On March 30, 2020, the author and professional numismatist Eldert Bontekoe died. In 1982, he began building his company that was to become worldwide known: Pegasi Numismatics. We re-publish his online obituary.
Obituary For Eldert August Bontekoe II (03/21/1954-03/30/2020)
Eldert was a published author, speaker, and a professional numismatist for over 40 years. He was a collector of history for as long as anyone can remember. He achieved the level of Eagle Scout in 1970. The same year he began his professional numismatic career, working part time for a local coin shop. In 1972, he graduated from Grosse Pointe North High School and he started his own business selling US, ancient and medieval coins. He graduated the University of Michigan in 1976 with a Baccalaureate degree in Mechanical Engineering. He immediately went on to become a program manager in Automobile Emissions and Fuel Economy for the EPA. He worked his way up to eventually retire from the EPA as the President of the Emission Compliance Consultants. While working for the EPA, he began building the company, many of us know him for, Pegasi Numismatics, which was launched in 1982. He partnered with Nick Economopolous in 1994 to establish the Pegasi Numismatics that is known around the world and still successfully running to this day.
Eldert had many interests other than coin collecting. He had a profound love of Poker. He enjoyed taking trips to Vegas and other casinos around Michigan where he could be found at the poker table! He loved playing the game, but anyone who has had the pleasure of talking with him would know that he always joked about having bad luck! He travelled to many places around the world often seeking a concert, play or museum along the way.
Eldert enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved gathering for Holidays and spending the day at the family cottage. He is survived by a brother Paul Bontekoe (Susan Bontekoe) and sister Leslie Michalzuk (Ken Michalzuk). He was very proud of his nephews/niece and great nephews/niece as well: Jaime Bontekoe (Lily Bontekoe, Isaac August Bontekoe), Jessica Dinda (David Dinda), Kenneth Michalzuk (Lauren Donovan) and Kevin Michalzuk (Amanda Michalzuk; Henry Michalzuk).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of Eldert’s favorite charities:
There will be a “virtual” funeral for Eldert Wed April 8 at 1pm. We do not have the link or official details on how to view it yet, but it will be added to his obituary page the moment that we know. As far as we understand, the funeral will be recorded and streamed online so that anyone that would like to join in may watch it.
To plant a memorial tree in honor of Eldert August Bontekoe II, please visit the Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
The obituary was published online on the Nie Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services website.
