Ben R. Bontrager, 80, of Knoxville, Iowa passed away at his home on Monday, October 12, 2026.

Benjamin Ray Bontrager was born on December 25, 1945. He was born to Martin and Barbara (Detweiler) Bontrager in Inola, Oklahoma. He proudly owned and operated Bontrager Excavation for many years in Knoxville. He was married to Denise Kameyer for 25 years and together had a son, Drew, and daughter, Bev. In August of 2005 Ben married Marilyn Molamphy.

Ben had a great sense of humor and was rarely serious. He was always a hard worker. Ben loved racing and was a proud member of the Marion County Fair Board for many years, including serving as Board President. He never knew a stranger, as Ben loved to talk. No one enjoyed a good chat more than him. Ben was a wonderful husband and father. He was very proud of and loved all his children and grandkids.

Ben will be missed by his wife, Marilyn Bontrager of Knoxville; son, Drew Bontrager; daughter, Bev (Joe) Klingensmith; step-children, Jon (Elaine) Smith, Jeremy (Lucinda) Smith, Chad (Sarah) Smith, Val Cameron, Bruce Cameron; grandchildren, Brenna Bontrager, Wade and Reed Klingensmith; along with many step-grandchildren; brother, Bill (Clara) Bontrager, sister, Ida Chupp; and numerous family and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-son, Mark Huston; brother, Lester Bontrager; brother-in-law, EJ Chupp; and sister-in-law, Helen Bontrager.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 17th from 12PM to 3PM at the First Baptist Church, 1601 N Lincoln St in Knoxville. Funeral Services will begin at 3PM. Memorials may be directed to the Marion County Humane Society or Christian Opportunity Center and mailed in care of Cox-Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, P.O. Box 163, Grinnell, Iowa 50112.