Norman Bontrager

Kalona-Norman T. Bontrager was born March 24, 1937, on his family farm west of Kalona, Iowa. He was the only son of Tobe and Lydia (Glick) Bontrager. He disliked studies but enjoyed building friendships at Snake Hollow School. Norman was happily married to Ruth Ann Gingerich for 67 years and 10 days. Their marriage began on December 21, 1958, at Sunnyside Conservative Mennonite Church in Kalona. Norman and Ruth Ann raised their four children, a handful of “fresh air children,” and nearly 20 foster children on the farm where he grew up. Norman loved visiting with people, telling colorful stories, working with horses, and spending time with his family. He thoroughly enjoyed serving God, by serving others. Family vacations always involved a service component. Norman went on many short-term mission trips and volunteered often with the Mennonite Disaster Service. His students loved his practical, hands-on style as he served as a Sunday School Superintendent and Sunday School teacher. He and Ruth Ann also helped as youth group leaders. Norman was a founding board member for Crooked Creek Christian Camp.

Following a brief hospitalization to relieve fluid retention, Norman was admitted to Washington County Hospice in mid-December. He was ready to die and decided against further testing or treatment. He passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, December 31, shortly after midnight at age 88. He is survived by his wife Ruth Ann; four children, Gary (Julie) Bontrager of Wellman, Errol (Coletta) Bontrager of Kalona, Ken (Deborah) Bontrager of Arcadia, Florida, and Cindy (Mike) Gingerich of Kalona; 15 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; two sisters, Edna Miller and Ethel Bontrager and a brother-in-law, Calvin Yoder. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Ada Yoder, a granddaughter Hadassah Ruth Bontrager, a great grandson Lowell Elijah Gingerich and a brother-in-law Emery H. Miller.

 Funeral Service will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Sunnyside Mennonite Church in Kalona. A private family burial will be in the South Gingerich Cemetery prior to the service. Visitation will be Friday, January 2, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Sunnyside Mennonite Church. A Memorial fund has been established for Crooked Creek Christian Camp, Water for Life, or Camp Deerpark in New York. Messages and tributes may be sent to the family at www.powellfuneralhomes.com. Yoder-Powell Funeral Home is caring for Norman and his family.