Norbert Bossen's Obituary
Norbert H. Bossen, 83, of Clinton, died Saturday, January 2nd at The Alverno Health Care Facility, surrounded by his loving family following his courageous battle with lung cancer due to asbestos exposure. His funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 6th at 10:30 AM at the Snell-Zornig Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Clinton Lawn Cemetery with military honors being conducted by the Clinton AMVETS Post #28. Serving as pallbearers will be his grandchildren. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00-6:00 PM and Wednesday from 9:30 AM to the service time at the funeral home. Norbert Henry Bossen was born on February 20, 1926 in Clinton, Iowa, the son of German immigrants Andreas and Wilma (Matzen) Bossen. He was educated in Clinton, attending Clinton High School prior to his enlistment into the United States Navy at the start of World War II. He served on the USS Windham Bay in the South Pacific. Norb, like many young men of his day forewent his high school graduation to serve his nation. He later received his high school diploma from Congressman Jim Leach via a special Congressional consideration. Upon his return from the war he met “his girl”, Ruth Marjorie Gilbert. They were married on May 1, 1948 in Clinton. This past May they celebrated their 61st year of marriage. Following the war Norbert completed his apprenticeship and started his career as a plumber/pipefitter. In the early 1950’s he joined his father-in-law and brother-in-law in the family business, Gilbert & Bossen Farm Implement Company. Many years later he returned to the plumbing trade, where he worked until his retirement. Norbert was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Clinton and a member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union #25 in Rock Island. He, along with his bride enjoyed their time with family, antiquing their way across the Midwest, and yes… even the Chicago Cubs. Norbert is survived by his wife: Margie of Clinton; two daughters: Linda (Brian) Kunkel of Bettendorf and Beth (Stephen) Haufe of Clinton; one son: Drew (Ann) Bossen of Iowa City, Iowa; six grandchildren Adam (Kathryn) Kunkel, Daniel Kunkel, David (Sara) Haufe, Paul Haufe, Kathryn Bossen, and Douglas Bossen; and two great-grandchildren: Abigail and Logan Kunkel. Norbert was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Effie Warner previously of Clinton, IA and Phoenix, AZ. Special thanks from our family to the Hospice caregivers and the entire staff at The Alverno. Memorials can be made to Mercy Hospice of Clinton, Alverno Health Care Facility or the First United Methodist Church.
What’s your fondest memory of Norbert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Norbert?
Share a story where Norbert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Norbert you’ll never forget.
How did Norbert make you smile?