Johannes "John" Bosma, Jr.

Johannes “John” Bosma Jr., age 83, passed away February 2, 2023. He was born June 16, 1939 in Kalamazoo to the late Johannes Sr. and Wilhelemina (Winkelman) Bosma.

John was born in Kalamazoo and built his life in Portage, Michigan.

John and Judy met in high school and developed a long lasting love for each other after graduation. Married in 1958, John and Judy shared their lives together for over 65 years.

From a young age, John took an interest in machinery and engineering and these skills would follow him through his life. His interest in building and repairing brought him to working on mechanical items, and he was known throughout Kalamazoo and Portage as an expert diagnostic mechanic; not only working on cars in the shop, John was also known to bring his work home with him, helping folks with car trouble out of his own garage. John and Judy’s home had a revolving open door. Friends and family would come and go throughout the day. There was always someone visiting, and the coffee pot was always on, waiting to welcome their next guest.

John had a love for racing, spending most of his weekends at various race tracks. The sport combined his ability as a mechanic and his love of speed. Race cars in the driveway were a common sight around John’s home.

After working in various auto shops, John joined the Portage Public Schools as a mechanic, working in numerous maintenance positions over the course of 22 years until his retirement.

Once retired, John’s interests shifted to camping and woodworking. He loved visiting the upper peninsula of Michigan and watching the ships traverse the locks. Later in life he and Judy also enjoyed visiting the Gulf Shores of Alabama, and the two made lifelong friends in both locations.

John was a family man who loved his children and grandchildren. He worked diligently throughout his life to provide for his family, ensuring his children were supported and able to build their own lives. He loved having his grandchildren come visit, whether they came to the house or found their way to the various campsites John and Judy traveled to.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Johannes Sr. and Wilhelemina, and daughter, Darlene Schultz.

John is survived by his wife, Judith “Judy” Bosma; children, Deborah Shoals (Dave), Denise Feuhrer (Tom), and John Bosma (Jennifer); grandchildren Mason Feuhrer, Melissa Bosma, Ember Feuhrer, Kristoffer Bosma, and Alex Schultz.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place, and John and his daughter, Darlene, will be laid to rest on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 11:00am at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park South. A time for food and fellowship will be announced and take place following the committal ceremony.

Donations in John’s memory may be made to Lighthouse Community Church or a charity of your choice.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, visit https://www.langelands.com