Ira D. Bontrager, 97, of Hutchinson, died Friday, March 16, 2018. He was born June 11, 1920, in Reno County, the son of D.Y. and Susan (Nissley) Bontrager.

He was a carpenter for USD #308 Hutchinson Schools and later for Hutchinson Community College. During the summer months he enjoyed teaching carpentry to crews of young men who worked for him. He was an adventurer, loved hunting, fishing and camping. Ira was a parachute rigger for the U. S. Navy during World War II, serving on the Galapagos Islands and Panama Canal. In retirement, he and Vera traveled across the United States with their 5th wheel. Following his loss of Vera, he filled his time building and flying his ultra light airplane, 'Keep'n Busy'. On his 80th birthday, he fulfilled a lifelong dream, to parachute from an airplane. Family was important to him; attending many of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren's events. Ira will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

On July 6, 1944, he married Vera Yoder in Hutchinson. She died June 24, 1994. On January 1, 2001, he married LaZelle Swensson in Bella Vista, Arkansas. She survives. Also surviving are: his daughters, Jean Ann Willems and husband Jerry of Hutchinson, and Carrie Rogers of Jasper, Alabama; step sons, Eric Atkinson and wife Elaine of Springfield, MO, Steve Atkinson and wife Holly of Rolla, MO, Bruce Atkinson and wife Bobbi of Atlanta, Georgia, and Lance Atkinson of Jacksonville, Florida; siblings, Eli (Maxine), David, Mae Popp, Emma Lou Saunders (Jerry), and Glen (Mary Lou); brothers-in-law, Russell Showalter and Don Yoder; sister-in-law, Mary Lou Showalter; grandchildren, Matt Willems and wife Julie of Galva, Greg Morris and wife Deb of Frisco, Texas, Ann Franz of Hutchinson, Jaime Ford and husband Barrett of Jasper, Alabama; eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by: his parents; brothers, J.D., Abe, Dan and Roy; sisters, Ida Yoder and Clara Yoder; and, son-in-law, Billy Edd Rogers.

Cremation has taken place. Inurnment will be 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 13, 2018, with military rites conducted by U.S. Navy Honor Guard at Memorial Park Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at Journey Mennonite Church, 808 S. Poplar, South Hutchinson, with Eric Miller and Howard Wagler presiding.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Reno County or the Reno County Veterans Memorial, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.