Michael David Boze Sr.

Michael David Boze, Sr., 75, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away on March 10, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Born on August 10, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, he was the son of Thomas W. and Vivian Ann Marie (Warner) Boze.

Michael served honorably in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, stationed at Forbes Field Air Force Base in Topeka, Kansas, and later in Taipei, Taiwan, where he worked as a refueler. He went on to work as a railroad engineer, traveling across the heartland, and later served as a group home manager in Topeka, where his compassion and cooking skills—most notably his beloved paper bag apple pie—touched many. He later drove a semi-truck, exploring the country and collecting stories from his travels.

A devoted sports fan of the Chicago Bears, Notre Dame, and the Boston Celtics, Michael was especially thrilled to see the Notre Dame football team play in Chicago and receive an autographed football. An accomplished athlete himself, he loved swimming and basketball, earning the nickname “Bird” on the court for his competitive spirit and camaraderie. He found great joy in the outdoors, camping and fishing with his children and grandchildren, patiently teaching them to bait a hook. He cherished visits to Key West and embraced travel and life’s finer experiences.

Michael is survived by his four daughters, Vivian Taber of Elkhart, Indiana; Felicia (Matt) Turk; Michelle Tinoco of Arlington, Texas; and Melissa Lane of South Bend, Indiana; his son, Michael D. Boze, Jr. of Topeka, Kansas; twelve grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Diane Foster, and three brothers, Thomas, George, and James Boze. His warmth, enthusiasm, and countless shared adventures will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives he touched.