David Lyn Bouffleur

David Lyn Bouffleur, 89, of La Crosse passed away at home on March 31, 2025 after a short illness. David was born September 2, 1935 in La Crosse to Philip and Helen (Ekholm) Bouffleur Tichenor.

David is survived by his wife of 62 years, Judy (Burkart) Bouffleur, two sons, Scott and Beth (Dusha) Bouffleur of Wausau, Paul and Lindsey (Fluekiger) Bouffleur of Eden Prairie, MN. Six beloved grandchildren Nolan, Lauren, Clayton, Samuel, Noah and Joshua Bouffleur. David and Judy’s special daughter, Liz McConahay Wanfried and her son, Gavin. He loved and cherished his nieces and nephews, Larry (Claudia) Brosnan, Linda (Peter) Schwamb, Diana Brosnan, Tom (Jackie) Brosnan, Robert (Vicky) Bouffleur, Mary (Jeff) Aderman, Nancy (Brian) Koch, Bruce (Susan) Bouffleur, Susan (Frank) Bunker, Kim (Keith) Krejchek, Christopher (Kaori) Burkart, Erin Burkart, Brother and Sister in law, Michael (Judy) Burkart, and his best friend, Cletus (Marlene) Hoadley.

Predeceased by his parents, Philip and Helen (Ekholm) Bouffleur Tichenor, step-father, Robert Tichenor, in laws, Clayton and Frances (Foster) Burkart, siblings, Philip (Ruth) Bouffleur, Phyllis (Bouffleur) Brosnan, Lois (Fred ) Jambois, Esther(Arnold) Garlock, Wm. Fay (Emma) Bouffleur and Howard Bouffleur. Nephews, Richard Bouffleur, William Brosnan, niece, Yvonne (Bouffleur) Isbell, Beloved Godddaughter, Janice Villand and extended family, Gertrude Salzer Gordon and Donald (Sandy) Gordon.

David was a gentle, soft spoken, loving man. He graduated from Central High School in 1953, served in the US Army in Iceland, Kansas and Texas. He worked in purchasing at Trane Company for 36 years, retiring in 1997. He then went on to another 20 year career at Forage Genetics. He remarked that very few people had a chance to have two careers and how he looked forward to going to work each day. David loved life. In his youth he was a champion speed skater at the Lagoon. He worked as an usher at the Rivioli Theater and at Begun’s Standard Station in high school. He played softball and 16” slow pitch into his 40’s. He loved bowling and was a member of the 700 Club. He enjoyed spending time at Recreation Lanes and Holiday Lanes that Sandy Gordon owned. He was a super father to Scott and Paul. From church to Boy Scouts, cross country, track, band concerts, biking, hiking, fishing he was with them every step of the way offering support, quiet wisdom and a sense of values that they maintain to this day. They had many years of fishing on the Mississippi, in the Boundary Waters and in Canada. All three of them are Voyageurs with the St. Bonface, Manitoba crew. David and his great friend, Clete Hoadley were the two Grumpy Old Men, fishing in all seasons finding walleyes by the dams, sitting on buckets (no shelter for these hardy men) on the ice in the winter, trips to Fish Creek in the summer for brown trout and salmon. Our family trips to the “cottage” in Lac du Flambeau every summer are the greatest memories. He also loved gardening and everyone clamored for his “Uncle Toland” tomato plants.

We were married on October 20, 1962 at First Presbyterian Church in La Crosse and embarked on a remarkable 62 year journey. He went along and was partner in all the activities we chose to support – Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, Central High School Booster Club, La Crosse Community Thanksgiving Dinner, Deacon and member of Board of Trustees at First Presbyterian Church, at North Presbyterian Church David and Don Kibler were the greeting doormen for the 8:00 service for 25 years. When Judy became co-founder of the Gertrude Salzer Gordon Children’s Museum he was present for painting, building exhibits and whatever needed to be done.

In 1988, Judy was named Mrs. Oktoberfest it changed David’s life - this quiet man came out of his shell and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. He was the founder of the Mr. O Society. At that time Mr. O had to walk 10 steps behind Mrs. Oktoberfest so he called himself Mr. Thatcher – who knew Margaret Thatcher’s husband? When our year was over he compiled a notebook with rules and dos and don’ts for Mr. O. Royal Bassett and George Smith added to the list and the notebook is used to this day. David, George Frost Cully Rebhan, Dave Hammes and George Smith formed the original Oktoberfest Singers in 1989 with Bert Gasch. David was famous for his portrayal of “Tante Anna” with yellow braids, a black shawl and green skirt he went into the audience trying to woo a suitor.

As you can see, he was a man for all seasons and he loved every minute of his long life. Although we will miss him he’ll be close in our hearts,

God Love you and not let you out of his sight,

God keep and protect you by day and by night.

Til we meet again may his love follow you,

Wherever you go and whatever you do.

Our heartfelt and grateful thanks to Pastor Scott Skogen, The Gundersen Medical Foundation Hospice team, Dr. David Bleidorn, and all our friends who cared and prayed for David in his last journey. Memorials may be given to the Gundersen Medical Foundation Hospice, North Presbyterian Church, the Gertrude Salzer Gordon Children’s Museum or the charity of your choice.

Services will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at North Presbyterian Church at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. Lunch will follow in Fellowship Hall.