Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Wilbur Bostelman Obituary
GRAND RAPIDS - Wilbur "Jake" Bostelman, formerly of Grand Rapids, Ohio, passed away on October 25, 2025, at Brookdale Memory Care with Hope Hospice. He was born on October 11, 1940, in Whitehouse, Ohio, to the late Wilbur F. and Lucille (Leidorf) Bostelman.
After working for Massey Ferguson for 19 years he then opened "Jake's Farm Service" and operated the business for 20 years with Carol by his side. He loved working on machinery, building, tinkering, and traveling throughout the U.S. with Carol. They became "snowbirds" in Casa Grande, Arizona then Fort Myers, Florida, where they ended up residing. He also enjoyed being with family, camping and was active in the golf and pool leagues in and out of the community, remained a member of Alva N. Sidle American Legion Post 232 in Grand Rapids, Ohio, and was a member of the Tice and Shores Moose Lodge #1297, Fort Myers, Florida.
He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Carol (Woodling); daughters Tracy Bostelman (Greg Ludwig), Lou Ann (Grant) Whitaker, and son Andy (Rhonda) Bostelman. He is also survived by six of his seven grandchildren: Lucas (Dee) Rowe, Haley (Adam) Frager, Nate' (Kenny) Voelkel, Kaidee (Kevin) Gorsuch, Kyle (Angelica) Whitaker, Jacob (Alicia) Bostelman, and Megan Kelly (Mathew); thirteen great-grandchildren, including numerous step-grand and great grandchildren, sibling Kathie Carson. He was preceded in death by his grandson Mathew Whitaker, his parents, brothers Kenneth, Charles, Keith, and sister Jill Wellman.
Donations to the memory of Wilbur can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Hope Hospice of Fort Myers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wilbur Bostelman
2 Entries
Mike Smith
November 24, 2025
Carol & Family
I am so sorry to read this news. Please accept my condolences your husband and dad was a wonderful person and a great coworker at Massy when I was just starting my working life.
Mike Smith
Denny& Linda woodburn
November 19, 2025
So sorry to hear of dales passing
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.denny& Linda woodburn
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Wilbur Bostelman's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Wilbur Bostelman
How to support Wilbur's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Wilbur Bostelman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
