|
POSTED: Saturday, March 14, 2020
Carl Ray Foust, 58, of La Crosse, passed away suddenly and peacefully on March 13, 2020 in his home. He was born on July 17, 1961 to Loretta (Sroka) and Theadore Foust. On September 1, 1984, he married the love of his life, Patricia (Bakkestuen) Foust. Together, they raised one son, Nathaniel, and two daughters, Emily and Alison.
To anyone that knew him, Carl’s defining characteristic was his generosity to others. He was constantly putting others before himself to make sure everyone had what they needed. He was a widely known figure boating on the Mississippi River, always working on his boat or helping someone else work on theirs—the latter usually came first. Carl enjoyed camping with friends and family, and many can attest to the fact that he was always prepared (sometimes excessively so) to make sure everyone had everything they needed.
Carl was a valued and respected employee of Inland Printing in La Crosse, where he worked as a press operator for 35 years. Many can attest to Carl’s mechanical knowledge and skill; the level of particularity in his work was legendary to those who knew him. Anything worth doing needed to be done the right way. While his care and precision was a blessing, as many of his friends and family can attest, at times it could be incredibly frustrating! Nonetheless, Carl was loved, and the quality of care he put into all aspects of his life garnered respect from all who knew him.
Carl was a mainstay to all who passed by his home; the image of Carl tinkering outside or in his shed is one that will be remembered by all. Commensurate with his giving nature, visitors were always welcome and appreciated, and no one ever left without enjoying a drink and talking about the work of the day. Carl enjoyed spending time with his dog, Niko, who loved chasing the ATV, catching the frisbee, and spending time with his dad.
If the measure of a man is the love and respect he earns, Carl Foust was a man of highest quality. He was respected for his work. He was loved by his family. He was beloved by the community. Carl will never be forgotten, and the memories of his family and friends of time on the river, camping trips to Hayward, and time around the bonfire will be memories cherished by many for the rest of their lives.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Loretta (Sroka) and Theadore Foust; father-in-law, Willy Bakkestuen; brother-in-law, Bud Bakkestuen; and niece, Anna Bakkestuen.
Carl is survived by his wife, Patricia; children, Nathaniel, Emily, and Alison; siblings: William G. (Karen) Foust, Dianne (William) Oertel, Steve L. (Anne) Foust, and Timothy J. (Donna K. Bobholz) Foust; brothers and sisters-in-law: Jean Broadwater, Dan (Rochelle Rusch) Bakkestuen, John (Melissa) Bakkestuen, Jim (Mary) Bakkestuen, Sue (Dave) Keough, Dave (Kim) Bakkestuen, and Bob (Heather Chial) Bakkestuen; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 10:30 am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1333 13th St, La Crosse, WI. Father Rick Roberts will officiate. Visitations will be held on Monday, March 16, 2020 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St, Onalaska, WI, and from 9:30 am until the time of mass at the church on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred.
|
