Kenneth Bontjes

Kenneth P. Bontjes, age 96, of Byron passed away peacefully on Thursday August 20, 2020 at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford. He was born in Stillman Valley, IL on July 13, 1924 the son of George and Mary (Caton) Bontjes. He married Lois Harper on July 18, 1982 in Byron. Kenneth was a sprinkler fitter with Union 669 for 50 years alongside his life-long friend Jerry Dodd. He was a very handy man and used that talent and his friendliness to help others whenever he could. His friends nicknamed him Moxie due to his strong character and he always carried a buckeye in his pocket for luck. Kenneth was a faithful man attending the United Church in Byron.  He loved his family and friends and will be missed by any who knew him. He is survived by his children, Brenda (Dave) Caselli, Randy (Cindy) Bontjes, Steven Bontjes, Roberta Oslund, Carla (Gary) Goldammer, Sherry (Tom Anderson) Walters, Kimberly Taylor, and Gina (Brian) Ross; grandchildren, John (Angela) Caselli, Angie (Bill) Duhr, Private Tyler Bontjes, Connor Bontjes, Jordan Oslund, Jason (Rebecca) Thompson, Jenna Thompson, Jamie (Ike) Walters, Brenda (Nathan) Tanker, Andrew (Katie) Walters, several great grandchildren; sisters, Dorothy Jackson and Nylia Larson; sisters-in-law, Mary Bontjes and Marjorie Bontjes; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Lois, and brothers Ralph, Gene, and Walter and sisters Norene, Lois, and Mildred. A memorial service will be held on Saturday August 29, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the United Church in Byron with Pastor Tyler Spellious officiating. A walk through visitation will be held from 10-11 prior to the service. Due to Covid-19 masks and social distancing will be required at the services. Memorials are established in his name.