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About This Memory Space
This page was created for Donald (Don) Lester Bosma's family and friends as a place to remember them, to share stories, and to keep their memory close in everyday life.
It is cared for and added to over time by the people who knew them, and everyone is invited to contribute, whether that is a story, a photo, a few words, or a simple note.
Many families visit places like this not just once, but again and again, especially on quiet days or meaningful anniversaries. This page is here for those moments, wherever you are.
A place to return to when you want to feel close again, to remember a moment, or to leave a few words for others to read. Over time, it grows through the voices of everyone who knew and loved them.
Light a Candle Growing
Light a candle to honor Donald (Don) Lester Bosma's memory. Each lighting keeps their memory burning bright for 23 hours.
Candle lit burns 23 hours. Come back and light it again after 23 hours to keep the memory burning.
Limited to 5 lightings per hour to prevent abuse.
Memory Wall Growing
Stories, photos, and memories shared by people who knew Donald (Don) Lester Bosma. This is the heart of this space—a collection that grows as more people contribute.
No memories posted yet. Be the first to share a story or memory.
Life & Legacy
Donald (Don) Lester Bosma crafted a remarkable journey marked by steadfast service, technical expertise, and a passion for the outdoors, leaving an indelible mark on family, colleagues, and communities across decades.
Born in Stevens, Iowa, as the eldest of seven siblings to Lewis and Louise Bosma, Don's early years shifted in 1939 when the family relocated to Buffalo Center. There, he built a foundation of resilience until enlisting in the US Army in 1947, serving honorably until his discharge in 1951. Education came later, with initial studies in Ames, Iowa, culminating in a 1976 Purdue University degree in electronic technology. Marriage to Martha Lou Goodhart on August 21, 1954, in Danville, Indiana's former Presbyterian Church blossomed into 69 cherished years together until her passing in 2023. Retirement opened doors to pursuits like travel, hunting, fishing, and skeet shooting, while his commitments to Speedway Christian Church, the NRA, and local conservation clubs underscored a life of active engagement.
Post-military, Don dedicated nearly four decades at Allison Gas Turbine, from 1951 to 1989, excelling as a service representative. His role took him to Vietnam twice, where he maintained military aircraft and trained ground crews amid wartime challenges. Accolades poured in, including a standout commendation from Army Major James Weaver praising his engine repairs under enemy fire, reflecting his courage and skill in high-stakes environments.
Family & Loved Ones
Don poured his energy into nurturing kinships that spanned generations, from his enduring partnership with Martha to bonds with siblings like Doris Haraldson and Glen Bosma in Houston, Texas, and sister-in-law Judy in April Sound. A steady hand in family matters, he remained connected to numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and beyond, even as he mourned the losses of parents, brothers Marvin, Howard, Arnold, sister Shirley, and others. His presence offered quiet strength and tales from a lifetime of adventures.
Remembered by Friends & Family
Tributes from acquaintances paint Don as a pillar of dependability and adventure, with many recalling his tales of military valor and outdoor exploits that inspired those around him.
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