David Bosch

BROADLANDS - David J. Bosch, 62, of Broadlands left this world way too soon on Dec. 23, 2024, when his heart suddenly stopped in an ambulance.

He left Traci, his wife of 37 years, and his sons and daughters-in-law, Jacob (Lauren) and Clayton (Larissa) in shock, lost, and in grief. He was so proud of his sons and taught them everything in life. He taught them how to love and laugh. He taught them to build and repair homes, and to repair engines and farm equipment. They called him often just to chat or to get a second opinion on any given subject. Most of all, he taught them to love and honor God.

Dave left behind two beautiful grandbabies that filled his heart with joy. His phone was full of pictures of Scarlett and Maxwell. He loved to hear them say "Hi Papa". He left behind his mother and stepfather, Vera and Don Maase. He left his siblings and spouses, Mark (Marsha) Bosch, Linda (Rudy) Huber and Robert (Tanya) Bosch. He left his mother-in-law, Edna Fruhling and Traci's siblings, Tami (Mike) Fruhling-Voges, Teri (Tim) Frerichs and Trini (Fred) Fruhling-Bensyl. Dave left many nieces and nephews. He will be missed so much by all.

Dave loved life and gave himself in every way. He was a baseball coach, boy scout leader and booster club member. He was on the Broadlands-Longview Fire Protection District for 10 years, and recently rejoined as a trustee. He was on the Heritage School Board for 16 years, ending as president of the board. He was trustee for Raymond Township and just recently refiled to run again. He loved being active in the I & I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club and was co-vice president. He was a Lector and Eucharistic Minister for Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and prepared the church for Mass every Sunday. He loved meeting and talking to people and could not go anywhere without running into someone he knew.

Dave graduated from ABL High School in Broadlands and from Parkland College in Champaign. He worked for Allerton Implement Company in Allerton until they closed, starting as a mechanic and ending in sales. After AIC closed, a kind-hearted man named Norman Duitsman asked Dave to join his staff at Shaff Implement. Dave loved every minute of selling New Holland equipment and Walker lawn mowers, but he was starting to mention retirement and future plans more often.

Dave bled "Green" and collected antique John Deere equipment. He could tell his boys everything about a John Deere tractor and quizzed them often to make sure they remembered the facts. However, his blood was starting to become "Bluer" after attending New Holland conferences to learn more about their tractors and combines.

Dave is now joining his loved ones in Heaven, including his caring father and stepmother, William and Jane Bosch; his beloved aunt Rita Bosch; and his wonderful father-in-law, Donald Fruhling. 

We cannot believe we are having to write this. He will truly be missed in this world and will be thought of and talked to in Heaven every day.  Dave was the most loving, laid-back husband and father. He was our best friend.

A celebration of life and Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Philo at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 30. Fr. Keith Walder will officiate. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Bongard. Visitation will be at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Philo on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. Rosary service will be at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Mass intentions may be made to St. Thomas Catholic Church. Condolences may be left at Freesefh.com.