Frederick M. “Fred” Bontrager Jr.
Frederick M. “Fred” Bontrager Jr., 92, Syracuse, passed away at 9:24 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at Warsaw Meadows Care Center, Warsaw.
He was born March 11, 1924, in Goshen to Frederick M. and Irene Bontrager Sr.
He attended Goshen High School and was a World War II Army veteran. He was married July 10, 1946, in Valparaiso to Vivian Corrine Clifton, who preceded him Jan. 2, 2016.
He moved to the Syracuse area in 1973 from Goshen, where he had lived most of his life except for a brief time in Albuquerque, N.M. He formerly owned and operated BTR Manufacturing, Goshen; and formerly worked at Mogul Rubber Company, Goshen; Oakwood, Syracuse, 10 years; and was a caretaker for property on Lake Wawasee for 18 years.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 223, Syracuse, VFW in Syracuse and Moose Lodge, Goshen, and formerly attended the Baptist Church, Goshen.
He is survived by three sons: Craig Bontrager, Syracuse, Doug Bontrager, Syracuse, and Bruce (Dee) Bontrager, Millersburg; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Helen Bennett; and three brothersL Hubert, Ralph and Don Bontrager.
Graveside services will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, at Elkhart Prairie Cemetery, C.R. 38, Goshen, with Pastor Brad Cox, Wawasee Lakeside Chapel, officiating. Military graveside rites will be performed by the United States Army funeral detail and American Legion Post 223.
Owen Family Funeral Home, Syracuse, is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial bequest may be given to the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, P.O. Box 4204, South Bend, IN 46634.