Oct. 4, 1955—Feb. 22, 2014

Larry D. Bontrager, 58, of Elkhart, Ind., passed away at his home on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014, after a courageous 14 month battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born in Niles on Oct. 4, 1955 to the late Samuel and Ernestine “Teenie” (Fitzgerald) Bontrager. Surviving is his significant other, Shelly Vice, who resides at home.

Also surviving are his daughters, Shannon Sprissler of Elkhart and Brianne (Nate) Leslie of North Liberty, Ind.,; his son Colin Bontrager of Elkhart; sisters Jill (Stephen) Edelen of Battle Creek and Pam (Brian Murphy) Mower of Fountain Hills, Ariz.; and grandchildren Maiya, Savannah, Lainey and Hudson Leslie.

A gathering of friends and family will take place on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Christiana Creek Country Club, 116 W. Bristol St., Elkhart, with a memorial celebration of Larry’s life being held there at 6 p.m. Cremation arrangements have been placed under the care and direction of Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart.

Larry was vice-president of development of ADEC, Inc. of  Bristol, and was a devout University of Michigan Wolverines fan, who also loved watching all of the Detroit-based professional sports teams. He was a fun-loving, kind hearted friend and father with a warm smile and infectious laugh that seemed to make a lasting impression on all who knew him. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to ADEC, PO Box 398, Bristol, IN 46507 or to the Hospice Foundation.