Eugene R. Bakalars

Dr. Eugene (Gene) Bakalars passed away peacefully on October 18, 2019 surrounded by his family. Eugene was born in La Crosse Wisconsin on January 17, 1935 to Raymond and Bernice Bakalars.

He graduated from Aquinas High School and went on to graduate from St. Mary’s University in Winona Mn. and the University of Minnesota Dental School. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life Kathryn (Katie) Bruha on August 3, 1957. After he retired from his successful orthodontic practice, Katie and Gene traveled the world and enjoyed living in Florida, Colorado and Arizona finally returning to his hometown of La Crosse.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years Katie, daughters Jeannie Lyons (Rich), Mary Madigan (Mark), and son Michael Bakalars (Bethany), 7 grandchildren, brother Glen Bakalars and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Mayo Hospice staff for the outstanding loving care that Gene and family received.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, October 22, 2019, in Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1333 South 13th St., La Crosse. Rev. Rick Roberts will officiate with entombment to be held in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum at the Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse. Family and friends may visit from 9:30 AM until the time of Mass at Church on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Eugene Bakalars to the following:

Aquinas Foundation Scholarship Fund
The Aquinas Foundation Office
608-784-0707

Holy Trinity Catholic Church
Leo Hall Renovation Project