Philip E. Bontrager, 73, Nappanee, passed away at 2:46 p.m., Monday, Aug. 3, 2020, at Elkhart General Hospital, after a short illness.

He was born Jan. 4, 1947, in Goshen, to Albert and Vivian (Blosser) Bontrager. Phil was a 1965 graduate of Nappanee High School.  On May 6, 1967, he married Marlene Moneyheffer at Union Center Church of the Brethren.

Phil worked for Fidler/Aggregate in Maintenance, retiring in 2005 after 32 years. He was a member of the Union Center Church of the Brethren, where he had served as a Deacon, and Brethren Way of Christ.  He was a Member of the Christian Motorcycle Association for 36 years serving as an area rep for 16 years; 29 years with ABATE; 15 years Assistant Chaplain at Elkhart County Jail. Phil spent his winters in Sarasota, Fla. He enjoyed going on many Christian Motorcycle Association/Missionary Venture trips to present motorcycles to native pastors. Phil had a passion for helping at secular motorcycle rallies.

Surviving are his wife, Marlene Bontrager, Nappanee; sons, Steve (Londa) Bontrager, Milford, Rodney Bontrager, Nappanee; daughter, Shelly Hartzell, Nappanee; grandchildren, Gavin Philip Bontrager, Hannah and Kylie Hartzell; brothers, Duane (Peggy) Bontrager, Nappanee, Kevin Bontrager, Nappanee; many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters-in-law, Sheryl and Sherry Bontrager.

Family and friends may call from 2-4 and 5-8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 7, and noon – 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 8, followed by a 2 p.m. funeral service, all at Wakarusa Missionary Church (202 W. Waterford St., Wakarusa, IN).   Steve Rhoades, from Christian Motorcycle Association, will officiate.  Burial will be in Union Center Cemetery.  Funeral service can be viewed on Facebook Live through the Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Run-For-the-Son Christian Motorcyclists Association.

Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.