Edward Bontrager, 99, of Wellman, died Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, at Parkview of Wellman. A private family service will be held Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, at the Peterseim Funeral Home in Kalona. The service will be available via Livestream at the Beatty Peterseim Facebook page.
Edward Bontrager was born June 13, 1921, in Lady Smith, Wis., the son of Martin and Lydia Ann (Yoder) Bontrager. He attended rural school in Wisconsin. On Dec. 26, 1941, he was united in marriage to Mary Stutzman at the Fairview Church in rural Kalona. Together, they had eight children, and later divorced.
Ed joined the United States Army and served in World War II in the Pacific campaign. Ed farmed for many years and was a professional truck driver for over 30 years; driving for Farm Service and owning and operating his own truck. He also drove a school bus for the West Branch School District. He was a member of Kalona Christian Fellowship and the Charles M Polton American Legion Post 427 of Wellman.
He enjoyed fishing, playing the harmonica, feeding the birds, playing pool and spending time with his family.
Survivors include seven children: Duane (Alana) Bontrager of Kalona, Linda Bontrager of South Carolina, Marvin (Carol) Bontrager of Kalona, Barbara (Tom) Applegate of Iowa City, Glen (Jennifer) Bontrager of Washington, Judy (Kevin) Christiansen of Wellman, and Robert “Sonny” (Jaynie) Bontrager of Wellman; 25 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren; and five siblings: Barbara Bender, Anna Knepp, Jonas Bontrager, Elva (Sammie) Chupp, and Martin (Peg) Bontrager.
Preceding Ed in death were his parents; a daughter: Shirley Chupp-Weaver; six brothers: Allen, Tobe, John, Joe, Ruben and Marvin Bontrager; and sister: Fannie Bontrager.
