John A. (Jake) Bostrom

John A. (Jake) Bostrom was born October 29, 1939, in Duluth, Minnesota to Helen Bostrom. He was raised on the shores of Lake Superior and graduated from Two Harbors High School in 1957 and from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa in 1961.

Jake accepted a position of sports writer for the Bismarck, North Dakota Tribune and served there until entering the U.S. Army in December 1961. He was an information specialist with the Army Hometown News Center, Kansas City, Mo until his discharge in 1964. He married Shirley Liebe in Dec. 1964.

Jake and Shirley lived in St. Paul for four years where Jake served with Mutual Service Insurance Companies and Augsburg College; each position in public relations.

During his work at Augsburg College Jake initiated the position of sports information director for the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAC). His long time association with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) began during his stay in Kansas City and was put to use while at Augsburg beginning with the Minnesota chapter of FCA.

The Bostroms moved to Menomonie in 1968 when Jake accepted a position with the Student Services Division of Stout State University. He joined Lutheran Brotherhood Fraternal Insurance Society in 1971 and served as a district representative until his retirement in 2001. He served as advisor to LB fraternal branch 8648, an organization receiving a Presidential Point of Light in 1986. Jake held various offices with the Chippewa Valley Life Underwriters Association, serving as president in 1984-85. He was recipient of that organization’s Distinguished Service Award in 1992.

His association with FCA, beginning in Kansas City, stretched though his life in Wisconsin and included starting the state’s first adult chapter (Menomonie) huddle group (Boyceville), and weekend of champions (Eau Claire). FCA Wisconsin begun in 1969 now has four full-time area directors. He was inducted into FCA’s National Hall of Champions in 2016 for 50 years of service.

Jake’s association with area sports began shortly after coming to Menomonie. He had weekly cable television shows with then Stout basketball coach Dwain Mintz and broadcast Stout’s two game experience at the National Association Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) tournament in 1969. He sponsored the “Inspiration and Perspiration” moment during high school and college athletic events featuring FCA members delivering testimonials. This association with WMNE owner Mike Phillips led to his joining long time broadcast partner Jay Fahl for play by play and color commentary of Menomonie High School and Stout athletic events. Jake helped develop the popular “Coaches Corner” into a Saturday morning can’t miss listening event with partner Steve Schrantz.

The University honored Jake with the Distinguished Service Award in 1997 for his more than 20 years of being the radio voice of Stout athletics.

The Bostroms joined Christ Lutheran Church in 1968 and Jake served his Lord in various congregational positions. One of many Bostrom traditions was to sing “The King is Coming” on Palm Sunday.

He is survived by his devoted wife Shirley of 61 years; and love of his life, daughter Kristin (Jim Ellenson); and grandsons Luther & Hans of Corvallis, Oregon.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Helen & Arvid Bostrom; stepfather Einar Steen; sister Ruth Eileen Notaro and beloved daughter Kari Jo.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Christ Lutheran Church or North West Wisconsin FCA.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at Christ Lutheran Church in Menomonie, WI, with Pastor Mary Eide officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Following the service, guests are invited to enjoy desserts, music, and share memories of Jake. Burial will be held at a later date at Evergreen Cemetery in Menomonie, WI.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com