Name: Visitation for Ronald Bontemps
Start: 2017-05-17T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-05-18T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Center - Morton

Ronald Bontemps
MORTON – Ronald Y. Bontemps, 90, of Morton, passed away Saturday, May 13, 2017, at Rosewood Care Center in Peoria.
He was born August 11, 1926, in Taylorville, Ill., to Carl and Katherine (McBride) Bontemps. He married Norma Smith on May 2, 1953 in Beloit, Wis. She preceded him in death on May 10, 2009. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Carl.
Surviving are two sons, Gary (Lisa) Bontemps of Tremont and Kevin (Stephanie) Bontemps of Swansea, Ill.; two daughters, Linda Bontemps of Creve Coeur and Kathy Bontemps of Peoria; eight grandchildren, Jason, Jared (Shelbie), Jeremiah (Krista), Eli, Alyssa, Kallen, Tyler and Lauren; and four great-grandchildren, Shelby, Gracie, Jackson and Koralyn.
Ron was a WWII Army Veteran having served from 1944 to 1946.
Ron retired in 1989, after working for 38 years in personnel employee relations for Caterpillar Inc.
He was a member of Presbyterian Church in Peoria, where he served as a Deacon and Vacation Bible School teacher. Ron was also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was a Gold medalist on the 1952 Olympic Basketball team in Helsinki, Finland. He served as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 18, 2017, at Northwoods Church, 10700 N. Allen Rd. in Peoria, with Rev. Cal Rychener officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton, and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday at the church. Burial will be at Roberts Cemetery in Morton.
Memorials may be made to Grace Presbyterian Church, 3100 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria, IL 61603 or World Vision, P.O. Box 9716, Federal Way, WA 98063-9716.
The Bontemps family would like to thank Dad's caregivers, Debbie, Corrie, Ann and Kara.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.knappjohnson.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Peoria Journal Star from May 13 to May 15, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Bontemps

Sponsored by Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Center - Morton.

10 Entries

Grant Martin

November 18, 2022

I only met Ron Bontemps one time. That was in early 1964 when I was interviewing as a college grad for a job at Caterpillar. Ron was a very energetic person and was excited to be working at Cat. It was only many years later that I learned what a great basketball player Ron was and had won an Olympic gold medal winner to boot. Ron never mentioned his playing basketball when we were meeting--obviously a humble person despite being a great competitor.

Mr Bontemps, Charles C Powers, Raymond Hernandez

August 27, 2017

My father, Charles C. Powers served with Mr. Bontemps in WWII. I have pictures of them in the Philippines. Dad passed away in May of 2015. I grew up hearing stories about them during their time in the service. I am sorry for your loss.
Jay C Powers
[email protected]

The Elberts

May 18, 2017

Sweet Mr. B! He was a great neighbor to have over the years. Our favorite quote from him was "I don't know I've never been this old before" when asked how he was. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Jon Burnham

May 17, 2017

Ron was my hero. I was in high school when I met Ron after he was a gold medal winner in the Olympics. He actually said hi to me and it blew me away. Later on we became Christians and he was asked to give his testimony of how that happened. As our friendship grew, since I signed as a pitcher in tha Baltimore Oriole's Organization we were asked to team up and go around giving our testimonies in different churches. That's when we really drew close to each other in the Lord. What an honor for me to stand along side my hero as we shared what Jesus meant to us. He was a super star and I just loved being around this wonder, humble brother in Christ, my buddy, Ron Bontemps.
Thanks Ron!!!
Jon Burnham

Paul Erickson

May 15, 2017

While working at Beloit College, I had the honor of coming to his house to interview him about his Olympic days. One of the nicest men, and also one of the humblest, I have met. He could have bragged on l day; he earned that right. Yet, the talk was all about how well the people in his company were doing. Class act.

Christine Smith

May 14, 2017

I remember his energy, his laughter, his kindness and gracious manners and most of all his love for his family and community. Our deepest sympathies and love to his family.

Sara Schierl

May 14, 2017

Uncle Ron- you will be deeply missed! I have so many childhood memories of you. I remember I was fearful riding in the back seat of the station wagon when you drove. It was the first time I saw someone get up to 70 mph! I remember when you would take us down the big slide in the Dells- you always challenged me to put my arms up! So many Woodlake memories as well. Kathy and I loved playing waitress on the top of the boathouse and we would water ski for hours. I always have bragged about your gold medal but also the you were still playing tennis in your 80's!! You were a great Uncle and you will be in our hearts forever.

Brenda Martin

May 13, 2017

Ron was an amazing man. So kind and thoughtful. Great husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Very humble and funny. I'll never forget him always calling me sis. Our deepest sympathies to the Bontemps family. Brenda & Richard Martin

Laurie Neuwirth

May 13, 2017

He taught me to water-ski, gave us kids the highest under-ducks, and seemed to take the biggest pleasure in life when he was side by side with Norma Jean or any of his family members. He was a loving, humble man, as kind as they come. An Olympic gold medalist has passed on, but the true gold he left behind was the love in the hearts of everyone lucky enough to know him. Thinking of you all, Bontemps family

Daniel Kath

May 13, 2017

Sending condolences and prayers to the entire Bontemps Family. One of nicest Gentleman I've ever met. Always had something nice and motivational to say. He always spoke to everybody. RIP ! Mr.Bontemps.

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results