John Bosch

John Bosch was an extraordinary man of faith who viewed each day as a precious gift, embracing both the peaks and valleys along life’s journey.

John was the only child born to John and Adriana (Koppenol) Bosch, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, on October 30, 1934 during a time that was difficult for many American families as our nation was held tightly in the grip of the Great Depression. John’s father was fortunate to have work as a zookeeper during a time when the unemployment rate soared to 25 percent. As a student, John attended area schools and graduated from Union High School and also enjoyed playing hockey.

John entered the work force as an employee for Steelcase, a global office furniture leader, where he worked in the computer division. Life took a drastic turn for John when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when he was just 35 years old. His goal soon became to live long enough to benefit from a cure for the disease that ailed him.

When he had some leisure time, there were activities that John enjoyed that made him the unique individual that his family and friends knew and loved. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, even entering competitions at times. John’s passion for hockey extended into his adult years as he was a huge hockey fan, especially of the Detroit Red Wings. John also loved horse racing and even owned his own horse at one point and he loved eating chili and onion rings from the Rainbow Grill in Grandville. John loved leaving the cold Michigan winters behind and visiting Sarasota, Florida until his health no longer allowed it. John savored a package of Michigan apples in the fall and often looked to herbs and natural cures as remedies for issues that standard medical care seemed unable to tackle.

Faith was an important component to the man that John Bosch was, often giving him the strength to deal with difficult circumstances. He liked listening to old sermons from Rev. Girard at Seventh Reformed Church and he looked forward to visits from Rev. Bill Fennema too.

John Bosch was a hard working man who could often be firm regarding matters he felt passionate about. Although life was not easy for him, he carried himself with strength and integrity, finding joy and fulfillment along the way. Much of the last 20 years he spent in and out of care facilities hoping to live long enough for the medical community to find a cure for the disease that plagued him for almost forty years. John lived each day to its fullest but unfortunately, recovery was not to be for John and his body finally succumbed to multiple sclerosis after a long and valiant battle.

John Bosch of Grand Rapids, MI, died on March 16, 2009. John’s family includes his many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John & Adriana Bosch. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday in the Chapel of Seventh Reformed Church, 950 Leonard St. NW. Friends may visit his family from 1-2 p.m. at the church. Please visit John’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to archive a memory, photo, sign the guestbook if you are unable to attend, or make a memorial contribution to Seventh Reformed Church or Metropolitan Health Assisted Breathing Center.