Gospel Herald - Volume VII, Number 45 - February 4, 1915 - pages 727, 728

Bontrager. - Christian Bontrager was born in Knox Co., O., June 2, 1840. When quite small he moved with his parents to Fairfield Co., O., where he grew to manhood, and on Nov. 23, 1862, was married to Elizabeth Troyer. To this union were born 11 children, 9 of whom are living. His companion died June 7, 1906. On Apr. 2, 1910, he was married to Martha Hartzler, of Logan Co., O., who died April 14, 1913. He was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church for many years, and his seat was seldom vacant when health permitted, and especially during the last years of his life he was much interested in church and Sunday school work. He passed away at the home of his son-in-law, G. J. Peterseim, at Kalona, Ia., Jan. 18, 1915, aged 74 y. 7 m. 16 d. He leaves to mourn his departure 5 sons and 4 daughters, all of whom, except one daughter and one son, were at his bedside to minister to his wants. He also leaves 30 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, 4 sisters, and 2 brothers, besides a host of friends. But we feel that our loss is his eternal gain. At different times he gave convincing evidence that all was well, and even though very weak, he sang, "Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine." He would reach out his hand in response to the white-winged messengers whom those who were watching by his bedside could not see. There were short services held at the Christian Church in Kalona, conducted by Bro. D. J. Fisher from the home congregation, and Bro. Leaman from Chicago, after which the body was taken to West Liberty, Ohio, for burial. The funeral services were conducted at South Union Church by Bros. S. E. Allgyer and A. I. Yoder. Interment was made in the cemetery near the church