Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1943
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
520 Wilson Avenue SW
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Donald Bontrager Obituary
Cedar Rapids - Donald (Don) Dean Bontrager, 76, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away in the comfort of his home on Sunday, October 13, 2019, after battling a rare form of leukemia. A visitation will be held from 4:00 -7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2019, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 520 Wilson Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 18, 2019, at the funeral home. A celebration of Don's life will follow. Interment will follow in the family plot at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Iowa City.
Born on August 3, 1943, in Iowa City, he was the son of Cecil and Mary (Yoder) Bontrager. Don graduated from City High School in Iowa City and joined the U.S. Navy where he served from 1963-1967 as an SFM2 (Petty Officer 2nd Class), and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He married Lillian and later divorced. Don married Ruth Zach on August 22, 1981, at Palisades Kepler State Park in Mt. Vernon, Iowa.
Don will be forever remembered by his wife of 38 years; daughters, Keri (Anthony) VanSant, Kala Bontrager, Kim Bontrager; sons, Todd (Kim) Bontrager and Tyler Bontrager; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; mother-in-law, Jean Zach; and many in-laws, nephews, nieces and dear friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Michael; infant granddaughter, Symone; and father-in-law, Adolph Zach.
Please share a memory of Don at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Bontrager
Sponsored by Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service - Cedar Rapids.
...
November 1, 2024
Still missing you so very much dad. You are forever in my heart and just hope you know how much I love you. I learned a lot more from you than I realized, many things that came to light later in life. Thank you for all of the good memories you gave me. You are forever in my heart and I am honored that you are my father.
...
October 9, 2022
I think of you every day and I miss you so much.
I love you Dad.
Mary (Akers )Fox
October 20, 2019
Don was my brother's best friend as teenagers.The memories I have Of them together are priceless. It brings a smile to my face when I think about them! ( I wonder what they are plotting now)
Dave & Mary Lou Cook
October 18, 2019
Many memories of time spent with Don & Ruth. One especially stands out in my mind. That is our journey up to Minnesota when we shared a cabin and boat for a fishing trip.....not many fish but a lot of fun!!
Don Gugler
October 16, 2019
I know Don from working with him at Cherry's. He could tell great stories mostly because they were true.!! Don was a hard worker and always a good friend. Don's activities provided a lot of memories. He was one of a kind and will be missed.Our prayers and condolences to the family.
Don and Carol Gugler
A VIETNAM VETERAN HIAWATHA
October 16, 2019
Thank you for your service to our country REST IN PEACE
October 15, 2019
I love you Dad. You are my hero.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Donald Bontrager's name
Memorial Events
for Donald Bontrager
Oct
17
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service - Cedar Rapids520 Wilson Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Oct
18
Celebration of Life
Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service - Cedar Rapids520 Wilson Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Oct
18
Funeral service
10:00 a.m.
Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service - Cedar Rapids520 Wilson Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Funeral services provided by:
Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service - Cedar Rapids520 Wilson Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
How to support Donald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Donald Bontrager's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
