Orville J. Bay

Orville James 'Jim' Bay, age 81, of rural Stoddard suddenly left this world on Feb. 24, 2012 at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse. He was born Jan. 13, 1931 at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital to Oswald and Sylvia (Wedeberg) Bay. The oldest of six, Orville grew up and worked the family farm on Chaseburg Ridge until joining the Navy in 1951. He was honorably discharged after four years of dedicated service to his country.

On Feb. 22, 1958 he married the love of his life, Gundi KA�llhofer, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, in Chaseburg. Within a year the couple moved from the farm to LaCrosse. In 1965 Orville built their dream home the 'Alm Platzl' to accommodate their growing family.

He and his wife also built a successful, nationwide Shaklee business supplying and working with their customers for over 40 years, being a dedicated business manager to his last day at home. Orville and Gundi were a great team!

Orville loved his family and spending time with his wife, children, Siglinda and Erik, and his special grandson, Jeffrey, that lived close to his 'Opi and Omi'. He also loved his flowers and yard, boating on the Mississippi or on Lake Cyclone, floating on a raft paddling with his flippers. (His nephew Mike said not to forget to mention this!!) He and his wife also for many years enjoyed traveling to Europe or favorite places in the tropics.

Survivors include his beloved wife Gundi of 54 years, his daughter Siglinda (Marc) Kleih and grandson Jeffrey, son Erik Bay, brothers Earl (Evie) Bay and Donald (Sally) Bay, sisters Shirley Proksch and Alice (Dwain) Henden, sister-in-law Siglinde Renoth from Germany, many nephews, nieces and many other relatives.

Orville was preceded in death by his parents Oswald and Sylvia Bay, one brother, Kenneth Bay, and brother-in-law, Billy Proksch, also by Gundi's parents and three brothers.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Mormon Coulee Road in LaCrosse. Rev. Roger Hjelle and Rev. Meredith McGrath will officiate. Visitation for family and friends will be at the church from 10 a.m. until service time. Private burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery in La Crosse. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.