Friends’ Forever Gift: The Judy and David Bouffleur Fund
November 12, 2024
| By La Crosse Community Foundation |
It began with the gift of service
For many La Crosse County residents, community service is part of everyday life. Judy and David Bouffleur exemplify such a life. Born and raised in La Crosse, the Bouffleurs have served the community for decades. Judy volunteers her time and talents to various organizations and events, and David supports her every step of the way.
Judy has been especially involved with the Children’s Museum of La Crosse, UFAH (United Fund for Arts and Humanities), the La Crosse Jazz Orchestra and North Presbyterian Church. Known affectionately for her musical contributions, she has played the piano as a church musician, school choir accompanist, and at community celebrations from weddings to bar mitzvahs, spreading joy and smiles at each event.
“I’ve probably played at least 100 weddings,” Judy shares, reflecting on her extensive involvement in the community’s happiest moments. “Now, I find myself playing for many funerals, but it’s all part of giving back to the community that has given me so much.”
A forever gift
For many years, David and Judy have spent and celebrated Christmas Eve and Hannukah with Kelly and Michael Sigman and Kelly’s mother, Rose Krieg. In 2019, Kelly and Michael wanted to give the Bouffleurs something especially meaningful and decided to give a gift that would last forever — The Judy and David Bouffleur Fund at La Crosse Area Community Foundation.
The fund officially launched with a simple yet heartfelt presentation: a framed photo of David and Judy with the fund’s name inscribed.
“It was so unexpected and a clear sign of how much friendship plays a part in everything we do,” says Judy, moved by the memory.
A bonus for the Sigmans: they never need to worry again about what to give them at Christmas. They simply donate to the growing fund.
Leaving a legacy for others
The Bouffleurs focused the fund on three main areas: the Gertrude Salzer Gordon Children’s Museum, Gundersen Medical Foundation and the La Crosse Public Education Foundation — organizations close to their hearts.
Judy was among the co-founders of the Children’s Museum (along with Anne Snow, Ellen Heinecke, and Marilyn Ondell) and was on the first board of the La Crosse Public Education Foundation. And she and David have supported the Gundersen Medical Foundation for over 50 years.
“Each of these organizations means so much to us,” says Judy. “We are growing the fund every year, so even when we’re gone, there will be a legacy to help others.”
A lifetime of volunteer memories
When asked to summarize their feelings for La Crosse, the couple’s responses are heartfelt.
David says, “It just doesn’t get any better than this. You can’t find a better place to live, to fish, to sing, and to be part of a community.” Judy echoes this sentiment, “I love the people. I just love the community. My father taught me that if you live in a place, you have to give back to it. And we’ve lived by that.”
The Judy and David Bouffleur fund reflects their life’s work — a continuous contribution to a community they have helped shape and sustain. It ensures their love for the area and its people will endure for future generations, making them forever friends of the greater La Crosse community.