Herbert M. Bomhoff

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Herbert Bomhoff Obituary

Lt. Col. Herbert M. Bomhoff, USAF (Ret.), a resident of Colorado Springs from 1974 to 1979 and since 1984, passed away on Sunday, March 27, 2016. He retired after serving his country for more than 22 years in the United States Air Force. Herbert Merritt Bomhoff was born on August 15, 1940, in Miller, South Dakota, to the late Rev. Merritt L. and Ruth (Ide) Bomhoff. He was a 1958 graduate of Flanagan High School (Illinois) and a 1962 graduate of Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa.

He entered the Air Force in 1962 and served throughout the Asia Pacific region, Europe and the Middle East as an air defense and air command and control officer. He served three tours in Viet Nam, flew 224 combat missions in the EC-121D Super Constellation radar plane over the Gulf of Tonkin, northern Laos and Cambodia and flew in support of the raid on the Son Tay prison to free the POW's. He was awarded Distinguished Flying Cross for directing the rescue of a pilot downed over North Vietnam. He was the air defense advisor to the Royal Saudi Air Force in the early 70's, served on the NORAD Staff and had two tours in Germany. His awards included: Bronze Star, Air Medal with 7 Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster and Vietnamese Campaign Medal with 18 service stars.

Upon his retirement from the Air Force in 1984, he commenced work as a defense contractor. He retired from Technical Studies and Analysis Corporation as Vice President of Operations in 2003.

Herb married Patsy Sue Wyse in Colorado Springs, on June 26, 1976. He was the primary caregiver for Patsy who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. He is survived by his wife Patsy, of Colorado Springs; daughter Christina Apostoli of Aurora, CO; daughter Gina (husband Kevin) McAllister of Highlands Ranch; grand daughters Madelynn and Courtney McAllister; sister Beverly of Boulder; brother John of Phoenix, AZ and nephew Matt of Tucson, AZ. Herb enjoyed the Broncos, Rockies, fishing, gardening, classical music, reading and crossword puzzles. He was a member of the Son Tay Raiders Assn. Herb will be best remembered for his keen wit and his wonderful sense of humor. He was dedicated to his family, a loving husband, a selfless father and loving grandfather.

Visitation will be held from 2:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 3rd, at Swan-Law Funeral Directors - 501 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 4th, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 4125 Constitution Ave, Colorado Springs followed by a graveside internment at Evergreen Cemetery with military honors. A reception for friends and family will be hosted in his honor.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Mar. 31, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Herbert Bomhoff

12 Entries

Jim Chevrier

April 7, 2016

I worked for and with Herb Bomhoff while at McClellan AFB flying in the EC-121. He was my boss on many missions we flew off of the West Coast of the US. We flew together the night of 20-21 November 1970 on the Son Tay Raid, an attempt to release US POW's held in North Vietnam. A plack will be dedicated with Herb's name in the Special Forces Museum at Ft Bragg NC. He was a great Weapons Controller, boss and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.
Jim Chevrier CMSgt USAF Retired

Daryl & Barb Carpenter

April 2, 2016

Herb became part of our family while we were 2Lts at Malmstrom AFB. We worked, went TDY, partied and ate together and he became Uncle Herbie to our daughter. We also explored every bar in Great Falls, MT and then wildly explored Chicago night life (3 of us in his 2 pax Triumph TR-3). Then we got PCS'd and he and I worked/coordinated the Viet Nam air war over the North, he in EC-121s and me on the ground at Monkey Mtn. After that it was only occasional visits when we would get together and then after retirement there was never enough time because of our second careers and I deeply regret those missed opportunities. How sad that a great guy passes now that we have the time. It was truly a privilege and honor for both Barb and I to know and have Herb as a family friend, a compatriot and fellow traveler through life. We will miss you! May there be peace and comfort to your family
Daryl & Barb Carpenter

William Young

April 2, 2016

I was Herb's roommate in Sacramento from February 1967 until August 1970.We were always deployed to Southeast Asia flying combat missions in the EC-121 but kept our apartment to maintain a home base.The only rule was that whoever deployed last had to leave a steak in the freezer and a bottle of wine on the counter for the one who got back first. We kept in touch over the years and I last spoke to him when he told me about the cancer. The world is a sadder place without him. I will keep a steak and bottle of wine in case he stops by. My sincerest condolences.
Bill Young

Tom Skinner

April 2, 2016

My fond memories of TSA Corp will always include you, Herb, with that smile and sense of humor that kept the work we did for NORAD in proper perspective. Thank you for a life well lived!

Amber Farnsworth

April 1, 2016

Thinking of you and your family.

~ Jan Farish

April 1, 2016

Herb was a close friend to Jim for 50 years serving their country and sharing several assignments in SE Asia as well as here stateside. He visited Jim these past few years bringing cheer and wit with his friendship...sharing his family's stories with a smile and pride. May they carry on in Heaven.....Love and comfort to your family, Herb

Mike Crumay

April 1, 2016

With Herb in Montana: fishing, hunting, rodeos. Never saw the Russians.
Celebrate his life.

April 1, 2016

I served with Herb in the 552nd AEW&C Wing, and at NORAD Headquarters. I am proud to call Herb on of my best friends. Not only was he an outstanding AF officer, but a patriot and a true gentleman. I treasure the times we had together, whether aboard the "connies", in SEA, hanging out together at the O club, or waterskiing at Camp Far West. My deepest condolences to Patsy and her family. Herb, you will be missed!! Gary and Joyce Long, Incline Village, NV.

Cindy Balch

March 31, 2016

We loved you Herb, We will miss our holidays and birthdays

Michelle

March 31, 2016

Herb, I will miss seeing your face in the gallery of my courtroom. You will always be my 13th juror! I will cherish forever the canvas you made for me of Pikes Peak and it will always have a special place in the courtroom for all to see. Rest in peace. Michelle

TeJae

March 31, 2016

Thank you Herb for serving our country. You will be missed by many. May you Rest In Paradise ♡~+~♡ I will take good care of your Patsy ♡ Bomhoff Family may our Father God give you comfort a at this time ~Keeping all of you in prayer ~ Peace Be With You ~

John Bray

March 30, 2016

Bomhoff Family. I was proud to serve with Herb during our USAF time together and always enjoyed his sense of humor. He had a positive outlook on life and was sharing with others at all times. Regards and forever. John and Paula Bray, Summerville SC, USAF Retired

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