WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Charles W. Bontrager Sr., age 91, of North Ridgeville, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010, at Wesleyan Village, Elyria, Ohio, following a short illness.
He was born March 4, 1919, in Middlebury, Ind., a son of the late William and Estella (Snyder) Bontrager. He had been a resident of Sturgis most of his life, moving to North Ridgeville in 2000.
Charles was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during World War II and earning the rank of corporal. He had been employed as a carpenter for Land of Lakes Lumber Company in St. Joseph for more than 40 years, retiring in 1986.
He was a member of Sturgis Wesleyan Church and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and building things with his hands.
Surviving are two sons, Charles Jr. of North Ridgeville and James of Grass Lake; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; and two sisters, Delsi Barrett of Tucson, Ariz., and Elizabeth Weldy of Indianapolis.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carol Irene; an infant daughter; five brothers, Leroy, Vernon, Benjamin, Maurice and Willis Bontrager; and a sister, Wilma Rink.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 6-8 p.m. Friday and from 9-11 a.m. Saturday at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago Road,Sturgis.
Funeral services celebrating the life of Charles W. Bontrager Sr. will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Steve Bean of Sturgis Wesleyan Church officiating.
Interment and graveside services will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery, with full military rites conferred by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and the Capt. John J. Kelley V.F.W. Post #1355.
The family suggests memorial donations be directed to the American Diabetes Association, 4500 Rockside Road, Suite 440, Independence, OH 44131.
