Leo J. Bosch

Appleton, WI

Last, but not least, Leo followed his twin brother, George, into life in a scarcely heated home on January 12, 1934. The preemies had the deck stacked against them that frigid day, when warmth was a luxury and money was in short supply. Born in Combined Locks to Julitta (Bruecker) Bosch and Paul Bosch, Leo and George grew up thick as thieves, enjoying the typical shenanigans of twins—confusing teachers, for example. When one needed a better math grade, the other would step in and make it happen. Leo graduated in 1952 from St. John's in Little Chute and briefly attended St. Norbert College. In 1959, Leo fell in love with and married Barbara Heller. They settled in Appleton and raised four children.

Leo tried on several jobs in the area before being hired by the Appleton Police Department in 1960 as a beat cop. Quickly rising through the ranks, his professional career was time consuming and challenging. He was known for his diligence and tenacity, as well as his compassion and kindness. His career included being the original polygraph operator in Wisconsin, directing the implementation of the 911 emergency system and helping to bring a union to the force. After retiring as a Captain from the APD, he worked as undersheriff for Outagamie County, then as a security officer at St. Elizabeth Hospital, finally retiring at age 80. Leo's body finally decided to rest on January 30, 2023.

First and foremost, Leo was a husband and father. He gently guided his family through life with his calm and humorous nature. All who had the privilege of knowing him enjoyed his positive attitude and quick wit. He modeled generosity through years of supporting favorite charities, as well as individuals in need. Leo enjoyed a special camaraderie with the Appleton MacDowell Male Chorus for 20 years. He was an avid camper where he made many lifelong friends. Leo was also a traveler, some of his favorites being Europe, Canada, Florida and Berry Lake. He spent meaningful time with his grandchildren, so they enjoy rich bonds with their Grandpa Bosch.

His loving wife, Barbara, survives Leo. Also surviving are his children Pete (Betty), Joan (Tim) O'Toole, Ann (Dave) Butts, and Joe (Lynn); grandchildren Abbie (Nathaniel) Blood, Hollie O'Toole, Jacob (Melanie) Bosch, Mareah (Chris) Foate, Clarke Bosch, Emily and Danielle Butts; great grandchildren Emma and Rory Lawson, Gunner and Drake Foate, Tillie and little Leo Blood, and baby girl Bosch; a sister Ruth, and many well-loved relatives and friends. Leo was preceded in death by his parents, sister Sylvia, brothers Paul and George.

A sharing of memories will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, February 6, 2023, at BRETTSCHNEIDER TRETTIN NICKEL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 606 N Oneida Street, Appleton.  Friends may visit with Leo's family from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In the spirit of Leo's long history of giving, we ask that in lieu of flowers, you make a donation to either Feeding America or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.