"I'm sorry for your loss. Although we didn't know each other well because of distance, it was fun visiting each other when we had our family reunions. May your family and friends know that you have my sincere sympathy. May God bring comfort to you. "
In loving memory of
Leo C. Bakkestuen
April 29, 1961 - June 26, 2019
Leo Carlyle Bakkestuen, 58, of Winona, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse. He was born on April 29, 1961 in Viroqua, WI to Clifford and Ardys (Nottestad) Bakkestuen. After graduating from Westby High School, Leo moved to Winona to begin working at Fiberite (Solvay), where he was employed for 38 years. On January 13, 1984 he married Loretta Roberts. Leo enjoyed driving his John Deere mower, skiing, camping, golfing, and had a love for Folgers coffee. He was an extremely handy man who could fix anything.
Leo is survived by his wife of 35 years, Loretta; son, Andy (Suzie) Ehlo and their children, Quintin and Sophia; son, Lucas (Amanda) Bakkestuen and their children, Evan and Hailey; and son Matthew (Rebecca) Bakkestuen; mother, Ardys; siblings, Carol (Rick) Kramer and Lois Bakkestuen; mother-in-law, Naomi Roberts; brothers and sisters-in-law, Dick (Terri) Roberts, Rita (James) Trainer, Sheila (Donnie) Borreson, Tory (Tom) Roesler, Pam Roberts, and Linda (Mark) Domke; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father, Clifford; father-in-law, Richard Roberts; and brother-in-law, Nick Roberts.
A visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Friday, June 28, 2019 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview. Please leave a memory of Leo and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tributes
"I will never forget the story of Leo driving with the pool bleach and how it burned a whole in his pants. Leo was such a good man. I believe the purpose in life is to leave a lasting mark on others. He has done that with me and I am sure countless others.RIP Leo I will never forget you and I wish his family and friends much love and prayers. "
"Leo was a wonderful brother in law! When Matt was about 3 maybe 4, he decided he wanted to come spend the night at his cousin Lore and Jed?s house... the discussion was had... it far away and he couldn?t get all sad and want to come home once it got dark... nope Matt was positive that wouldn?t happen.... off we went ... sure enough the darker it got the more quiet he got.... he tried to tough it out but nope, couldn?t do it... I called Leo and said he?s too homesick to stay, I?ll bring him home. Leo wouldn?t have it, he said, I?ve been waiting for your call for an hour, I knew he?d do this, but I wanted to give him the chance to try. I?ll come get him, sure enough as soon as Matt heard his Dad was coming he fell asleep about 10 minutes before Leo drove into the driveway...."
"You are in my thoughts and prayers. Paulene (Hoff) Aspenson"