Alfred W. Bahr

Alfred W. Bahr, 80, of rural La Crosse passed away suddenly following a brief illness Monday October 3, 2011 at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 19, 1931 in La Crosse to Edward and Christina (Ritter) Bahr. Alfred was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Ridge Catholic Church where he also attended school. He was united in marriage to Arlene Dwyer on January 31, 1950 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Coon Valley. The couple farmed their married life in the Town of Washington, La Crosse County. Arlene died December 6, 1981. Alfred married Madonna Leis on September 19, 1987 at St. Peter's Middle Ridge Catholic Church.

Alfred looked forward to family gatherings and spending time with his grandchildren. He loved visiting and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. He also enjoyed listening and dancing to "old time music".

Survivors include his wife Madonna; 10 children James of Bangor, Lois (Dennis) Peterson of La Crosse, John (Barb) of Ladysmith, Diane (Brian) Wang of Rockland, Sandra (Glen) Sternke of Westby, Paul (Gwen) of Coon Valley, Francis (Sandy) of West Salem, Christine (Steven) Schams of La Crosse, Thomas (Sharon) of Coon Valley and David (Janet) of La Crosse; 28 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren with one expected in December; 7 step children Denise and Kathy Leis both of Bangor, Connie (Michael) Degrave of Arizona, Bonnie Leis of Florida, Tim (Deb) Leis of Cashton, Mick (Monica) of La Crosse and David (Molly) of Rochester; 13 step grandchildren; 3 sisters Rosemary (Ron) Ludwig of Janesville, Helen (James) Shannon of La Crosse and Lucille (George) Nordeng of Janesville; one brother Eugene of La Crosse and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Arlene; his parents; 5 grandchildren Christopher, Joshua, Miranda, Anthony and Adam Bahr; a sister Evelyn Nicolai; a daughter-in-law Shirley Bahr and several other relatives.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday October 7, 2011 at St. Joseph's Ridge Catholic Church. Rev. Joseph Nakwah will officiate with burial in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, rural Coon Valley. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. with a rosary service at 7 p.m. and also at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until service time. The Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley is assisting the family. Online condolences may be offered at selandsfuneralhome.com.