Maurice J. Bontrager

Maurice J. Bontrager 87, of Goshen, died Saturday afternoon, July 26, 2014, at Greencroft Healthcare after an extended illness. He was born Nov. 12, 1926 in Shipshewana to Amos T. and K. Grace (Miller) Bontrager. On June 16, 1951 he married Frances B. Ethell in Goshen. She survives along with four children, Timothy John Bontrager, Elkhart, Cinda Jo (Dan) Olinger, Middlebury, Jennifer Sue (John Russell) Bontrager, Elkhart and Terri Jane (Mike) Christophel, Three Rivers, Mich.; eight grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert W. (Harriet) Bontrager, Shipshewana and a sister, Mary Jo (Lloyd) Miller, South Bend. He was preceded in death by a sister, Marilean Bontrager and a granddaughter, Lindsay Whitehead. A lifetime resident of Elkhart County, Mr. Bontrager worked as a dental technician for 45 years. He served with the U.S. Army Air Force in Tokyo. He was a member of First Baptist Church in both Goshen and Elkhart. Friends may call an hour prior to the 3 p.m., memorial service on Wednesday, July 30, 2014, at First Baptist Church, Goshen. Pastors Jim Shrock and Dan Gelatt will officiate. Mr. Bontrager donated his body to the I.U. Medical Center. Burial of his cremated remains will be at a later date in Bontrager Cemetery, Shipshewana. Memorial contributions may be made to Greencroft Healthcare or American Cancer Society.