Martin Bosch, 99, of Brookings, SD, passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
Memorial services have been set for 2 p.m. Monday, March 24, at Rude’s Funeral Home in Brookings. Memorial visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday, March 24, at Rude’s Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com
Martin was born on Jan. 19, 1926, in Sibley, IA. His parents were Gerrit and Christina (Uphoff) Bosch. When he was 2, his mother died during childbirth and Martin came to South Dakota to live with family friends. Being raised on a farm taught him the value of hard work. At the age of 86 he fully retired. It was around that time, that his hidden talent for metal and woodworking emerged. His family is blessed with many of his beautiful projects and pens.
Dad never expected big things in his life but he was very happy with the little things. No matter how hard we all tried we couldn’t think of anyone who didn’t like him.
Martin married Eleanor Bebensee in 1950. They were blessed with three children: David, Sherilyn, and Valerie. Eleanor passed away in 1978. Martin was lucky enough to find love again when he married Barbara Vierhuf in 1984. This June would have been their 41st anniversary.
Dad and our entire family were very proud of his service during the Korean War. He served 1950-1952. He spent part of that time on the front lines.
In 1958, Dad opened A & B Service Garage along with Gilbert Asp. In 1967, with the help of Wilmar Davis, he established the International truck dealership in Brookings. The business was sold in 2010. During a parade, the announcer said Dad’s mechanical skills made him an icon in the area. It was a rare question he couldn’t answer about any kind of vehicle. Though he had no kind of formal education he could solve any problem.
Dad loved anything he could do outside. He and Barb toured several states on motorcycle and rode many miles on snowmobile. He also enjoyed camping and boating. One of his greatest annual joys was the trip to Deadwood to spend time with the entire family. His talents in woodworking provided beautiful prizes for the family games.
Dad went with angels on the afternoon of March 19, 2025, with Barb and Sheri by his side. He left just the way he wanted — at home, peacefully, and with no pain. His body was tired but his mind remained sharp. There are no words that can express how much he will be missed by his family.
Martin is survived by his wife of 40 years, Barbara. He is also survived by his four children: David of Phoenix, AZ, Sherilyn of Brookings, SD, and Valerie (Bosch) and John Blackketter of Pine Bluff, AR. All four of his grandchildren: Dave and Kira Wells, Jerrod Blackketter, and Brienne Blackketter live in Colorado. He also had one great-grandchild, Vera Wells. Martin was very proud of his entire family.
Other survivors include many other extended family and friends.
Martin will be interred at the Greenwood Cemetery in Brookings, SD, at a later date.
