David F. Bontrager

David F. Bontrager, 83, of Goshen, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at Waterford Crossing Health Care.

He was born July 21, 1941 in Middlebury to Manas J. and Lydia Ann (Miller) Bontrager.

On January 28, 1962 he married Mary Ellen Kropf at Griner Church. She died June 15, 2018.

Survivors include three sons, DeWayne (Annette) of Goshen, Kenneth (Heather) of Nappanee, and Linford (Wanda) of Goshen; a daughter, Frances (Mervin) Miller of Goshen; nine grandchildren, Michaela (Ty) Plett, Kylee, Emilee, Brock, Luke, Scot and Stuart Bontrager, Miranda (Jesse) Kinney and Sierra (Cameron) Smith; great-grandchildren, Shay Smith and Colton Kinney; a sister, Marjorie (Richard) Gingerich of Au Gres, Michigan; and sisters-in-law, Rosalie Bontrager and Fern Knepp.

Along with his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Wilma Knepp and a brother, Wilbur Bontrager.

Mr. Bontrager was a life long area resident and farmer. He served his 1W service at the University of Michigan. He was a member at Mount Joy Conservative Mennonite Church and owner of Rolling Acres Farm. He was awarded the “Uncle Elmer” award, and the Indiana Farm Family of the Year honor. David served on the Elkhart Co. Purdue Extension Board, the Jefferson Township advisory Board, was a supervisor for the Soil and Water Conservation District, and was a delegate for Dairy Farmers of America.

Above all honoring God and supporting his family were his greatest goals. He was proud of his family, especially his grandchildren and two great grandsons.

Visitation will be Friday, March 14, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home and Saturday, March 15, from 9 a.m. until the 10 a.m. funeral service, at Mount Joy Mennonite Church, 120 N. 23rd Street, Goshen. Rev. Ben Shirk will officiate.

Burial will follow at Miller 8 Square Cemetery, Goshen.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Mount Joy Mennonite Church, mailing address: 63341 CR 33, Goshen, IN  46528 or World Missionary Press, P.O. Box 120, New Paris, IN 46553.