Gilbert Lyle Bosak, 96, of Grantsburg, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025, at his home in Grantsburg.
He was born on July 7, 1928, in Frederic Wisconsin, to Fred and Florence Bosak, and graduated from Siren School.
He married the love of his life, Nancy Schadow, on April 21, 1956. Together, they were blessed with three children: Brian, Michael, and Lori.
Their life began on a dairy farm near Lewis, Wisconsin, until 1963 when they moved to the farm near Falun, Wisconsin. Later, he would work as a Pepsi-Cola driver, and then as a machinist at Onan Corporation in Fridley, Minnesota, for 20 years. Gilbert spent 30 years of his retirement enjoying his farm – raising beef cattle and working on his beloved collection of Farmall tractors. During this time, Gilbert and Nancy spent four winters in Tucson, Arizona, where they made many friends in a large retirement community.
Gilbert and Nancy enjoyed many years of cheering for the Grantsburg girls high school softball teams, of which they were huge fans and supporters.
They enjoyed watching and cheering on their grandchildren at their sporting events. They were big fans of the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers.
At the tender age of 91, Gilbert realized that he had to quit farming. He moved into Grantsburg where he enjoyed old and new friendships, eating out and, on occasion, beguiling those with willing ears of his slot machine conquests.
After the passing of his wife Nancy in 2013, he was blessed with two special companions: Marge Rydlund of Rush City, Minnesota, who passed in 2023 and, at the time of his passing, Phyllis Larson of Grantsburg.
Gilbert is survived by his children, Brian (Denise) of Cushing, Wisconsin, Michael (DeDe) of Siren, Wisconsin, and Lori Erickson (Bob) of Appleton, Wisconsin;
Grandchildren, Justin (Brittany), Jason (Ellysa), Jared (Andrea), Emma (Bobby) and Kacy (Matt); step-grandchildren Josh (Heidi), James (Mel) and Jesse (Grace); 13 great-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; one step-great-great-grandchild; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Florence; and his wife, Nancy.
A Celebration of Life will be held April 4, at 11 a.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church in Falun, Wisconsin, with visitation at 10 a.m.
Burial interment is at Mud Hen Lake Cemetery after service, and luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in Falun, where Gilbert and Nancy were members for many years.
