On September 24, 2022, Florence Vanden Bosch became the sixth resident currently living on the Edgebrook campus that is 100 years old, or older!

On September 24, 1922, Florence Vanden Bosch was born to Peter and Anna (Rozeboom) Roskamp. She was their eighth child. They would have 13 total – 11 girls and one boy. Florence’s younger sister, Mona Westera, is still living, but all the others have passed on before her.

Florence recalls that sometimes she and her siblings would fight or argue, but they always got through it and never held grudges.

She was born on the family farm southwest of Edgerton. Her parents milked cows and raised pigs, chickens and cattle. They also grew corn, oats, and alfalfa.  Because there was only one boy in the family, Florence helped outside with chores most of the time.

She attended Edgerton Christian Grade School through the 8^th grade. In 1971, she earned her GED.  She enjoyed math and reading.  One of my teachers was Mr. Lobbes.  “I don’t remember getting in trouble in the classroom, but I did get in trouble with Mr. Lobbes at recess time because I was playing ball with the boys and not playing with the girls,” Florence said. She also met her future husband in grade school.

Florence married Eddie Vanden Bosch on July 14, 1941.  They were married for 30 years. Florence has always lived within 20 miles of where she was born.  She and Eddie raised their children on a farm seven miles west of Edgerton.  She was active in the Pipestone County Extension, and volunteered with 4-H. 

“I was a busy farm wife, canning, freezing and preserving from a large garden,” she recalls.

Eddie passed away on May 14, 1972.  He died very unexpectedly from an apparent heart attack at the age of 51. Soon after that, Florence moved into Edgerton and worked at the creamery as a bookkeeper. She eventually became a CNA at Edgebrook, and then later managed the kitchen at Edgebrook until she retired at age 75.

After she retired, Florence became active in a quilting group and enjoyed many afternoons and evenings of games and Pinochle, Hand & Foot, and Rook with family and friends.  She also enjoyed cooking, baking and sewing.  One of her favorite things to do was to make baby quilts. 

“In my quiet time I read and read,” Florence said,

She was a member of one of the Christian school circles and is still a charter member of Bethel Christian Reformed Church. She has been a resident at Edgebrook since 2018.

Eddie and Florence had five children together.  Roy, their oldest, lived in Anthem, Ariz., until his passing this past July.  Maxine Cook lives in Grass Valley, Calif., Rob lives in Edgerton, and Iva and her husband Ken Lane live in Anthem, Ariz. Mari and her husband Wayne Kooiman live in New London.

“Just reaching 100 years young seems like quite an accomplishment to me,” Florence said. “I am also very proud of my family.