Obituary of Harry E. Bosma

Harry E. Bosma was born in Rinsumageest, Friesland, The Netherlands, on April 1, 1927. He was the oldest child of Janke (Annema) and Elle Boskma. Harry, and his younger brother, Tjeerd served in the Dutch Army from 1947-1950. They were stationed in Indonesia at the same time. After Harry was discharged from the army, he stayed in the Netherlands for one year, and then left for the U.S. He was sponsored by two uncles, Ike and Louis Boskma. He told his parents that if he could not learn the language, he would return. So, in 1951, he left by boat for the U.S. He worked for farmers in the Sanborn, Iowa, area. Harry met Tillie Hofman, and they were married in June of 1953. Their family soon grew to include a son Elden, in 1954, and son Kevin in 1958. They also had a daughter in 1962 who was stillborn. In 1955, he was hired by the Farmer's Elevator and was employed there for 36 years, retiring in 1991. On October 4, 2014, Harry passed from this life at Prairie View Nursing Home in Sanborn, IA at the age of 87. Harry loved God, his family and his friends. He especially enjoyed children. His grandchildren have many fond memories of time spent with him. He enjoyed working his garden and singing with the Dutch Psalm Singers. His faith was foundational to his life. He attended the Christian Reformed Church for many years before he became a member of Cornerstone United Reformed Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Tillie, in 2011; a daughter, Jane; brother, Klaas Boskma; nephew, Elco Boskma; In-laws: Tina Boskma, Dick and Pearl Hofman, Bill and Elsie Elgersma, Maynard Hofman, John and Arlene Krikke, and Ed and Agnes Uittenbogaard. Survivors include two sons, Elden Bosma of Denver, CO, and Kevin Bosma (Marilyn) of Nixa, MO; three grandchildren: Kellen (Ramona) Bosma and their son Gratian, Keturah (Dylan) Huisken, and Keaton Bosma; one sister Hilda Medenblik of Fulton, IL, and sister-in-law Gert Hofman of Sanborn, as well as his family in the Netherlands: two brothers, Tjeerd (Allie) Boskma, and Tabe (Tjikje) Boskma, a sister Gaatske (Jan) DeBoer, and sister-in-law, Henny Boskma; many nieces and nephews. Harry was loved by many, and appreciated all of the love and care from his family, pastor, church family and many friends.