Bob Boesen with Waterloo West trophiesBoesen served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, then was employed by the United States Postal Service until his retirement at age 60.
Boesen had an enduring career as both a football and wrestling coach at schools within the Cedar Valley. He coached football at Sacred Heart School in Waterloo for 40 years, as well as serving as a wrestling coach at Sacred Heart and at Waterloo's Columbus High School through the 2016 season - more than a half-century.
An award was created in coach Boesen's name at Columbus High to recognize an "unsung hero from the wrestling team who exemplifies the best qualities of not only a wrestler but a student and community member," according to his obituary. "To receive this award, a person must have the characteristics that defined Bob: a great work ethic, positive attitude, willingness to help others, and selflessly work for the betterment of others. This award, like its namesake, does so without recognition and strives to do the right thing at all times."
Bob Boesen with Ken Snyder and Chuck YaglaArguably one of Boesen's most accomplished wrestlers was Chuck Yagla, two-time NCAA champ for the University of Iowa (1975, 1976), assistant to Dan Gable at Iowa for four seasons, member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic men's freestyle team, and NCAA referee for nearly a quarter-century.
"(Boesen) influenced many, many young men throughout his years at Sacred Heart Grade School and also Columbus High School," Yagla told InterMat. "He started the wrestling program at Sacred Heart when I was in the fifth grade ... Coach Boesen was very good at teaching the fundamentals and of course he was coached by the legendary Bob Siddens (Coach Siddens' first year at Waterloo West was Bob Boesen's senior year in high school). I always tell people that I was indirectly a product of Coach Siddens as I was coached by two of his pupils -- Bob Boesen and Dan Gable!"
Bob Boesen is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Betty; three sons; a daughter; and four grandchildren.
Visitation will take place Thursday, Aug. 18 at Locke Funeral Home, 1519 West Fourth St. in Waterloo from 4-7 p.m. Services will be held Friday, Aug. 19 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 627 West Fourth Street in Waterloo.
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