Wesley James Bontrager, 81, of Buhler, died on February 7, 2022, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born August 2, 1940, in Hutchinson, to Andrew and Nora (Yutzy) Bontrager.
Wes graduated from Central Christian High School in 1959, and Hutchinson Community College in 1964. He was a lifelong farmer as well as a Xerox technician for thirty years. Wes loved spending time with his family, farming, and basketball as well as all sports. He also loved his churches, Buhler Mennonite and Yoder Mennonite.
On November 26, 1965, he married Marilyn Louise Strausz, in Buhler. They shared 56 years together.
Wes is survived by: wife, Marilyn Bontrager, Buhler; sons, James (Diane) Bontrager, McPherson; Wendell (Marie) Bontrager, Haven; Warren (Emilie) Bontrager, Buhler; daughter, Nori Bontrager King (Nolan), Cochranville, Pennsylvania; 15 grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Weaver (Dick), Highlands Ranch, Colorado; and brother, Marion Bontrager (Judy), Glendale, Arizona.
He was preceded in death by: his parents Andrew and Nora Yutzy Bontrager; brothers, Maynard Bontrager, Ken Bontrager, Clarence “Clay” Bontrager; and his grandparents.
Private burial will be in Yoder Cemetery. The Memorial Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Journey Mennonite Church, Yoder, at the corner of Longview and Yoder Road, with Pastor Willmar Harder officiating. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.