World War II veteran dies of asbestos-related lung cancer
Norbert Bossen of Clinton, Iowa died on January 2 after a long battle with asbestos-related lung cancer. His funeral service was held on January 6 at Snell-Zornig Funeral Home, followed by burial at the Clinton Lawn Cemetery. He was accorded military honors by the Clinton AMVETS Post #28. His family requested that memorial donations be made in his name to Mercy Hospice of Clinton, Alverno Health Care Facility or First United Methodist Church.
Bossen enlisted in the U.S. Navy when World War II began. He served in the South Pacific on the USS Windham Bay. After his military service, he was given his high school diploma by Congressman Jim Leach via special Congressional consideration. Bossen also spent many years working as a plumber and pipefitter; he was a member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union #25. He and his wife celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in May 2009.
Like many other U.S. Navy veterans and pipefitters, Bossen was exposed to asbestos in the course of his work. Asbestos was used as pipe insulation for many years before its carcinogenic properties became widely known. In addition to lung cancer, asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma, asbestosis and other serious illnesses.
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