Paul Vanden Bosch

Funeral services for Paul Vanden Bosch were held on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Berean Church in Gregory, SD, with Pastor Andrew Chlebek officiating. Music was provided by Christopher and Stephen Lobley and Paul’s grandchildren, accompanied by Carla Lobley, pianist. Tom and Mary Prouty were in charge of registration, and flower attendants were Elizabeth McClure, Mariah Kinney, Jayne Barrow, Sophia Vanden Bosch, Daphne Vanden Bosch, and Kendra Jones. Casket bearers were Mike Vanden Bosch, John Vanden Bosch, Matt Barrow, Jon Barrow ,Ben Barrow, Chris Lobley, Stephen Lobley, and Edward Vanden Bosch. Honorary casket bearers: Tom Prouty, Jason Nebola, Scott McClellen, Vic Schmitz, Danny Vavra, Emmett Kotrba, Jim Hogrefe, A.J. Steffen, Danny Davidson, Joel Barrow, and Rick Lobley.

Burial was in the IOOF Cemetery in Gregory, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Paul George Vanden Bosch was born January 28, 1940, in Orange City, IA, the oldest son of Herman and Inez (Scholl) Vanden Bosch. When Paul was one year old, he moved with his parents to Gregory, SD. He attended the Gregory Public Schools and received the Legion Citizenship Award in eighth grade. He graduated from GHS in 1958. While in high school Paul learned Morse code and was a ham radio operator. A teacher wrote in his 1957 yearbook, “When you’re enthused, there’s no stopping you!” That was true of Paul his entire life.

Paul joined the Navy in 1960. He served in Yokohama, Japan, for two years and then as a Seabee at Port Hueneme in California for two years. His service training included postal clerk and draftsman.

After being honorably discharged from the service, Paul returned to Gregory and began his work with the family business, expanding it to include a c-store (Tall Paul’s), as well as a fertilizer business. He valued his employees and customers and appreciated them for their friendship and support. However, as Paul always said, “Any success achieved was due to the “Good Lord Jesus Christ.”

In 1969, Paul was united in marriage to Ruth Davidson. They were married 54 years. Their marriage was an example of God’s gracious love and an inspiration to their children: Carla, Pam, Mike, and John.

Paul was a fun dad. Special memories include scaring his kids with games of hide and seek, driving his pickup in reverse all the way home from church, breaking a tree limb and falling to the ground while trying to teach his kids to climb a tree, and working with their dad in the business.

Paul’s faith became the central focus of his life. He realized that he could never be good enough to earn God’s favor, and that there was only one way to Heaven. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father except by me.” John 14:6. Paul felt that as a follower of Jesus, he should share his faith with others, and he looked for opportunities to do so.

Paul retired in 2004 and embarked on another great project, building 650 feet of track for his HO-gauge train. He enjoyed designing and building structures such as a suspension bridge, double helix, ski lift, and a water wheel and river. Paul loved giving tours of his train to anyone who showed interest. Retirement also meant more time enjoying his children and grandchildren.

Paul passed away on May 5, 2023, at the age of 83. He was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Inez Vanden Bosch, his sister-in-law Alicia Vanden Bosch, and his brother-in-law Joe Davidson.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth; two daughters, Carla (Rick) Lobley of Poland, ME, and Pamela (Joel) Barrow of Long Pine, NE; two sons, Michael Vanden Bosch of Sumpter, SC, and John Vanden Bosch of Gregory, SD; two brothers, Jerry (Carolyn) Vanden Bosch of Colorado Springs, CO, and Donn Vanden Bosch of Omaha, NE; twelve grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews.