Richard C. (Rick) Bosse

Richard Charles Bosse, “Rick”, 63 of Brenham, passed away on Friday, July 9, 2010 at his home surrounded by loving family.

Rick was born on September 9, 1946 to parents Louis Charles "L.C." and Natalie Marie (Baranowski) Bosse. He was baptized and confirmed in St. Mary's Catholic Church. He graduated from Brenham High School and attended Blinn College prior to joining the Army National Guard. He was given an honorable discharge in January of 1972.

Rick married the love of his life, Shirley Ann Rosenbaum, in St. Mary's Catholic Church on September 25, 1971. After returning from their honeymoon, Rick and Shirley (whom he affectionately called "Mom") worked together as they took over the business and owned and operated Rick's Auto Center for 39 years. In the beginning gas sold for $.32 a gallon. Several local auto repair shop owners got their start working for Rick. Allan Michalak, owner of Allan's Automotive worked for Rick after school and then full-time for 8 years. David Meier and Tommy Meier, owners of Meier's Garage also worked for Rick. In 2002, Rick's son Tim Bosse began working in the family business. Rick enjoyed having Tim take over as the Buyer for Bosse's Used Cars and Trucks and Rick's Office Furniture.

Rick had numerous hobbies and interests outside of his businesses. They included spending time with his wife, family and friends. He enjoyed helping with the Polish Festival and 100 Days of Summer Festival at St. Mary's Catholic Church. He always tried to be the top seller of the raffle tickets and loved being a clown at the church auctions. He took great pride in doing an hour prayer each week in the Adoration Chapel. He was an Usher at St. Mary's Catholic Church for 17 years.

Rick loved to work in his yard. He also loved participating in Bar-B-Que cook-offs and was famous for his barbecued chicken. He was proud to pass his chicken recipe to his daughter Susie. Rick enjoyed farming, fishing, bowling, and trail riding with the Long Neck Riders. He was quick to make people laugh. In the summer he enjoyed playing water volleyball with friends.

In the winter Rick and his wife especially enjoyed decorating their home for Christmas and won the “Home Decorating Contest” many times throughout the years. He especially enjoyed being a grandpa and being called “Po Po”. He loved to see his grandchildren smile when he dressed up as the Easter Bunny to deliver Easter Baskets, and at Christmas he would stomp and run shaking bells on the rooftop to make it sound like reindeer on the roof, and amazingly, Santa would be at the fireplace waiting for the children with all the presents.

Rick loved spending time with his wife. Everything he did involved her. If someone asked him a question, he would look at her and say, “Mom, what do you think?” When he would hear Waltz Across Texas, He would say, “Wanna dance?” On the spur of the moment, He would say “Mom, are you ready?” Then within an hour, they would be off in the car driving to Louisiana. They had a lot of fun.

Rick was truly a one of a kind guy. He was a loyal son to his mother and father. He was a great Husband and Dad. He was known by all and answered to many names, Pop, Po Po, Farmer Rick, Rickster, Bondo Bosse, the Puski power gas pumper, and wife Shirley called him Dad. He will be dearly missed.

Rick is survived by his loving wife Shirley Bosse, who was his best friend, and business partner; mother Natalie Bosse; son and daughter-in-law Tim and Missy Bosse; and daughter and son-in-law Susie and James Johnson; his five grandchildren Lauren, Jenna and Bentley Bosse, Ryan and Bryce Johnson; and special aunt Dorothy Michalak and her children.

Rick was preceded in death by his father, L.C. Bosse and his special uncle, C.P. Michalak. .

Visitation will be Monday, July 12 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm with Rosary beginning at 7:00 pm at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, July 13 at 10:00 am in St. Mary's Catholic Church with Msgr. Benedict Zientek as celebrant. Interment will follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Larry Budnick, Stanley Klekar, Tim Joswiak, James Vaughn, Billy Lehde, Bobby Lehde, Kirk Hanath and Stephen Denton. Honorary pallbearers will be Robbie Michalak, Allan Michalak, Brent and Chase Michalak, Edward Rybarski, and Oscar Zientek.

Memorials may be given to Hospice Brazos Valley, 302 E. Blue Bell Rd, Brenham, Texas 77833.

Funeral services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel
2300 Stringer St., Brenham, Texas. 979-836-361