WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
David J. Bontrager, age 93, of Sturgis, passed away early Monday morning, January 27, 2025, at Nu-Care Assisted Living in Sturgis.
He was born September 25, 1931, in McBride, Michigan, son of the late Erie and Dora (Liechty) Bontrager.
David has resided in Sturgis since 2007, coming from Centreville, where he lived for over 50 years.
On October 10, 1953, he married Bertha Carpenter at Locust Grove Church in Burr Oak. She preceded him in death November 3, 2024.
David retired from Huddlestun Lumber Company in Three Rivers following 30 years of dedicated employment.
David was a longtime member of the Locust Grove Church and enjoyed going to the coffee shop and visiting with friends and family. Anyone who knew David will forever remember his two favorite sayings, “Hey Old Man” and “Take a Break”.
He is survived by three daughters: Donna (Michael) Monson of Sturgis, Carolyn (Greg) Gautsche of Coldwater, and Marilyn (Marty) Borntrager of Grove Oak, Alabama; two sons: Dennis (Rin) Bontrager of Centreville and Fred (Maggie) Bontrager of Toccoa, Georgia; 13 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; two sisters: Mary (Don) Oesch of Archbold, Ohio and Fern (Nelson) Miller of Newcomerstown, Ohio and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters: Eunice Carlson, Eleanor Bontrager and Virginia Sharp.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Julie and staff at Nu-Care Assisted Living and Three Rivers Health Hospice for their care of David.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 on Friday, January 31st at Locust Grove Church, 29525 Findley Rd., Burr Oak, where funeral services celebrating and honoring the life of David Bontrager will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday. February 1st. The Rev Matt Yoder will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Locust Grove Cemetery in Burr Oak.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorial donations would be appreciated to Nu-Care Assisted Living, 605 Lancashire Dr., Sturgis, MI 49091.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
