Waukesha, WI - It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of John Bostrom, who passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, at the age of 85. John was not only a visionary leader but also the heart and soul of H.O. Bostrom Company for nearly seven decades.
A Second-Generation Leader
In 1976, John and his brother Kurt took over the family business that their parents, Harry and Astrid Bostrom, had founded in 1946. Under their leadership, H.O. Bostrom evolved from a cushion upholstery service into a globally recognized manufacturer of precision-engineered seating systems. John's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to excellence helped guide the company through periods of tremendous growth and innovation.
Building a Legacy
John's commitment to quality, customer relationships, and employee welfare became the foundation upon which H.O. Bostrom thrived. He oversaw the company's move to New Berlin in 1976 and later to our modern manufacturing facility in Waukesha in 1990, always ensuring that H.O. Bostrom had the resources needed to serve our customers with innovative seating solutions. Under John's guidance, the company expanded into new markets, developed configurable product lines, and established H.O. Bostrom as a trusted partner to leading manufacturers in fire and rescue, marine, industrial, and specialty vehicle industries.
A Family Business at Heart
John took great pride in nurturing the next generation of leadership. His son, Paul Bostrom, joined the company in 1992 and became our third-generation president in 2022. Today, Paul's children, Paige Bostrom and Jared Bostrom, represent the fourth generation of the Bostrom family, carrying forward the values and vision that John helped instill. John's belief in family, community, and doing right by others defined not only how he ran the business, but also how he lived his life. His impact extends far beyond our company walls; it lives on in the products we create, the relationships we've built, and the culture of excellence he fostered.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To our customers, partners, suppliers, and employees: thank you for the outpouring of support and condolences during this difficult time. John valued each relationship and would be honored to know how many lives he touched. As we move forward, we remain committed to honoring John's legacy by continuing to deliver the innovative, high-quality seating solutions that have been our hallmark for nearly 80 years.
Read more about John's life and legacy in his obituary here.