Joseph M. Bontrager

Joseph M. Bontrager, 82, died early Thursday morning, March 24, 2011 at his residence.  He was born on January 28, 1952, in Oelwein, Iowa, to the late Martin and Lydia (Yoder) Bontrager.  Mr. Bontrager married Fannie Jane Detweiler on January 28, 1952 in Shreveport, Louisiana; she preceded him in death on August 29, 1994.  He worked for Miller Brothers Construction as a painter, dry waller, and finisher.  He retired in 1995.  Mr. Bontrager attended Goshen First Church of God.  He is survived by two daughters: Rita Jean Miller, Goshen, Pamela Jo (Terry) Snyder, Camdenton, Missouri; one son, Brian Douglas (Chris) Bontrager, Clarinda, Iowa; three sisters, Elva Reiff, Elkhart, Barbara Bender, Middlebury, Anna Knepp, Bristol; six brothers, Ed Bontrager, Wellman, Iowa, John Bontrager, Flint, Michigan, Reuben Bontrager, Elkhart, Marvin Bontrager, Hermitage, Missouri, Jonas Bontrager, Martin Bontrager Jr., both of Middlebury; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by one daughter, Debra Kay Metzger; and two brothers, Al and Tobias Bontrager.  Friends may call from 1-4 p.m., Sunday, March 27, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, March 28, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.  Mr. Bontrager’s son, Pastor Brian Bontrager, will officiate. Burial will be in Clinton Union Cemetery, Goshen. Memorials may be given to Goshen First Church of God.