Obituary of Harmannus Jurrien Bos

Harmannus (Harry) Jurrien Bos, 82, of Fort Atkinson, died on September 3, 2011, at his home. Harry was born June 12, 1929 in Warffum, the Netherlands to Ebel Klaas and Jantje (Harkema) Bos. As a teenager he lived on a farm in German-occupied Holland and this experience, more than anything, defined his world view. He graduated from the Higher Agricultural School in Groningen, the Netherlands, served in the Dutch military in the early 1950's and completed the 200 kilometer Elfstedentocht speed skating tour in the winter of 1954. He first arrived in Jefferson County in 1955 as part of a Farm Bureau Exchange program and was warmly welcomed by the Craig & Laura Beane family. Subsequently he attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Soils Science. It was during these years that Harry decided that he wanted to live the American Dream and began using all of his powers of persuasion and salesmanship to gain permanent entry into the United States. Harry married Aleide Wijk in Uithuizermeeden, the Netherlands on January 24, 1962. After saying good-bye to families and friends, Harry and Aleide immigrated to the United States on their honeymoon, arriving in New York harbor in February of 1962. Harry brought his bride back to Fort Atkinson where they settled and were welcomed back by the many friends Harry had made here. Soon after arriving in the U.S. Harry learned that the job that he had lined up had fallen through, so, in early 1962, he started Bos Imp. Co. � an Implement and Importing business. After many stops, starts and failed importing schemes, including a 1969 attempt to import 1 million Dutch frogs into the United States, the business succeeded and today focuses on construction services and is run by his two sons as Bos Design Builders. Harry helped found Cleary Building Corporation of Verona, Wisconsin and, with great pride, watched the Cleary family grow the company into one of the nation�s largest post frame builders. He arranged to have a collection of Dutch Masters, owned by childhood friends, brought to the United States and for the past 20 years the paintings of the Westerdijk Collection have been on loan to the Milwaukee Art Museum. Upon their arrival in the United States, Harry and Aleide bought 60 acres west of Fort Atkinson, raised their family there and, over the past 50 years, transformed it by digging ponds and planting over 20,000 trees. The transformation of the small farm was one of Harry's proudest achievements and it was always his favorite hobby. Harry and Aleide obtained their U.S. Citizenship in 1974. He wasted no time getting involved in local organizations. The many trees around Barrie school were planted on Harry�s initiative during his time as Barrie School PTO president in the early 1970�s. Harry served on the Fort Atkinson School Board from 1978 to 1989, serving as president from 1985 to 1987. He was a long time member of the Fort Atkinson Rotary Club, serving as president in 1991. In 2007 Harry was named Small Business Person of the year by the Fort Atkinson Chamber of Commerce. Harry will be greatly missed by his wife Aleide; his children Edwin (Joanna) Bos of Fort Atkinson, Hilda (Gil) Hantzsch of Baraboo and Harman (Jenny) Bos of Fort Atkinson; his grandchildren Cayla, Alyssa and Lana Hantzsch and Harry, Ernest, Seeger, Liam and Julian Bos; his sister Meg (Engbert) Medema of Biddinghuizen, the Netherlands and sister-in-law Maja Ten Have of Amersfoort, the Netherlands as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jan Jaap. Harry wanted to express his deepest gratitude to two groups. First, to all war veterans, especially to those who helped liberate Europe and the Netherlands in 1945. Secondly, to the farmers and farm families of Jefferson County who, in the 50�s and 60�s, welcomed a young Dutchman into their homes and barns, listened to his sales pitch and gave him a start. Harry often joked that most were polite enough to start laughing after he had walked out the door. What success he and his family enjoy in life he attributed to these good people. In accordance with Harry�s wishes the family is hosting an open house at his home from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 10th. Harry helped to establish the Ardell Wiederhoeft Legacy Scholarship Fund and, in lieu of flowers, memorials in Harry�s name may be made to this fund, care of the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation, 244 North Main Street, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 or via their website at www.fortfoundation.org. Het is mooi geweest!!!