William Bontrager

William "Bill" Bontrager, age 74 of Richville, MN, passed peacefully surrounded by family, on June 19th, 2023.

He entered this world on April 23rd, 1949 in Hazelton, IA. The fourth child of William "Willy" and Elizabeth (Petersheim) Bontrager.

Bill grew up in the Amish faith, but left later in life to travel and experience new things. He loved to share his experiences he had as a child and was always so happy to go back and visit family and friends. In his earlier days he lived in Florida, Indiana, and Missouri and was always up for an adventure.

On May 30th, 1975, Bill married the love of his life, Teresa (Macke) in Oelwein, IA. To this union they welcomed four children: Patricia “Tricia”, Pamela “Pam”, Kathryn (stillborn) and Nathan. In August of 1986, they made the journey and moved to Richville, MN.

Bill worked hard to provide for his family and held numerous jobs throughout the years. From construction to plumbing, he could do it all. He was a wonderful craftsman and loved to work in his workshop. He created many wonderful things for Teresa, his kids, grandkids, friends and family. Many people were blessed to have his creations or to have him help with construction and home improvement projects. In his free time, Bill loved to hunt and fish. This was one of his many skills he passed down to his family. He taught us so much on how to survive and repair things on our own. We will forever be grateful for this.

On March 14th, 2000, Bill earned a title: Grandpa. He cherished this title and his grandchildren more than anything and has eight wonderful grandchildren who cherish him as much as he them. Our memories of our husband, Dad, Grandpa and best friend we will hold in our hearts forever.

Bill is survived by his wife of 48 years, Teresa; daughters, Tricia (David) Rastedt, Ottertail, MN; Pamela Halvorson, Perham, MN; son, Nathan (Katie) Bontrager, Richville, MN; eight grandchildren, Tanner, Owen, Lindsey and Lacey Rastedt, Avery and Kathryn Halvorson; Mya and Tia Bontrager; brothers, David (Anna) Bontrager, Hazelton, IA, Perry (Barbara) Bontrager, Lagrange, Indiana; sister, Viola Hershberger, Dalton, WI; brothers-in-law, Tony (Naoma) Macke, Creighton, NE, Gary (Fay) Macke, Royal, NE, Charlie (Diane) Macke, Oelwein, IA, Robert (Penny) Macke, Hawkeye, IA, Joe Macke, Manley, NE, Tim (Doris) Macke, Fairbank, IA; sisters-in-law, Janice Rahe, Marshall, MN, Bev (Fred) Engler, Randalia, IA; numerous nieces and nephews who he also adored. He was a wonderful man and has many great friends.

While Bill was still able to communicate, he was asked if there was anything he would like us to tell everyone. He said, "I love you all." Bill was a man of great love and if you were blessed to have him in your life, you knew this.

Preceding Bill in death are his parents; parents-in-law, Alphonse and Kathryn Macke; infant daughter, Kathryn Elizabeth; brothers, Alvin and Freddie Bontrager; and sisters-in-law, Lydia Bontrager and Kathy Macke.

Visitation will be held at Schoeneberger Funeral and Cremation Service of Perham on Sunday, June 25, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 6:30. Visitation will continue at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 26, at Richville United Methodist Church, followed a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Richville Village Cemetery.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com