Henry Earl Bontrager

Henry Earl Bontrager was born September 8, 1930 in Thomas, OK, the son of Eli and Delila (Miller) Bontrager. On November 27, 1952 Henry was united in marriage to Lydia Mae Yoder in Weatherford, OK. Henry and Lydia Mae moved to the Kalona Community in March of 1957 where he farmed until he was 80 years old. He was known by his grandchildren as the peanuts and candy grandpa. Henry was an active member of the Sharon Bethel Mennonite Church. He volunteered with Mennonite Disaster Services and Christian Aid Ministries. Henry died at his home Tuesday, August, 12, 2014 from complications of a stroke at the age of 83 years.

Henry is survived by his wife Lydia Mae; two sons; E. Wayne Bontrager of Kalona; Delmar (Carolyn) Bontrager of Wellman; two daughters; Laverta (Evan) Beachy of Kalona; Loretta (Elam) Stoltzfoos of Kalona; 9 grandchildren; Derek Beachy, David Bontrager, Jon (Hannah) Bontrager, Shaena (Freeman) Beachy, Jacob Stoltzfoos, Ashley Bontrager, Bradley Stoltzfoos, Gregory Stoltzfoos, Aaron Stoltzfoos; two great granddaughters; Erin Bontrager, Monica Beachy; three brothers; Eldon Bontrager of Arlington, KS, Vernon Bontrager of Iowa City, Perry Bontrager of Kalona; and two sisters, Ruby Miller and Anna Mae Ropp both of Kalona. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers; Joe Bontrager, Floyd Bontrager, a stillborn, and an infant sister Sarah Bontrager.

Funeral Service will be held 10:00 A.M. Friday, August 15, 2014 at Sharon Bethel Church rural Kalona. Ministers in charge are Gabriel Beachy and Lamar Ropp. Burial will be in the Sharon Bethel Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6-8 pm and Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Sharon Bethel Church. A memorial fund has been established for the Sharon Bethel Mennonite Church and Sharon Bethel School. The Yoder-Powell Funeral Home in Kalona is in charge of the arrangements.