Ora Joseph "O. J." Bongard, age 92 of Big Rapids, peacefully left his home on the river, to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 9, 2008. He was born April 22, 1916 in Stanwood to George and Nellie (Kellogg) Bongard. O.J. married Margaret Ann Nelson on February 1, 1947. They enjoyed 61 years of married life together until Margaret's passing on February 9, 2002. O.J. spent his 40 year working career in the natural gas pipeline industry. He retired from the Michigan-Wisconsin pipeline in 1978. O. J. and his brother Bill were the only remaining American Michigan Pipeline employees. O. J. was an early inductee into the Mecosta County Sports Hall of Fame. He was an active member of the Morley - Stanwood P.T.A. and also, served on the School Board. In his later years, O.J. especially liked watching Mohawk Girls sports; attending Basketball, Volleyball and Softball games. He was a devout and active member of the Stanwood Free Methodist Church for over 50 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and sports, his Tuesday breakfasts with the gas company "Boys" and fellowship with many people at prayer meetings and on the "Bongard Boat Rides" . He is survived by 3 children; Tom Bongard, Ron (Diana) Bongard and Linda (Bill) Stevens all of Stanwood; a brother Willard (Edna) Bongard of Stanwood, 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. A brother-in-law; Wayne Lawton Sister-in-law; Donna Nelson and Lenore Bongard; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, O.J. was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Walter and Ira; and 3 sisters, Lillian Lintemuth, Sadie Benjamin, and Agnes Hartline. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service celebrating O.J.'s life will take place 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 14th at the Stanwood Free Methodist Church with Pastor Ron White officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to the "O.J. and Margaret Manton Youth Camp Fund" may be left at the Church.