John Richard Bolstad

John R. Bolstad, age 78, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at his home. John was born on August 23, 1947, in Austin, Minnesota, to Vernon and Frances (Groebner) Bolstad. He attended Sumner Grade School and graduated from Austin High School in 1965. John received an AA degree from Riverland Community College in 1967 and a BS degree in Mathematics from MSU-Mankato in 1969. He taught high school math in Jeffers, Minnesota for a year before enlisting in the USNR in 1971.

John was a member of the Austin Lancers Drum and Bugle Corps from 1960-1967. He then marched for two seasons with the La Crosse Blue Stars, a finalist both years at the VFW National Championships. During the 70’s, John wrote marching shows and instructed several Midwest drum corps and high school marching bands.

In 1981, John began a 21-year teaching career at Western Technical College in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He taught courses in Computer Information Systems and then later in Mathematics. During the 80’s, he continued his involvement with drum corps as a judge. In 1988, John taught for a year at a college in Sydney, Australia. He retired from Western in 2002 at the age of 55. John applied for and received two copyrights for a textbook he wrote and a computer game he created.

John continued his involvement with drum corps as a spectator and financial supporter of the Blue Stars. He also liked to watch baseball, football, and college hockey. John enjoyed the outdoor activities hiking, biking, swimming, skiing, trout fishing, and trapshooting. He spent every February in Utah and July in Colorado pursuing those interests.

John was an avid supporter of the Arts. He often attended jazz fests, musicals, plays, and symphonic performances. He especially enjoyed groups from area colleges. John created several endowed scholarships at the various colleges he attended or worked at. John also sponsored three children in Central America through Child Fund International. He was a contributor to St. Judes Hospital, UNICEF, United Way, Doctors Without Borders, Care, and Freedom Honor Flights. John was a member of the Roncalli Newman Center in La Crosse.

Survivors include his brother, Robert; and many cousins. John was preceded in death by his parents, Frances and Vernon Bolstad.

A celebration of John’s life will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin, Minnesota. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Austin. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to one of his charities listed above or your local food bank. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.