his health forced him to retire. Since 1944 the Bontrager home has been in the Elkhart-Goshen community.

Oliver was a lover of flowers and had a deep appreciation for the nat- * ural beauty around him. Many hours were spent caring for this flowers and garden. This, to him, was a source of inspiration and seemed to communicate love for and with the God he know. Often he provided flowers for worship and for the sick and shut-ins whom he visited. He delighted in the visits and concerns of his many friends. He was a friend and had many friends, both young and old, who called on him.

Surviving are five daughters, Helen, Mrs. Marvin Hostetler of McPherson, Kan., Kathryn, Mrs. Omer Miller of Goshen, Nadine, Mrs. Ben Miller of Goshen, Joan, Mrs. B. J. Tuttrup of Phoenix, Ariz., Pearl, Mrs. Henry Copenhaver of Wakarusa, one son, M. Max, Michigan City, 17 grandchildren and two great grandchildren, one brother, Melvin, of Middlebury, three sisters, Mrs. Celestia Schrock of Hutchinson, Kan., Mrs. John G. Miller of Shipshewana, and Mrs. Forrest Bowman, also of Shipshewana.

The memorial service was conducted on Friday, March 13, at the Goshen College Mennonite Church. Rev. Robert Detweiler and Rev, John Mosemann officiated.

• Transcription note: Three lines misplaced in typesetting in the printed article have been moved to their correct locations.