D. Keith Bontrager

He was born in Gary, IN, on September 17,1962, to David A., and B. Kay (Flora) Bontrager, of Elkhart, both of whom survive him.

He was married to Carol J Hansing, of Elkhart in, June of 1987, and were married for 31 years.

She survives him, along with their two children, daughter, Taylor Bontrager, and son, Max Bontrager, both of Elkhart. Also surviving him are his sister, Carie Bontrager, of Denver, CO, and his Brother, Bryan Bontrager, of Upper Marlboro, MD.

A member of both the football and wrestling teams, he graduated from Memorial High School, in the class of 1981. He went on to Miami of Ohio, participating in Club gymnastics and playing String and Electric Bass as a member of a Jazz quartet, and graduated in 1985, with a Bachelor of Arts in History.

Gregarious and outgoing, he worked in Sales, Automotive Finance, and Customer Service, until partnering with a friend and technician, to form Crossroads BMW Motorcycles in the Fall of 1996, where he not only sold motorcycles, but arranged regular Wednesday night rides, and several overseas motorcycle tours in Europe with his friends and clients. When the shop later closed, he obtained his CDL License and began driving for several years, doing both long haul and local delivery. Most recently he worked as an independent contract driver, and partnered with his late stepfather, Dick Stout, to form KADY partners, a property rehab company.

Possessing an exuberant spirit, Keith was an avid motorsports enthusiast, with a particular

affinity for all things motorcycle, and really loved the summer boating that allowed him to

connect with the local lake community. He sang on the Praise Team at Trinity United Methodist

Church for several years, and through Trinity joined the CAPS program where tutored students

to help them achieve their dreams. He was installed as a Masonic Brother of the Tyrian Lodge #718

on Dec. 31, 2011.

Keith had an infectious laugh. He was a friend to many, and never knew a stranger. He was always willing to help, and did his best to maintain a positive attitude, even in the face of severe challenges. He was an inspiration to many and will be greatly missed.

Family and friends may gather at Stemm Lawson Peterson Funeral Home, Saturday, July, 7,

2018 where visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm, followed by a service in his honor beginning at 1:00 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to CAPS, Great Lakes Hospice, or United Cancer Services.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com