Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
About
Bud Kark Obituary
Emil E. "Bud" Kark, 88 of La Crosse passed away May 21, 2025 at Mayo Clinic Health Care-Sparta. He was born June 12, 1936 in Blue Earth, Minnesota, the son of Flora (Bowman) and Emil Kark.
Bud joined the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1970. He graduated from St. Olaf College with a business degree. Bud was the president and retired from the family business, Kark Rendering Co., in Chatfield, Minnesota. He married LaVonne Pretasky in 1985.
Bud loved horses and was the state champion in wrestling at St. Olaf College. He enjoyed singing in the Giving Hearts Choir and was a member of the American Legion Post #284 in Holmen.
Bud is survived by his wife of 40 years, LaVonne, children, Laurie Jo (Greg Goossens), Kari, Greg, John, two grandchildren, Casey Jo and Haley. He is also survived by his step children, Lori, Kelly (Troy), Mark (Kris), Paul (Jennifer), Andy (Maly), step grandchildren, Mandi, Alea, Max, Sydney (Corey), Jack, Porter, Kody, Luke, Joey and Bud's brother Robert. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Lorene, Don, Art and Beverly.
No services will be held at this time.
Memorials can be made to: Coulee Region Giving Hearts Choir
P.O Box 443, Onalaska, WI 54650
or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4141 Mormon Coulee Rd, La Crosse, WI 54601.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1501 West Avenue South, La Crosse, WI 54601
People and places connected with Bud
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Bud Kark
Tell your own story about Bud
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Make a Donation
in Bud Kark's name
How to support Bud's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Bud Kark's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
