Roger Bontrager 1945-2023
Roger Dean Bontrager, 77, of Holton, passed away Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at Holton Community Hospital with family by his side.
He was born April 12, 1945, in Holton, the son of Clayton Porter and Doris L. (Bohnenkemper) Bontrager.
Roger graduated from Whiting High School in 1963; he enjoyed playing baseball and basketball for the Whiting Eagles. He was also very involved with Jackson County 4-H, earning many Top Blue Awards for his cows. After high school, he proudly served in the United States Army National Guard for the 69th Brigade from 1968 to 1970, during the Vietnam War, stationed for two years in Colorado.
Roger retired from Goodyear Tire Company and was a life-long farmer and stockman. After retirement, he was a basketball and baseball fan and enjoyed fishing and hunting. Roger, along with his wife Connie, followed the many sports and activities their grandchildren participated in.
He married Connie Sue Williams on Oct. 5, 1963, in Netawaka; they celebrated more than 59 years of marriage.
Survivors include his wife, Connie of the home; two daughters, Kim Lovvorn (Mike) and Karrie Gilliland (Joe), both of Holton; a brother, Richard Bontrager (Susan) of Holton; a brother-in-law, Bud Stauffer of Mayetta; six grandchildren, Drake Lovvorn (Kelsey), Lucas Lovvorn (Alyssa), Megan Lovvorn (Ben DePaoli), Parker Gilliland, Conner Gilliland and Tucker Gilliland; and a great-grandson, Sullivan DePaoli.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Doris Bontrager; and a sister, Shirley Stauffer.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial with military honors will follow in Netawaka Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be given to the Holton Community Hospital or Holton Parks and Rec, 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)
