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Obituary: Jacob Bostrom, 96, Branch.
Jacob D. Bostrom, Jr., 96, of Branch, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born at home in 1922 in Chicago to Jacob D. Bostrom, Sr. and Lillian B. Bostrom née Malo. Jacob was the middle of seven children but was never lost in the crowd. He stood out in all his endeavors. There was never anything he was not willing to do on his own. His family taught him love and compassion which he embraced and carried with him throughout his life.
Jacob’s family summered in Branch and later hosted many of his nieces and nephews which brought him great delight. He was known to many as “Doc”, a childhood name that stuck without an explanation.
He fell in love and married the only woman that ever caught his eye, Jeanette A. Bostrom née Hoag, in 1961 in Grand Rapids. They recently celebrated 57 years together. They never went anywhere without the other. They also included their daughters, Carol and Rebecca, in everything. Family was their first love and priority.
In 1940, he graduated from Lane Tech High School, Chicago, a college-prep school with a technical emphasis educating over 7,000 male students. While there he served as a hall monitor and part of the Disciplinary Board. He also attended the University of Chicago with an engineering major.
After school, he worked as an engineer along with his older brother, Harry, at ICOR.
Near the end of World War II, he was drafted to work at the Pentagon utilizing his engineering skills. Amidst war and its aftermath, he was able to have fun and bring home many stories of his adventures as well as some medals. Part of his secret for success and personal satisfaction was, “It doesn’t hurt to ask. They can only tell you no.” And because of his honest reputation, he never got into trouble.
Later Jacob came to his parents’ summer home in Branch to help his brother, Eugene, start livestock farming with cattle, pigs, and a few chickens. Eugene soon moved on to other things. Jacob then chose to give up his engineering career, continue helping his dad with the farm, and further train through local agricultural classes.
In a few years Jacob had the opportunity to become a highly respected postmaster in Branch and enjoyed over 37 years of serving the community.
He volunteered for the local fire department. He also received an award from the Mason County Sheriff’s Office for his police assistance in keeping the community safe.
Throughout his adult life he spent many years as an adult Sunday school teacher and a deacon in the churches of Trinity Evangelical Free Church and Calvary Baptist Church in Ludington. In his most recent years, he enjoyed the fellowship of those at Lake Community Bible Church in Baldwin.
He was fiercely independent, protective of his family, and always willing to help others in need even to the point of his own sacrifice. His honest reputation went before him. He showed kindness and how to love in caring patience remaining content with life. He was well loved and respected by many.
Jacob is survived by his wife, Jeanette; his daughter, Carol, and her husband, Jerry Buffenbarger; and his daughter, Rebecca, and her husband, Steven Johnson. He is also survived by his granddaughters, Morgan Johnson; Caitlyn and her husband, Matthew Morrison; McKenzie Johnson; and his great granddaughter, Milah Morrison; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, and one sister. He is mourned and will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be held Saturday, September 15, 2018, at 2 p.m. with the memorial service at 3 p.m. followed by a luncheon, all at Lake Community Bible Church, 8033 Central Park Blvd., Baldwin, MI 49304. The Rev. Sponable officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lake Community Bible Church. Thank you for all your kindnesses at this time.
Please share your fond memories of Jacob at www.OakGroveLudington.com.
Arrangements were entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington.
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