Robert Bestul

Robert Bestul, age 77 of Viroqua, died January 2, 2007 Robert Bestul, age 77 of Viroqua, died January 2, 2007 at Clare Bridge Cottage in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Born October 27, 1929 to James and Hattie Bestul in Scandinavia, Wisconsin, Robert showed strong interest in music and scholarship from an early age. He graduated as valedictorian of the Scandinavia Union Free High School class of 1947. In 1951, Robert completed his bachelors degree at Central State College in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, with a major in History and minors in Music and Mathematics. He served the US Army as a signal company radio operator stationed in Berlin, Germany from 1951 to 1953, where his musical skills were readily applied to tapping out Morse code. Upon completing his military service, Robert began his lifelong career in education at Almond High School in Almond, Wisconsin, where he taught History, Chorus and Band. There he met Lola Abbott, to whom he was married on June 9th, 1956. Early in his career, Robert attended summer classes at Vander Cook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois, from which he earned a masters of music education degree in 1957. Robert and Lolas endeavors focused on cultivating music and fine arts in their community, with Robert teaching high school and junior high band and Lola providing piano and vocal lessons. The couple sang throughout the years in church choir, with Robert directing and Lola acting as a frequent soprano soloist. They shared this lifetime devoted to music with their three children in Spring Green, Wisconsin Dells, and Viroqua, Wisconsin. Robert finished his teaching career in Viroqua, which remained the couple's home in retirement. Robert was a soft-spoken, steadfast educator, remembered by many for the hours of preparation he devoted to assuring that his lessons were always ready and the bands performances were always polished. Similar dedication and selflessness characterized his contributions to church and community. Former students often recall the band room's simple tag-board posters, on which Mr. Bestul had neatly written principles and aphorisms he wanted to impart; one of these was "Strive for perfection," a piece of advice to which he was always faithful. In retirement, Robert and Lola continued their participation in community music and fine arts events. The couple also enjoyed travel to Europe, especially Norway, and locations around the United States. Robert is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Kari Bestul-Schultz and Dan Schultz (Wisconsin Dells); daughter and son-in-law Kris and Dennis Torkelson and their daughters Sarah and Hannah (River Falls, WI); son and daughter-in-law Kurt and Libby Bestul and their daughters Hattie and Sallie (Viola, WI); and mother-in-law Hilda Abbott (Wautoma, WI). He was preceded in death by his wife Lola, granddaughter Abigail Torkelson, grandson Benjamin Torkelson, father-in-law Milton 'Bud' Abbott, father and mother James and Hattie Bestul, and his sister and brother-in-law Donna and Harold Kahler. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2007 at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua, WI. Pastor Lindsay Jordan will officiate with burial in the Scandinavia Lutheran Church Cemetery in Scandinavia, WI. Friends may call from 4 7 p.m. on Friday, January 5, 2007 at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 West Decker (Hwy 56), Viroqua. Friends may also call at the church on Saturday from 9 10:00 a.m. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.