Peter “Pete” Bontje, age 81 of Larchwood, IA died Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD.
Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 8, 2013 at The Church of St. Mary in Larchwood, IA with Fr. Jeff Schleisman officiating. Burial will follow at the Larchwood Cemetery in Larchwood.
Visitation will be Thursday, February 7th from 2 – 8 p.m. with family present from 6 – 8 p.m. at The Church of St. Mary in Larchwood. There will be a 7 p.m. vigil service Thursday evening at the church.
Peter Cornelius Bontje was born April 3, 1931 in Voorburg, Holland to Peter and Maria (Vieveen) Bontje. He grew up in Holland, along with seven brothers and sisters, during World War II. He worked at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. In 1950, the family immigrated to the United States, settling in Larchwood. He worked for Gerard Scholten and then went to work at Morrells. He retired in 1987 after working there for 36 years. Peter married Mary Ann Croegaert on November 28, 1959. They lived in Larchwood where they raised four children. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he sang in the choir for many years. He enjoyed spending time with his family. In his free time he enjoyed woodworking, refinishing and building furniture. He also liked watching sports on TV, especially the Vikings and the Cubs.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Ann; his children: Barbara (Mark) Dykstra, Alcester, SD; David, Crooks, SD; Tom, Mundelein, IL; and Jim (Rohini), Arlington Heights, IL. Five grandchildren: Andy (Andrea), Kate, Caleb, Josh, and Asha. One great-grandchild: Lincoln. Four sisters: Rita Alleven, Larchwood; Polly Janiszeski, Minneota, MN; Margaret Kapperman, Hartford, SD; and Theresa (Robert) Soukup, Woodbury, MN.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters; Cora and Ann, and brother Bill.
