Joseph M. Bakkestuen

Joseph M. Bakkestuen, age 81 of Viroqua, died Tuesday, March 31, 2015. Joseph M. Bakkestuen, age 81 of Viroqua, died Tuesday, March 31, 2015. He was born January 22, 1934 in the town of Coon to John and Marie (Moen) Bakkestuen. He attended country school and then joined the U.S. Army and served for 6 years. He worked for Edward Kraemer and Sons for over 30 years, often saying "I backed up more miles than most people have driven forward". On August 26, 1961 he was united in marriage to Annette "Tootsie" Ofte who was the love of his life. He was a life-long member of Vang Lutheran Church. He was a generous, caring, thoughtful and loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed playing euchre and all card games and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by three children: Phillip Bakkestuen of Westby, JoAnn (Fritz) Palmer of Westby and Tena Goodwin (Tim Hansen) of Viroqua; four grandchildren: Jessica (Tim) Schroud of Middleton, Joseph "Joey" (Renee) Bakkestuen of Chaseburg, Ashley Goodwin and Autumn Goodwin, both of Viroqua; his daughter-in-law, Yvonne Bakkestuen and her children: his brother, Selmer "Sam" Bakkestuen; siblings-in-law: Carol Bakkestuen, Elsie Gilbeck, Tim (Cathy) Ofte, Anna (Gilbert) Leum, and Elmer (Nancy) Ofte; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Annette "Tootsie"; one son, Jeffrey "Fritz" Bakkestuen; brother, Willard. Blessed be our memory of Joseph Marvin Bakkestuen. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 3, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Vang Lutheran Church. Pastor Wollman will officiate. Burial with military rites will be in the Vang Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Hwy 14 in Westby. Online condolences may be offered at www.vossfh.com The Vosseteig Funeral Homes are serving the family.