Obituary
Bernard “Bud” Bakkestuen
Bernard “Bud” M. Bakkestuen, 51, of La Crosse, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday May 26, 2019 in his home. He was born on September 2, 1967 to Willard and Carol (Hammes) Bakkestuen.
Bud was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was an over the top fan of the Packers, Badgers, Nascar, and country music. He loved to travel and especially enjoyed his most recent trips to California. His biggest enjoyment was going for rides in his vehicle. Bud was a gentle giant and kind soul. Even though he was a man of few words, he was always there to lend a helping hand. He loved children and dogs and in his younger years was the go-to babysitter for his nieces and nephews. He had a special bond with his goddaughter, Paige. He would make sure to spend time and visit with his mother. There are too many wonderful and awesome memories of times spent with Bud to list them all, but they will stay with family and friends forever. Bud graduated in 1986 from Central high School. Bud started his work career by delivering automotive parts for many different companies, then worked as a custodian for many years at various hospitals and schools before beginning employment at Toro where he was a proud assembler.
Bud is survived by his mother, Carol; siblings, Jean Broadwater, Dan (Rochelle Rusch), Trish (Carl) Foust, John (Melissa), Jim (Mary), Sue (Dave) Keough, Dave (Kim), and Robert (Heather Chial); and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his father, Willard.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred. A private family service will be held.
I am so sorry for your unexpected loss. Beautiful tribute to Bud. My condolences to the entire family. Thinking of you.
So sorry for your loss..Bud was always such a kind and gentle person..thinking of you all,he will be missed tremendously. My condolences to a wonderful family.
John, so sorry hear about your brother. Sending thoughts, prayers and hugs to you and your family.
Wonderful description of Bud. Will greatly miss his smile and greeting at gatherings as well as his steady calm way.
Where to start u were a hell of a brotheralways there to listen and lend a hand when I needed one . You will be missed and never forgotten. U were called by God and I do not know why. I loved you and was not able to let u know. Give Dad and All our family hugs and kisses. Always my brother your sister Sue
So sorry to hear of Buds passing.. I didn’t work on the line Bud did , but i seen him daily.. He was so quiet.. Will miss seeing him at toro.
I am so sorry for your loss..
My sincerest condolences. I never had the pleasure of meeting Bud, but I know a few of those who knew him best and through them I know Bud showed nothing but love and light on those he cared for. Rest easy, Bud, you will be missed.
Bud was an amazing man whom I had the pleasure of working with since he started at Toro! He was so kind, never had a bad thing to say and always had a smile. I will miss you Bud! Toro will miss you! Rest Easy friend!
So sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed working with Bud at Toro
He will be missed.
So sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with Bud at Toro
I worked with Bud at Franciscan Skemp. Such a wonderfully kind person. I missed him when he left for another opportunity, and the world will sparkle just a little less without him i it. So sorry for your loss, especially so close on the heels of of you other loss…Thinking of you Carol, and praying for your family….
Mary (Hanratty) Hemker
So sorry to hear of Buddy’s passing. He was such a nice guy, always so friendly.
I have good memories of playing at your house when we were kids. I hope all the great memories you have of Buddy will help you get through this sorrowful time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jennifer Bauer (a.k.a. Jake Ruud)
I worked with Bud at toro yes he was a gentle giant he was guiet and never had unkind word for anyone. The world will be missing a truly kind man. May he be resting peacefully in the arms of our lord and savior Jesus Christ amen
Bud you were the most amazing person. Gone way to soon. Please keep dad Company! I Cherish our memories – especially our 2 most recent trips to California and for your 50th B-Day to Green Bay/Lambeau. Pretty ironic that Bart Starr passed away on the same day as you brother! All of my love forever, your Big Sister and Biggest Fan…♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
The old neighborhood will miss him greatly. He must be in heaven with his dad working on some old engine with the radio on.
Very sorry for your loss! Our sincere sympathy from the Steve Nelson family!
We are very sorry for your loss. Our most sincere condolences to you and your family.
Trish and family,
Thinking of you at this time. our condolences to all of you. May you find some joy one day in the special memories of Bud. Our heart goes out to you all.
So sorry to hear of your lose Dan. He sounded like a great guy. Our sincere condolences.
Phil & Ramona
Dear Bakkustuen Family,
We were so sad to hear of Bud’s passing! I will always remember his sweet smile and kindness to everyone! We will remember Bud in our prayers! Condolences to your entire family! We know he will be dearly missed!
I was s grade school classmate of Bud’s. So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to the family
We are so sorry to hear of Bud’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to Carol and all of the family. He will be deeply missed.
CAROL AND FAMILY
Our sympathy on your loss. We will be thinking of you.
We will miss Bud so much. We have loved him since we were his baptism sponsors. We have many good memories from all the picnics at the Hammes cottage. Bud, say Hi to Willy from us. We will be seeing you again.
Love always
Carol & family,
I am so very sorry for the loss of a wonderful guy. Bud was a kind, loving, quiet shy guy. His bright smile and witty comments will be missed. Remember the fun times and stories, memories can never be taken from us.
Blessed be the memory of Bud! Prayers to you all. Cathy Sagler
So sorry for the loss of your brother. I lost a brother last year, too. First of my siblings to pass away. I’ll say a prayer for your brother.
Sue and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dave, Kim and the whole family, we are saddened to hear this. Our hearts go out to all of you as you go through hard days ahead. May you be blessed with moments of remembering the beautiful memories with him.
Warmest wishes
Brad and christine Roraff
I will miss by Bestie, we could sit for hours without a word, or argue forever.
Even though we lost contact, and grew apart, I will miss you..