Obituary
Carl Ray Foust
Carl Ray Foust, 58, of La Crosse, passed away suddenly and peacefully on March 13, 2020 in his home. He was born on July 17, 1961 to Loretta (Sroka) and Theadore Foust. On September 1, 1984, he married the love of his life, Patricia (Bakkestuen) Foust. Together, they raised one son, Nathaniel, and two daughters, Emily and Alison.
To anyone that knew him, Carl’s defining characteristic was his generosity to others. He was constantly putting others before himself to make sure everyone had what they needed. He was a widely known figure boating on the Mississippi River, always working on his boat or helping someone else work on theirs—the latter usually came first. Carl enjoyed camping with friends and family, and many can attest to the fact that he was always prepared (sometimes excessively so) to make sure everyone had everything they needed.
Carl was a valued and respected employee of Inland Printing in La Crosse, where he worked as a press operator for 35 years. Many can attest to Carl’s mechanical knowledge and skill; the level of particularity in his work was legendary to those who knew him. Anything worth doing needed to be done the right way. While his care and precision was a blessing, as many of his friends and family can attest, at times it could be incredibly frustrating! Nonetheless, Carl was loved, and the quality of care he put into all aspects of his life garnered respect from all who knew him.
Carl was a mainstay to all who passed by his home; the image of Carl tinkering outside or in his shed is one that will be remembered by all. Commensurate with his giving nature, visitors were always welcome and appreciated, and no one ever left without enjoying a drink and talking about the work of the day. Carl enjoyed spending time with his dog, Niko, who loved chasing the ATV, catching the frisbee, and spending time with his dad.
If the measure of a man is the love and respect he earns, Carl Foust was a man of highest quality. He was respected for his work. He was loved by his family. He was beloved by the community. Carl will never be forgotten, and the memories of his family and friends of time on the river, camping trips to Hayward, and time around the bonfire will be memories cherished by many for the rest of their lives.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Loretta (Sroka) and Theadore Foust; father-in-law, Willy Bakkestuen; brother-in-law, Bud Bakkestuen; and niece, Anna Bakkestuen.
Carl is survived by his wife, Patricia; children, Nathaniel, Emily, and Alison; siblings: William G. (Karen) Foust, Dianne (William) Oertel, Steve L. (Anne) Foust, and Timothy J. (Donna K. Bobholz) Foust; brothers and sisters-in-law: Jean Broadwater, Dan (Rochelle Rusch) Bakkestuen, John (Melissa) Bakkestuen, Jim (Mary) Bakkestuen, Sue (Dave) Keough, Dave (Kim) Bakkestuen, and Bob (Heather Chial) Bakkestuen; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 10:30am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1333 13thSt, La Crosse, WI. Father Rick Roberts will officiate. Visitations will be held on Monday, March 16, 2020 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St, Onalaska, WI, and from 9:30am until the time of mass at the church on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred.
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I do not evenknow where to begin this just really sucks.RIP Carl u were a great person and will be missed for a very long time Another one is takenway too soon U were more than a brother in law u were a friend
Carl was one of Inland’s best printing press Operators. I enjoyed working with Carl. He was always respectful and is a good man. This was such a shock. Words cannot describe all the emotions Trish is going through. Just know there are a lot of people out here that care about Carl. Trish, I wish you peace and all of your family.
So brokenhearted I lost the look my life. He was a fabulous husband and father. He will be greatly missed! Love your one and only wife Trish
Trish and Family,
No words can express my sadness for all of you. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely
Julie & Phil Kish
Trish and family – We are incredibly saddened to hear of Carl’s passing. He was an outstanding person in every possible way. Thoughts and prayers are being sent from all of our family to all of yours.
Dear Trish and family, We are so sad about your loss and our prayers are with you at this difficult time , please take care and know that if you need anything , we are here for you. Love ,Terry and Dan Schleifer
Trish, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family . Cherish the wonderful memories !!
Carl always made us feel welcome. His love for his family was evident to all. We are grateful for all he has shared over the years with our family. He is missed.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Carl. The world lost one great man and I will grab a beer and toast to his eternal peace.
So sorry to hear about Carl’s passing. Even 40 years later, our Class of ‘79 feels like family. My sympathies to you all.
Wow Carl thanks for the joy-filled memories and the laughter! I pray God blesses Patty, Nathaniel, Emily, Alison, the family and friends with peace and comfort. Carl is definitely the Class of Central’s class of ’79!
Take care, Moose
My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. I will continue to pray for healing as you all grieve this loss. God Bless!
Don Kube
Patty, I am so sorry for your and your family’s loss.
My condolences go out to you and your family Patti. My prayers are with you.
I am deeply saddened by the news of your loss. I pray that God will grant you the strength. My most sincere condolences.
