Winnemucca has lost one of the good ones. He fought a courageous battle and died comfortably with his family surrounding him at his Winnemucca home – on his own terms.
Herbert Leland Bosch Jr (Herky) –09/07/1939 – 02/26/2018
Herky was born in Winnemucca to Herb Sr and Roma Bosch. The oldest of 4 children. Mike, Mark and the only sister, Zina who passed away in 1980.
After graduating Humboldt County High School in 1957, Herky then served our country by enlisting in the US Navy, serving aboard the USS Ranger traveling the world until his Honorable Discharge in 1962.
There was a girl waiting back home awaiting his return, On 2/3/1961 he Married Mary Lou Wilkerson, by way of eloping to Elko. That Union of Love and Respect lasted until Mary Lou passed on in 2003 – again she is awaiting for him in Heaven for a glorious reunion. Herky and Mary Lou had 3 children – the oldest Lee Alan – in 1963 Brigitte Lea came and in 1966 a son that would not survive – Herbert L. Bosch III
Herky worked at the Sonoma Inn as a Blackjack Dealer – he would play all different card games with friends and family, as there wasn’t a game he couldn’t excel at. At one point he owned The Rock House, Bar and Dance Hall. Herky also worked in Well Drilling and Irrigation.
Herky took his little family to San Bruno, CA – He attended San Jose State and majored in Business Accounting – He also taught a couple of classes in math especially Trigonometry. He was a very smart businessman – and a better car salesman. He worked for Melody Toyota during his schooling years.
Coming back to Winnemucca, Herky followed his dad and his son, Lee later followed, joining the Winnemucca Volunteer Fire Department, he served the city from 1974-1995. 21 years he loved it and his “fire mates” with all his heart.
For over 40+ years, Herky, Kent Arrien, and the late Jim McDade had a Hunting/Fishing Lodge in Alaska. The Lodge is still active to this day. The Lodge in Alaska was undeniable his 2nd home, he spoke fondly of adventures, his quests and the seasonal works that came up for the Alaskan Lifestyle.
Herky loved to attend all Auctions that were geared at Wildlife Conservation. At the Ducks Unlimited you could find
Herky trying to “run up the bid” with his friend Diamond Jim Billingsley, he would always say this is how they make their money
The Winnemucca 4-H Program was also a favorite – he couldn’t wait for Labor Day to go and bid/buy animals that had been raised by local ranch/farm children.
Herky was apart of many organizations – Kiwianis, Winnemucca Mens Golf Club, The Mens Morning Coffee Club, WVFD, Little League as a coach of basketball and baseball for many years.
His favorite hobbies – Fast Pitch Softball, Golfing, Hunting, Fishing and adventure rides in the hills.
1978 brought Bosch Motors to Herky, Herb Sr and Mary Lou, after a few years they brought on Stan Cowley and Lee Bosch. Together they grew it into a very respected business until Herky’s retirement in 2006.
Pop and Mary Moo had 4 special grandbabies. The oldest Tyson Baslee AB2 USS Roosevelt CVN71 , Taylor Bosch University of Omaha, Anna Bosch Loyola Marymount, and Steven Bosch Lowry High School and Bronc Rider/Shooter. They were also blessed by Jeanine Brennan, Amy Gronewald, Jordan Rinas, Mark, Elise and Anita Cowley. Herky also fell in love with all of Jen’s grandchildren.
Herky purchased the Winnemucca Pawn Shop and together with his partner Verl Sortor they did a fantastic business. Herky then decided to retire 100% and begin new adventures.
In 2005, Herky was introduced to Jennifer Hood (Jen). Judge Gene Wamboldt pronounced them husband and wife June 27th 2006 at the Courthouse in Winnemucca. This was a Love Affair that joined two grown families. Herky and Jen enjoyed many adventures together, first moving to Washington State, Reno, and Alaska and back to Winnemucca. They shared in each other’s families and took many trips to visit for holidays and celebrations.
Survivors include – his selfless wife and rock, Jennifer Hood – whom made all of Herky’s wishes happen. Children Lee (Nedra), Brigitte (Fidel) Guerrero. Grandchildren Tyson Baslee, Taylor, Anna and Steven Bosch. Brothers Mike (Sheryl) Mark (Zenetta) and numerous nieces and nephews and other family.
Herky was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Mary Lou. His 3rd child Herbert L Bosch III his parents Herb Sr and Roma Bosch, sister Zina Bosch.
A private interment will take place at the Winnemucca Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sept. 7th at the City Park in Winnemucca at 5pm. It is our hope that you will share stories and say goodbye to a man of “true grit”
In lieu of flowers, Please consider a donation to LeRena Smith Bengoa or Relay For Life – in memory of the women in Herkys life that have gone through and passed on, due to Cancer.
God Speed Sailor – Rest Easy – We got the watch!
