Bosh, Frank Albert

Frank Albert Bosh, 88, passed away Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, at his daughter's home in Prescott, Ariz. Private family inurnment will be at Prescott National Cemetery.

Frank married Janet Wessale of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1948. Janet preceded him in death in 2008.

Frank is survived by his sister, Edith; daughters, Joni Bosh (Rob Smith), Laura Nash (Rick) and Christa Simmons (Rowle); grandchildren, Joseph Prekup (Heather), Megan Neal (Jamin), Jeffrey Nash, Frank and Carl Smith, Vonnie Simmons and Monica Parker (Ben); and great-grandchildren, Spencer, Camden and Travis Parker.

Frank Bosh was born in La Grange, Ill., on Jan. 24, 1923, to Frank and Mabel Bosh. He graduated from Lyons Township High School in 1940 and enrolled in Coe College, Cedar Rapids. He enlisted in the Army in 1942, served 30 months in the South Pacific, and graduated from Coe in 1947.

Frank owned and operated College DX, owned Bowes wholesale auto parts and co-owned Midwest Dynamics. He was elected to the Cedar Rapids City Council in 1962, serving first as Public Safety Commissioner and then mayor. While in office, he established Iowa's first summer job program for underprivileged children, worked for creation of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and the CRPD training program, and advanced the development of the long range transportation plan and the redevelopment of the riverside areas.

Frank moved to Arizona in 1969 for health reasons. As executive director of Valley Forward Association, he advocated for mountain preservation, the Rio Salado Project, Project “Pool It,” and led the efforts to renovate Pioneer Cemetery and develop the Arizona Capitol Mall. In 1976, Frank was confirmed as the first deputy director of the Arizona Department of Transportation. After leaving ADOT in 1980, he worked in real estate.

Frank retired to Prescott Valley in 1985, but continued to stay active in the community as chairman of both the Prescott Valley Planning Commission and the Prescott Valley Voters Association and active member of the Yavapai County Blue Ribbon Committee and Habitat for Humanity. He was inducted into Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame in 2003.

Frank loved to travel, read widely about history, was an avid ham radio operator, enjoyed woodworking and kept up with politics and local activities. He was constantly curious about life and loved spending time with his family and friends.

Memorial donations can be made to the Yavapai Humane Society, 1625 Sundog Ranch Rd., Prescott, AZ 86301.

Published in The Gazette Jan. 29, 2012