Louise C. Bahr

Louise C. Bahr, 85, of La Crosse, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2014, at The Bethany-Riverside Nursing Facility.

She was born in La Crosse on December 16, 1928, to William and Matilda (Gilles) Schams. She attended La Crosse area schools and was a 1946 graduate of Aquinas High School. On May 14, 1947, Louise married Bernard P. Bahr at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, St. Joseph Ridge. Bernie preceded her in death on November 16, 1986.
Louise did the bookkeeping for Bernie’s construction business for a number of years. She also owned and operated, along with Bernie, The Countryside Restaurant in St. Joseph for several years. Louise then worked as a nurse’s aide at Hillview Nursing Home for many years before retiring.

Louise and Bernie were active supporters of the Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps during the 60’s and 70’s and were named “Parents of the Year” by the Blue Stars organization in 1971.

Louise was a wonderful homemaker and a terrific cook. She loved family get-togethers and especially loved having her grandchildren around. When she had free time, she enjoyed being outside her home in her garden.

Louise is survived by her eight children, Mike (Holly) Bahr of La Crosse, Bill (Kathy) Bahr of La Crosse, Vince (Ruthann) Bahr of Onalaska, Jon (Jane) Bahr of La Crosse, Sandy (Jeff) Mitchell of Iola, Wis., Julie (Steve) Kish of Onalaska, Lisa (Craig) Bartheld of Onalaska, and Joe (Amy) Bahr of La Crosse; 23 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Joan (Richard) Arneson of La Crosse; four brothers, Donald Schams, living in Illinois, Vincent Schams of La Crosse, William (Shirley) Schams of La Crosse and Paul (Judy) Schams of La Crosse; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Bernie, she was also preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter, Diana; one sister, Jeanette Longmire; two brothers, Gerald and Ralph Schams; sisters-in-law, Louise Schams, Lois Schams, and Carol Schams; and brother-in-law, Max Lomgmire.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 8th, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, St. Joseph Ridge. Rev. Rick Roberts will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family and friends may call at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse on Friday from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m., and at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

Louise’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Kyla Lee, and the staffs at Eagle Crest and Bethany-Riverside Hearten House and Lighthouse for their excellent care.