John Boensch

Tupelo-- John William Boensch, a proud veteran of both the United States Army and Navy, passed away on December 4, 2023. The son of Paul and Helen Boensch, John was born September 3, 1952, in Memphis where he was also raised. At the age of 17, John enlisted in the Army and served as a combat medic in the Vietnam Campaign and was awarded a Bronze Star.  After serving with the Army and a short break in service, he enlisted with the United States Navy in 1975. John attained the rank of Master Chief during his 25 years as an aviation electrician with the Navy, where he also completed numerous overseas deployments aboard aircraft carriers.

 After his military career, John graduated from Johnson and Wales University's Culinary Institute fulfilling his lifelong passion of becoming a professional chef and feeding others.  John often joked that he transitioned from Master Chief to Master Chef. 

John is survived by his son, Bob, and daughter, Jennifer; four grandchildren; brothers, James and Paul; and sister, Mandy.

A private service honoring the life of John will be held at the Corinth National Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his preferred charity the American Humanist Association, 1821 Jefferson Place NW, Washington, DC 20036.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared at PeguesFuneralHome.com.