Raymond C Bontrager

Raymond C Bontrager, 95, of Arthur, IL passed away at 7:30 p.m. on Monday February 7, 2022 at his son’s residence in Sullivan, IL. Ray was born on July 14, 1926 in rural Arthur, IL. He was the son of Chris N. and Lovina (Kaufman) Bontrager. He married Ella A. Miller on Dec 14, 1948. They lived in Holy Matrimony 73 years.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, February 11, 2022 at the Pleasant View Church, 155 N. CR 300 E., Arcola, IL.  Pastor Matt Bontrager will officiate.  Burial will be in the Pleasant View Church Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 and from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at the church.  The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. 

Ray was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He made his livelihood for many years as a farmer near Sullivan, IL. He spent many winters in FL and enjoyed taking his friends and family fishing. Ray was one of the founding members of Pleasant View church in 1958 where he was still a member. 

He is survived by his wife Ella. 4 children: Marie Kuhns and husband Dannie of Arthur, IL. Ruth Kuhns and husband Gary of Tuscola, IL. Kenneth Bontrager and wife Goldie of Sullivan, IL. Judy Herschberger and husband Darrell of Tuscola, IL. 1 daughter-in-law Esther Kurtz and husband Nelson of Sullivan, IL, 22 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. 9 siblings: Mattie Miller of Arthur, IL, Liz Diener of Humboldt, IL, Verna Bontrager of Sarasota, FL, Mary Chupp and husband Lewis of Tuscola, IL, William Bontrager and wife Fannie of Millersburg, OH, Irvin Bontrager and wife Mary of Middlebury, IN, Clara Herschberger and husband Nelson of Arcola, IL, Katie Helmuth of Glen Flora, WI, and Samuel Bontrager of Purdin, MO, 1 sister-in-law Alma Schweitzer of Goshen, IN and 1-brother-in-law Oba Herschberger of Sullivan, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sons, Willis Bontrager and Ernest Bontrager. 1 grandson Mark Bontrager, 9 siblings, Ida Otto and husband Otis, Edna Miller and husband Andy, Carrie Herschberger and husband Levi, Fannie Schrock and husband Jake, Melvin Bontrager and wife Laura, Levi Bontrager, Eli Bontrager and wife Katie, Anna Bontrager, Lorene Herschberger, brothers-in-law Henry A. Miller, Joe M Diener, Mannasses Bontrager Jr. and Glenn Helmuth. Sister-in-law Pamela Bontrager