Gerald (Jerry) Leonard Bosacker

Oct. 21, 1930 - March 3, 2018

Chasing the “perfect” word was always a passion of Gerald. From his early days in southern Minnesota, through to his retirement in Florida, Arkansas and eventually Whitefish, Montana, he never stopped writing poetry and enjoying his family. Rising from the depression, he had an illustrious career in the corporate world, but his passion was his family and the thousands of poems that he leaves us all. We invite you to seek out his poetry at www.bosackerbooks.com. He had a knack for defending the aggrieved and loved attacking the establishment. He survived 87 beautiful years despite being hit by a car seven times on foot or bike, crashing a motorcycle at high speed on a trestle filled with gravel, twisting his leg 360 degrees twice while water and then snow skiing, breaking his hip six times and even being (actually) shot in the back. He did find the perfect word for his family and friends: LOVE.

“When we accept our life is done, our history completely run, and all the honors we have won, that web of gold that we have spun is FAMILY”.

Gerald is survived by loving wife of 63 years, Jacky Colton Bosacker, 85; daughter Jill and Joe Courtney of Whitefish, Montana; grandchildren, Janessa Courtney of Cranston, Rhode Island, Jacob Courtney and fiancé Hattie Lunceford of Cheney, Washington; son John and Abby Bosacker of Orlando, Florida; grandchildren, Brandon and Lacy Bosacker and his first great-granddaughter, Harlow of Midland, Michigan, Brock and Brooke Bosacker of Montreal, Canada, Brittany Bosacker and Jake Lampack of San Francisco; sister Diane Bosacker Olson of Albert Lea, Minnesota, and brother Mark and Jean Bosacker of Mankato, Minnesota, and his faithful companion dog, Belle. Rest in Peace husband Jerry — loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend.

A Final Verse by Gerald Bosacker:

When I expire,

don’t come to look

at my exhausted corpse.

Please stay at home,

And read my latest book.

Don’t hum me hymns,

or false display regrets

that I am gone.

I’ve spent my years

exploring life,

and wrote what seems

but weak acknowledgment

of that great gift.

So joyful note,

in verse I share,

I do not grieve

when comes the time

that I must leave.

Jerry’s wishes were to donate his body to science and a celebration of his life will take place later this summer. Special appreciation to Dr. Courtney Austin of Whitefish, Montana and Frontier Hospice of Kalispell, Montana for their kind and compassionate care.