Bud Kark

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.