John Bosch, Jr.

John Bosch, Jr., was born on January 15, 1933 to John Sr., and Alice (Fikse) Bosch on the farm in Clinton Township, Rock County, Minnesota, where he was raised. Growing up, he helped with chores, sang in the church choir and played fastpitch softball. He attended elementary school in Steen, Minnesota and then attended high school in Hills, Minnesota, graduating in 1951. John honorably served his country in the United States Army. On June 22, 1955, John was united in marriage to Elaine Vugteveen at the Reformed Church of Steen. John worked for AR Woods for a short time until he started farming. He and Elaine moved to Ash Creek, Minnesota, in 1958 and were blessed with six children. In 1989, they moved to an acreage south of Luverne, Minnesota. John formally retired from farming in 1992 and began driving bus for the Luverne school district for the next 25 years. Elaine preceded him in death in May of 1999. On November 20, 1999, John married Jane Baker at the Reformed Church of Steen and moved to Steen. In 2019, he became a resident at the Tuff Village in Hills. In 2022, he then moved to the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne, where on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, he passed away at the age of 92 years.

John was a member of the Reformed Church of Steen where he was a dedicated member, serving as a Deacon and Elder, taught Sunday School and catechism, participated in Brotherhood and choir, was on the Bible Camp board, and was a RCYF sponsor. He also served on the Rock County Dairy Board. As he enjoyed using his voice, he sang in various groups, including Country Chords, In His Service, Chord Masters, Blue Mound Opry, Bonnema Boys Quartet and several others. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, playing cards and sharing a meal with his family.

John was well-loved while at the Veterans Home and known for his sense of humor. He had well-timed advice and made sure to let his grandkids know “Don’t marry the one you can live with, marry the one you can’t live without.” He will be remembered for his rich bass voice, gentle demeanor, quick wit and love of making people smile.

He is lovingly survived by his six children, Ranee (Kevin) Hagen of Hills, Brad (Linda) Bosch of Steen, Larry (Nic O’ Lena) Bosch of Steen, Julie (Steve) Peters of Mountain Lake, Minnesota, Troy (Missy) Bosch of Luverne, Kathy (Randy) Fick of Beaver Creek, Minnesota; 17 grandchildren, Kassidy Rice, Matt Hagen, Ela Hagen, Ana Hagen, Joshua Bosch, Ashley Huisken, Dylan Bosch, Brandon Bosch, Jordan Bosch, Kendra Morley, Logan Bosch, Janessa Riihl, Lexia Peters, Taylor Reese, Madison Merino, Sidney Bonilla and Kenadie Fest; fifteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Greta (Rich) Van Der Brink of Luverne; six step-children, Glenda (Terry) Sandstede of Steen, Eunice (David) Roozenboom of Steen, Lois (Arlen) Leenderts of Hills, Alan (Vonnie) Baker of Steen, Laura (Brad) Dykstra of Lake of the Ozarks, and Tim (Andrea) Baker of Holden, Missouri; and many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his two wives, Elaine and Jane; parents; three brothers, Everett, Dries and Gerritt; and two sisters, Jennie and Annie.