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HomeObituariesWarren Bontrager M.D., 95, formerly of Fairview

Warren Bontrager M.D., 95, formerly of Fairview

Warren Edgar Bontrager M.D., 95, of Goshen, Indiana, passed away January 5, 2023 at The Maples at Waterford Crossing.

He was born April 15, 1927 in Fairview, Michigan to Otis J. and Nora (Miller) Bontrager. He married Edna Miller in 1949 and they had five children, Beverly (Leonard) Meuti, Wyman (Wendy Wampler), Dr. Warren D. (Linda), Wesley, and Gordon (Dr. Cynthia).

He is survived by his wife Ruby (Yoder) Snyder, his children, 12 grandchildren and 12 great-children, eight stepchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, wife Edna, second wife Annabelle (Miller), brothers Delbert (Grace), Willard (Millie), sisters Anna (Lloyd) Strang, and Miriam (Mahlon) Gascho of Fairview, Michigan.

Warren graduated from Fairview High School in 1945. He was a long-time member of the Fairview Mennonite Church. In 1947 he participated as an MCC “Seagoing Cowboy,” transporting a shipload of horses to war-devastated Poland.

Edna shared his strong commitment to serve and together they decided to work toward Warren becoming a physician. To that end he graduated from Goshen College while working full-time to support his growing family. He attended the University of Michigan Medical School, graduating in 1957. In 1960, after an internship and two years of general practice in Akron, Ohio, Dr. Bontrager returned to Oscoda County, Michigan, establishing his medical practice in Mio. He continued there, retiring in 1996.

His practice included house calls, delivering over 1,600 babies, providing anesthesia at Tolfree Memorial Hospital, seeing patients after hours at his home and his office, and even successfully performing C-sections on both a cow and a pig! He served as county coroner and medical examiner. He was a founding board member of Kirtland Community College, continuing there for 22 years. He also served on other local boards. His community service was recognized by a number of local, regional and state organizations.

Throughout his long life, he was loved for his kindness, his compassion, and his ever-present sense of humor. His family believes that his faith in God, his commitment to service and his generosity defined his life.

A visitation from 10:30 AM until the of the Memorial Service at 11:30 AM will be held at Fairview Mennonite Church in Fairview, Michigan on Saturday, April 1, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Mennonite Central Committee or a charity of your choice.

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