Robert J. Bosben

Robert J. Bosben, age 77, a long-time Madison resident, died peacefully on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at the Hospice Center in Fitchburg, surrounded by his family.   Robert was born on Sept. 19, 1932 in Madison, the second son of Joseph I. and Zola A. (Myers) Bosben.   He grew up in the town of Burke, attended Burke Station elementary school and Madison East High School, class of 1950.   He enjoyed working at the Sunnyside Supermarket during his school years.   He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1951, served in the artillery in the Korean War from 1952 to 1953 and was honorably discharged in 1954.             On Sept. 5 1959, Robert married Mary Ann Twiton of Sun Prairie, with whom he enjoyed 50 years of marriage.   In 1961 he completed a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering at UW-Madison.   His career as a Mechanical Engineer included employment at Boeing Aircraft in Seattle, WA, Weyerhauser in Marshfield, WI and Ray-O-Vac in Madison where he worked for 33 years, retiring in 1999.   He held several patents and was the designer of a battery system used aboard the Space Shuttle.   He helped his children with their newspaper routes for many years, and was involved in establishing the Apex Properties Company of Madison, where he continued to help out until May 2009.             Robert was a dedicated Christian who was very active at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church since 1968.   He volunteered his time serving on the church council, property committee and choir.   In total, he sang in church choirs for over 55 years.   He also enjoyed singing solos, and duets with his wife.   He participated in many biblical dramas, often served as lector or cantor, and volunteered at the food pantry.   He also served as a Boy Scout leader for many years.   He was a staunch Republican, a fervent American Patriot, and a very generous contributor to his church and many charities.             Robert enjoyed golfing, going to ""the cottage"" in Door County, and was especially devoted to his family, for whom he made many sacrifices.   He had visited 47 states and traveled to Europe and Asia.   He was a quiet man who never complained and got along well with everyone.   He dealt with his recent health issues with great toughness and stoicism.   He will be sorely missed by his family and many friends.  We loved him so much.             Robert is survived by his devoted wife Mary, his three children Bruce (Gwen), Sue (Doug) Huxtable, and Brian (Wendy), his six grandchildren John and Stephen Bosben, Megan and Sarah Huxtable, and Madeline and Natalie Bosben, along with many nieces and nephews, cousins, in-laws, and many friends.   He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Donald D. Bosben of Virginia.             The family would like to thank the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff of the St. Mary's Renal Center who helped care for Robert, as well as the wonderful staff of Hospice.             A visitation with the family will be held at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd. on Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.   The funeral service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 5701 Raymond Rd. at 11:00 am on Wednesday, Oct. 28, with a visitation from 10:00 am until the time of the service.   Burial will be at Burke Lutheran Church.   In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, St. Mary's Renal Center or Hospice.