Obituary
Robert “Bob” Alvin Onsrud
Robert “Bob” Alvin Onsrud, 75, of Holmen, WI passed away peacefully on February 20th , 2025, in his home. He fought with kidney failure due to exposure from agent orange while stationed in Korea and Vietnam.
Bob was born in Decorah, IA on April 20th, 1949, to Alvin and Muriel (Hovde) Onsrud. He graduated from Central High School in 1967. Bob then enlisted in the Army from 1967-1970. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran.
On December 4th, 1971, Bob married Roberta Squier and had three children, Matt Zak, Cory and Tracy. After 19 years of a beloved marriage, Roberta lost her life to cancer. On December 26th AND 27th, 1997 Bob married Jacquelynn Craighead to become known as Jackie O! He embraced Jackie’s daughter Nicki as his own.
After leaving his job at the Post Office, Bob became self-employed and began building homes throughout the area. In his spare time, he became the project manager with La Crosse Habitat for Humanity for several years. He also volunteered for NASA (North American Squirrel Association) where he worked with people with disabilities and special needs as a pontoon captain. Bob loved to spend his free time playing golf, traveling, acrylic painting and “catching rays”. He loved running and later walked thousands of miles around town. “The Walker”. His passion for wood-working inspired him to create many gifts such as rocking horses, toy boxes, music stands and keepsake heirlooms. Bob was known as a creative, kind, funny and honest man.
Bob is survived by his wife, Jackie Onsrud. Children, Matt Zak Onsrud, Cory (Shanna Rhude) Onsrud, Tracy (Sheila) Zentner and Nicki (Anton) Denner. Siblings, Richard (Margaret Mills) Onsrud, Harlan (Pam Simon) Onsrud, Dave (Angelle) Onsrud, Debra (Jim) Welander, Barbara (Drew) Mackenzie and brother-in-law Dennis Hintz. Grandchildren Kelsie Onsrud, Roberta “Bobbi” Onsrud, Connor Onsrud, Chloe Onsrud, Pharren Wilson, and Selia Onsrud. Special family, Heather Otto, and many other beloved family and friends.
Bob was preceded in death by parents Alvin Onsrud, Alvin Blackdeer and Muriel Onsrud Blackdeer, His wife, Roberta Onsrud, parents-in-law James ‘Chalky’ Squier and Joan Squier Faas. Sister, Gail Hintz, brother-in-law Brian Anderson, nephew Bradley Hintz and great niece Emily Hintz.
Jackie and family would like to thank Dr. B and staff at the Onalaska Dialysis Center. The Bright Star staff was very helpful especially Niki, Alaryana and Isabelle. The Gundersen Palliative Care and Hospice Care teams are angels in disguise. We greatly appreciate them all.
Service will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 612 Division Street, La Crosse on Saturday March 1st, Visitation begins at 12pm with services following at 1pm. For those unable to attend, a celebration of life will be announced at a later warmer date.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Freedom Honor Flight or organization of your choice. DONATE SECURELY ONLINE or mail your check, made payable to Freedom Honor Flight, to Freedom Honor Flight, P.O. Box 505, La Crosse, Wisconsin, 54602-0505.
Sincerest condolences to all family and friends!
Thank you, Colleen ❤️
Jackie & Family,
Sending sincere condolences. My heart aches for you. Bob seemed like such a gentle soul. May he RIP.
Thank you.
Jackie and Family
Bob sounds like a wonderful soul who was loved and will be missed by family and friends. So sorry for your loss.
Jackie and family,
My sympathies to you🙏
I remember Roberta from her brother Mark,she was such a fun person left this world way too soon. I remember my son Brian playing ball for Onalaska..great athlete and his dad was so proud of him. May you be at peace. Thank you for your service.
Thank you for sharing! Many baseball games those early years!
We knew Bob when he was married to Berta (my best friend in high school). Bob and Berta were with us in Hawaii in 1977….good memories. Our sympathy to the Osrud family. RIP Bob.
Thank you so much! Many great memories!
You and I share the same birthday. I loved your Mom. We had MANY fun times.
RIP BRO 🙏 🪦 😌 BOB enjoyed our schools days, many basketball 🏀 other
games we played. Just home from hospital & rehab1 month. Sorry couldn’t make service. Long fellow gang .
Thank you! We heard stories about those days with you!
We are so sorry for your loss of Bob. I believe that Bob was our Captain (NASA) a few times on the pontoon rides that many seniors at the independent apartments in Onalaska went on. Thank you Bob for the tour and the fun we had and the kindness you gave to us!
My heart goes out to you Jackie.
Condolences to your family.
Coll
So sorry for your loss
Always had such good times at the golf outings at Dave and Angie’s. He will be missed by many…I’m sure.
Jackie,I’am truly sorry to hear of Bob’s passing.We had some good times back in the day.He was always such a kind man who had a gentle soul.
He will be missed.
Love,
Rhonda Prom
Peace and blessings, Jackie. I hope to see you at the Celebration of Life later. Nyla
Jacky and family I am so sorry for your loss. We had a lot of great times together great memories thinking of you during this difficult time
Jackie
Bob and I had wonderful discussions about woodworking and times in the service.
I know that he was very proud of our country and was proud to have served.
over the years he had become a very talented individual in home building, woodworking, and painting.
Janet and I just love the picture that we got from you two.
My sympathies and prayers go to you and family.
Paul
Thinking of you and all of the joy and love that everyone fortunate enough to know Bob has experienced. May your memories give you peace.
You are in our thoughts and prayers Jackie and all Onsrud family. Im sure Bob is in peace and will be watching over Jackie on the golf course this spring. May all the great memories and stories comfort you during this difficult time.
Judy and Jim Gull