So sorry and saddened to hear this news. Carl was a great man; always kind and caring. Love and prayers to family ❤️
I have such fond memories of my little tow headed cousin with the impish grin. My next memory was at a wedding we attended in Wisconsin where I remember Carl dancing with his beautiful wife Trish while holding his two daughters. The love I saw made my heart smile. Rest peaceful cousin in Paradise and give my Patrick a hug for me. To Trish, Bill, Dianne, Steve and Tim and all who loved him my heartfelt sympathy. I pray God grant you peace and strength during this most difficult time. Love, Mary Ann Haiman
So sad. Carl was a great guy and a real joy to work with. He will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. I send out my thoughts to family and friends in their time of morning.
Trish, I am so sorry to hear about Carl! He was always such a nice guy, you two made a perfect couple!
I have such fun memories of him, hanging out by “the tree” and the boathouse when we were growing up and then running into the two of you and your girls at the Torchlight Parade. Sending you and your family love and prayers,
Sharon Connell Erler
My sincere condolences to all. Carl was a classmate of mine. Central Class of 1979 has another angel looking over us.??
Karen Kraus Rosencrance
What a great picture of Carl! Remember and love that smile…can hear the laugh that goes with it! Patty, so sorry for your loss. Thinking of u and family. Carl will forever live on in our hearts!
Patty,
I am so sorry to have received this very sad news.
As I hope you know how I still feel for you two, no matter if we only see each other every tens years or more it seams like it was an everyday relationship.
Carl always had a soul full of life and with his very welcoming gentle smile!
Patty and family,
Our prayers and condolences to you and your loved ones .
Mick, Linda and Connor
Flood
Family of Carl,
I met Carl in Stoddard when we were 7 years old .
I was new in town and he was an appreciated new friend.
When we would run into each other he always would share remember whens.
He will be missed by all , I am glad I got to know him.
My deepest sympathy .
Jim Benson.
Family of Carl,
I met Carl in Stoddard when we were 7 years old .
I was new in town and he was an appreciated new friend.
When we would run into each other he always would share remember whens.
He will be missed by all , I am glad I got to know him.
My deepest sympathy .
Jim Benson.
What a lovely tribute. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Many Blessings to you all.
John & Maureen Wieland
Trish and family,
I am so incredibly sorry for the loss of this amazing man in your life. May the love of family and friends provide you comfort during this difficult time. Our loved ones never truly leave us as they live forever in our hearts and minds and in the many ways they influenced our thoughts, values and mannerisms. Cherish the many memories of Carl, fantastic father, special spouse, sensational sibling and fabulous friend to so many.
Love, thoughts and prayers,
Ruth and Jeff
So Very Sorry for your loss. Our Prayers are coming your way from us here in Kentucky
Sorry For Your Loss. He always Had a smile. Prayer for your Family.
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of working with Carl for over 24 years. I will sorely miss his always ready smile and great sense of humor.
We had the privilege of working with Carl, he was always there to help others. We will never forget his friendly ways.
We are praying for your family
My sincere condolences to the Faust Family, Friends and Co-workers. It was always a pleasure to run into him at his press. He always had a smile and a kind word. He will be missed. May God bless you all.
Such an awesome guy to work with, he will be sadly missed
Trish and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time.
My heartfelt condolances to Patty and the rest of Carls family.
Carl was a good man and a good friend. The world is a darker place because of his passing.
Dear Trish,
I grieve for your loss. I know he loved you and your family so much. He certainly was able to show us how to get the best out of life. He will never be forgotten. We were so blessed to have known him!
My deepest sympathy to the family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Trish, Bill, Dianne, Steve, Tim and your family’s. I’m so sad and so sorry for our loss. Carl is one of my oldest and dearest friends. So many memories going through my head. Hanging out in front of the Foust house is one of the best. Carl and Steve always tinkering under the hood of someone’s car…Ford vs Chevy banter was part of the fun…riding our sting ray bikes in circles no-handed, popping wheelies, seeing who could make the longest skids. Carl was the best…always taking it to another level. He would sit on the handlebars facing the seat and ride the bike backwards…or ride blocks on just the back wheel. Climbing the bluffs, hanging out in the bottoms was our life. The tree forts that Carl and Steve built were unbelievable. Not only sturdy but high enough in the tree to keep most human beings from getting in. A lot of passion, hard work, smarts, and pride were built into those trees. That is how Carl went about the rest of his life. Doing something half-assed was never an option. He loved life and he did it right. He took pride in everything he touched. Trish, meeting you, put it altogether for Carl. He loves you and the kids and the life you built together so much. Don’t worry him too much and try and begin to heal as soon as possible. You know he wouldn’t like that. I love you guys so much and I’m worried about you. I’m so sorry I wasn’t at the funeral. I planned to help a lot when I get home.
Trish, I am so sorry for you and your family’s loss!! Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Carl will be deeply missed by so many.
Trish and family. Carl was a great person and I was fortunate to know Carl at Inland. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during ‘this difficult time
THERE ARE NO WORDS……… Carl was an amazing person. God knows how much he has helped me out in my life time. So attentive to others. What I am thankful for most is that he made my sister so very happy. I promise to be by her side through this. He will never be forgotten.