Karen Bontrager 1939-2026
Karen Sue Bontrager, 86, formerly of Holton, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2026, at home in Valley Center.
Karen was born Oct. 13, 1939, in Topeka to Allan and Mabel (Smith) Pollock. Karen grew up in Holton and graduated from Holton High School in 1957.
On Oct. 20, 1957, Karen married Jerry Bontrager in Holton. They shared 50 years of marriage before Jerry passed away on May 8, 2008. From their union they shared two children, Jerri and Craig.
In 1978, Jerry and Karen moved to Valley Center, where Karen worked for Kansas Gas Service for 23 years as an engineer clerk before retiring. Karen enjoyed crocheting, reading, genealogy and watching grandchildren’s activities through the years. She also enjoyed being around her great-grandchildren and hearing about their daily activities.
Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; her son, Craig; her brother, Rex Pollock; and her parents, Allan and Mabel Pollock.
She is survived by her daughter, Jerri (Wayne) Truman of Valley Center; her four grandchildren, Josh (Brooke) Truman of Queen Creek, Ariz., Justin (Mallory) Truman of Valley Center, Megan (Tomas) Colby of Valley Center and Melissa Truman (Marcus Todd) of Valley Center; and nine great-grandchildren. Savannah, Alexa and Laila Truman of Arizona, Olive, Evelyn and Bode Truman and Maggie, Macie and Maddie Colby of Valley Center.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 21 at Olive Hill Cemetery. Mercer Funeral Home in Holton is in charge of arrangements. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
