Eugene “Gene”/ “Buzz” Edward Bogash

Eugene “Gene”/“Buzz” Edward Bogash, formerly of Winamac, passed away on May 18 peacefully at his home in Bondurant, Iowa.

He was born to Leona (Leslin) and Frank Bogash on Jan. 9, 1941. Gene is a 1960 graduate of North Judson High School in North Judson where he was a four year star player for the Blue Jays. Following high school he continued to be a dominating player at Wilmington College (NC) and was later inducted into the National Jr. College Basketball Hall of Fame. He completed his education earning two degrees from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where he furthered his successful basketball career and was recognized as one of Drake’s all-time great athletes.

Gene owned and operated the Lee Marie Ranch, where he raised thoroughbred horses. He was very involved in Prairie Meadows, the Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association, and many other organizations.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Leona Bogash; sister Marie; and nephew Charles Smith.  

He is survived by his niece Bonnie Williams; great-nephew Daniel; great-niece Amanda; cousins; and many close friends.

A celebration of life gathering will be from 4-7 p.m. at Fogarty Farms, 6525 N.E. 88th St., Bondurant, Iowa, on Wednesday, June 16. 

Graveside services will be held in Winamac, at McKinley Memorial Garden Cemetery, at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 18. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund (PDJF), P.O. Box 803 Elmhurst, IL 60126.

(Pulaski County Journal — June 9, 2021)