Jerry Bossingham
August 3, 1930 ~ March 27, 2022
In Loving Memory
Jerry Bossingham began his earthly life on the third day of August in 1930, just in time for the dirty thirties. Born of Ted Bossingham and Alma Marie Willis Bossingham, he was the second and last child from their union. Laid to rest here today, next to his only sibling, Ted JR., they will be forever together through eternity as their dear mother would have wanted.
It is important to mention the two boys lost both their father and mother at a very early age and were raised for the most part by well meaning relatives but often not by the same relatives. And, just as God gives us tribulations to learn from, so He also offers blessings. A great blessing for Dad was his cousin and best friend throughout his life, Charlie “Sonny” Brown. They immensely enjoyed their boyhood school and teen years together getting into all sorts of mischief. Enough to allow the regaling of said adventures throughout their lives. No one ever tired of hearing the escapades of Jerry and Sonny. Or, as Sonny was always won’t to say, I and Jerry.
Sonny, we thank you for the part you played in Dad’s life, even to his last day.
Upon graduating high school in 1949, Jerry went on to serve his country in the United States Navy on the U.S.S. Destroyer Arnold J. Isbell and was honorably discharged in 1956.
He devoted time to the Kansas Free Masons Lodge number 206 and the V.F.W.
Now, a grown man, Dad turned his attentions to finding a career befitting his talents, which were many. After a couple of short stints, at the Post Office and ATSF Railroad, Dad settled into working for Western Power , as a lineman and then working his way up the corporate ladder, he became president of the local union and was then promoted to Division Manager and relocated to Harper, Ks. Finishing up his career in Caldwell, Ks as Centel’s Office Manager and retiring in 1989.
In the early years of his career, he met Cora Randall, whom he subsequently married and they begat four children. Vicki Olivier of Anthony, Ks., Mike Bossingham of Wichita, Ks., Diane Appel (Steve) of Wichita, Ks., Denise Bossingham of Geneva, Fl.
The family continued to grow, producing Five grandchildren; Jennifer Olson (Rick), David McCaslin (Rhonda), Stacey Vanderhoff (Joe), Cody Appel & Jeremy Vigil (Florence).
Great Grandchildren include, Taylor Bradshaw, Emilia Olson, Lauren & Logan Vanderhoff.
Jerry’s life would not be complete without the mention of his long time friend and neighbor, Donna Hamma. Living only a house away from one another for many years, they truly enjoyed one another’s company. Thank you, Donna, for the affection and care you paid to our father. You meant so much to him.
The later years for Jerry were filled with many hobbies; golf, stained glass, tinkering, gambling, gardening and Re-purposing. A perfect example of which would be, Dad still had the wooden standing ashtray he made in woods class in high school, but he decided some years back it needed a ceramic tile topper added to accommodate the plants he had a knack for growing.
Lastly, it must be said, Dad’s one true passion was the stock market and he played it well and faithfully. He loved all aspects of the market. The ups the downs, day trading, penny stocks, acronyms for trading companies, it kept his mind sharp. So here’s to that great portfolio in the sky.
Jerry passed away on March 27, 2022 in Wichita. Kansas.
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Sure enjoyed having Jerry as a neighbor. Will never forget when I was painting way up high on my house-I started screaming for Den to come let the boom down cause I was getting attacked by wasp’s. Jerry came running over to see what I was screaming about. He in turn had to go to our garage to get Den-he had the radio blaring and never heard my screams. Your Dad was a sweetheart! So sorry for your loss! Terre McDorman