Jack Bontrager 1930-2023

Jack Bontrager, 92, of Whiting, passed away Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Holton Community Hospital.

He was born Dec. 6, 1930, in Wetmore, the son of John Wesley and Edna Lenora (Porter) Bontrager. 

Jack earned his G.E.D. and proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. 

He worked for Goodyear Tire Company and retired after more than 33 years. He was also a lifelong farmer and stockman. 

Jack married Dixie Marie Nickell on May 4, 1958, in Holton. She preceded him in death on Feb. 24, 2022; they shared more than 63 years of marriage before her passing. He was also preceded in death by four sisters, Faye Bohnenkemper, Evelyn Colhouer, Vivian McCauley and Thelma Lewman; and six brothers, Donald, Claude, Harry, Roy, Clayton and Robert Bontrager. 

Survivors include his three sons, Mark Bontrager (Vicki), Bruce Bontrager and Rex Bontrager (Cindy), who all reside within a few miles from his home; nine grandchildren, Chad (Mandy), Chase (Kristel), Curt (Sydney), Nelson, Alexandria, Benjamin, Emma, Tori (Blake) and Brett; and 12 great-grandchildren. 

Jack’s sense of humor was known to all who loved and knew him. In earlier years, Jack and Dixie enjoyed dancing, a good game of pitch and driving the countryside. Family was an important part of Jack’s life; he enjoyed family get-togethers and attending his grandkids’ and great-grandkids’ sporting and school events. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 17 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in Wetmore Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Jackson County 4-H, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

(PAID OBITUARY)