Calvin Lee Bontrager

Calvin Lee Bontrager, 71, of Dowagiac, MI, went to be with the Lord on April 26 at St. Joe Lakeland Hospital while surrounded by his loving family. Cal spent the last 26 days in the hospital and often told his family he was “lying down in green pastures and resting beside the still waters,” Psalm 23:2,3. Cal was born on July 23, 1949, to Amos and Mary (Slabach) Bontrager in Wolf Lake, IN. On June 14, 1969, he married his best friend, Shirley (Shirl) Brenneman, in Middlebury, IN. Cal loved and cherished spending time with his family. He and Shirl enjoyed traveling and were active members of North Wayne Mennonite Church for over 50 years. Cal was an over-the-road truck driver for more than 30 years. He always said, “When you do what you love, you don’t have to work a day in your life.” Cal is survived by his loving wife, Shirl, and their children, Eric (Sheryl) Bontrager of Dowagiac, MI, Lori Bontrager of Nappanee, IN, Rita (Rory) Phillips of Dowagiac, MI, and Krista (Lyndon) Bontrager of Goshen, IN. Eight grandchildren, Jonathan and Emma Bontrager; Mason, Lanie, and Penelope Phillips; and Karis, Jeremy, and Meredith Bontrager. Also surviving are his brothers, Marv (Beth) Bontrager, Dale (Kay) Bontrager, Rich (Suzy) Bontrager, Jim (Pam) Bontrager, and his sister, Jan (Nate) Hochstetler; step-brothers and sisters Laurie Miller, Duane (Lois) Miller, Elsie (Atlee) Hostetler, Marion (Teresa) Miller, Grace (Henry) Schrock, and Jr. (Carol) Miller, and many nieces and nephews. Cal is preceded in death by his father, Amos, mother, Mary, brother, Lloyd Bontrager, and step-father, Elmer Miller. The family will receive guests on Friday, April 30, 2021, at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, MI from 3:00 – 7:00 pm. They will also receive guests on Saturday, May 1, 2021, at the Clinton Christian School gym (61763 CR 35, Goshen, IN) from 2:00 – 5:00 pm with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 5:00 pm officiated by Gary Miller. Memorial contributions may be directed to North Wayne Mennonite Church, Clinton Christian School, Grace Christian School, or the Gospel Echos.