Carol J. Bakkestuen

Carol Jean Bakkestuen, of La Crosse, passed away peacefully at home on February 15, 2025, at the age of 87. She was born in La Crosse on February 10, 1938, to Bernard and Marie (Mikshowsky) Hammes. She spent her early years attending St. Thomas More school before graduating from Aquinas High School in 1956.

Carol met the love of her life, Willy, at the Avalon Dance Hall in La Crosse, where their romance blossomed. They later married on February 7, 1959. They were married for nearly 53 years until Willy’s passing in 2011.

Carol worked as a dietary aide at St. Francis Hospital, where her kindness and compassion greatly impacted the lives of many.

Carol was always there for her loved ones, often bringing them joy through her many hobbies and interests. Carol was an avid baker who took great delight in baking and decorating cakes for every occasion, showcasing her creativity and attentiveness. Her love and passion for decorating cakes brought a vibrant spirit to her family gatherings. Carol cultivated a life founded on kindness and unwavering happiness. Her gentle nature and positive outlook were present in everything she did.

Carol's heart was especially fond of her grandchildren, with whom she shared many cherished moments. She also devoted time to calling bingo at SpringBrook, building connections, sharing compassion with the community, and cheering for the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Notre Dame, and Aquinas football teams.

Carol is survived by eight children: Jean Broadwater, Dan (Rochelle Rusch), Trish Foust, John (Melissa), Jim (Mary), Sue (David) Keough, Dave (Kim), and Bob (Heather Chial); eighteen grandchildren: Dom Broadwater; Darren Bakkestuen and Megan (Ben) Williams; Nathan (fiancé Loralei Zimbauer), Emily and Alison Foust; Joe, Mike (fiancé Natalie Granger), Lauren, and Jenna Bakkestuen; Andy (Amanda) Bakkestuen and Wendy (Jake) Scott; Claire, Paige, Jordan and Lilah Bakkestuen; and William and Katelyn Bakkestuen, and six great-grandchildren: Declan, Arabella, Addison, Avery, Alexis, and Chase. She is further survived by three siblings: Bernard Hammes, Rose (Mike) Porter, and Anne Martin.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband Willy, parents Bernard and Marie Hammes, son Bud, granddaughter Anna, brother Duane Hammes, two sisters-in-law Barb and Carol Hammes, and son-in-law Carl Foust.

A visitation to honor Carol's life will take place on Sunday, March 2nd from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services in La Crosse. A second visitation will take place on Monday, March 3rd from 9:30 to 10:30 AM followed by a funeral service to celebrate her life starting at 10:30 AM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in La Crosse. Father Rick Roberts will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials of one’s choice are preferred.