Marvin L. Bakkestuen

Marvin L. Bakkestuen, 85, of Westby, died Sunday October 14, 2012 at Norseland Nursing Home in Westby where he had been a resident the past week. Marvin had lived at the Old Times the past two years. He was born October 1, 1927 in the town of Coon to Carl and Lena (Hage) Bakkestuen. He was baptized at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church and confirmed at Vang Lutheran Church. Marvin was in the U.S. Army from February 1946 to April 1947 and served in the Philippines. He married Caroline Lindahl on November 27, 1952 at the Hamburg Lutheran Church, rural Chaseburg. The couple farmed for many years in the town of Harmony. Marvin served on the boards of the town of Harmony and Chaseburg Farmer's Union, St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church council, charter member of the Chaseburg Snowtrailers and Chaseburg Lions, former member of Norskedalen, former member of the Chaseburg American Legion Post #202 where he had served as commander, the Coon Creek VFW and a current member of the Westby American Legion. He enjoyed his many years of serving in the Legion Color Guard. Marvin and Caroline were avid travelers and went to many places including three trips to Norway. Marvin loved snowmobiling and doing custom farm work. In later years he worked at the car wash in Westby where he enjoyed helping people.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Caroline; one daughter Cherlyn (Bryce) Johnson of Nineveh, Indiana and one son David Bakkestuen of rural Viroqua; 5 grandchildren Adam Bakkestuen, Caleb Johnson, Caitlyn Johnson, Ryan and Brittany Bakkestuen; 2 great grandchildren Dakota and Mason; one sister Lenore Jensen of Viroqua, special friend Mary Lee and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers Arnold and Clifford and 2 sisters Alice Dunnum and Kathleen Keuser.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday October 18, 2012 at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chaseburg. Rev. Steven Oldre will officiate. Burial with military honors will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call on Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley and at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Peter's Church or the charity of choice.