Ben Bontrager, 73

Benedict L. Bontrager, age 73 of Colon, died Friday, October 23, 2020 at Edgewood Health and Rehabilitation in Three Rivers. He was born in Sturgis on November 9, 1946 the son of Levi and Mary (Yoder) Bontrager. He was married to Connie Yoder on May 11, 1969 in Centreville. Ben may be remembered working at Frye Copy Systems in Sturgis and Viking in Centreville. He enjoyed fishing and horseshoe pitching. He loved time with family and enjoyed his grandchildren.

Ben is survived by his wife, Connie; children, Karen (Tony) Lamb, Linda (Kip) Schwartz, and Ronnie (Stephanie) Bontrager; grandchildren, Robert (Meagan), Dylan (Tiffany), Chelsea (Josh), Samantha, Dru, Cory (Megan), Janett (Ian), and Jenny; eight great-grandchildren; brothers, William (Dena) Bontrager, John (Phyllis) Bontrager, Pete (Alma) Bontrager, Toby (Norma) Bontrager, and Ray (Martha) Bontrager; sisters, Fannie Mae (Bill) Hochstetler, Elizabeth (Leroy) Miller, and Irene (Irvin) Yoder. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael; grandson, Larry Bailey; brother, Alvin; and his in-laws, Sylvanis and Sylvia Yoder.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A private celebration of his life will take place later due to the COVID pandemic. Assistance was provided by the Eickhoff Funeral Home of Mendon. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com