Roger Dean Bontrager, 77, of Holton, KS, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Holton Community Hospital with family by his side. He was born April 12, 1945 in Holton, KS, the son of Clayton Porter and Doris L. (Bohnenkemper) Bontrager.

Roger graduated from Whiting High School in 1963, he enjoyed playing baseball and basketball for the Whiting Eagles. He was also very involved with Jackson County 4-H, earning many Top Blue Awards for his cows. After high school, he proudly served in the United States Army National Guard for the 69th Brigade from 1968 - 1970, during the Vietnam War; stationed for 2 years in Colorado.

Roger retired from Goodyear Tire Company, and was a life-long farmer and stockman. After retirement, he was a basketball and baseball fan, enjoyed fishing and hunting. Roger, along with his wife Connie, followed the many sports and activities their grandchildren participated in.

He married Connie Sue Williams on October 5, 1963 in Netawaka, KS; they celebrated over 59 years of marriage.

Survivors include his wife, Connie of the home; 2 daughters, Kim Lovvorn (Mike) and Karrie Gilliland (Joe) both of Holton, KS; brother, Richard Bontrager (Susan) of Holton, KS; brother-in-law, Bud Stauffer of Mayetta, KS; 6 grandchildren, Drake Lovvorn (Kelsey), Lucas Lovvorn (Alyssa), Megan Lovvorn (Ben DePaoli), Parker Gilliland, Conner Gilliland and Tucker Gilliland and 1 great-grandson, Sullivan DePaoli.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Doris Bontrager and a sister, Shirley Stauffer.

Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial with Military Honors will follow at the Netawaka Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Holton Community Hospital or Holton Parks and Rec c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.