HILLSBORO, WI – Timothy Dewey Odegard, age 46, of Hillsboro, WI, and formerly of Viroqua, WI, passed away peacefully after a lifelong journey marked by courage, determination, and an unwavering spirit. Tim was born on May 28, 1980, at Gundersen Hospital in La Crosse, WI, to Janice Odegard.
Tim was raised by his beloved grandparents, Ethel and Lawrence Odegard, on the family farm, where he found great joy helping with chores and caring for the horses he loved so dearly. Some of his happiest memories were made riding wagon trains with his grandparents and participating in miniature horse shows. From an early age, Tim was captivated by all things Wild West: horses, cowboys, law enforcement, and being like Walker, Texas Ranger (Chuck Norris) filled his imagination. While physical challenges prevented some of his dreams from becoming reality, Tim never stopped believing in them. His spirit remained larger than life, and his heart never stopped chasing adventure.
As a young man, Tim was welcomed into the Wild West Days Marshals by Dave Calhoun and Jack Olson, who took him under their wing and trained him to become a marshal. When his health no longer allowed him to participate in some activities, they found new ways for him to remain involved, including serving as the group’s “sniper” for as long as he was able. Later, Tim proudly became an honorary deputy with the Vernon County Sheriff’s Department. In recent years, while living at Harmony House, he faithfully patrolled Highway Q from his front porch, keeping watch over the neighborhood and submitting “speeder reports” to Sheriff Torgerson. Whether you knew him as Officer Tim, Deputy Tim, or Marshal Tim, he proudly answered to them all.
Throughout his life, Tim faced increasing health challenges with remarkable resilience. Supported by the dedicated staff at Harmony House, as well as the compassionate caregivers at Emplify Health by Gundersen in both Hillsboro (St. Joe’s) and La Crosse, he continued to defy expectations time and time again. Though his family hoped for one more victory, Tim’s final journey came to an end, and he has now ridden off into the sunset, as all good cowboys do in the end. Though Tim’s badge has been turned in and his watch has ended, his legacy of determination, imagination, humor, and love will remain in the hearts of those who knew him. His final patrol may be complete, but his spirit rides on forever.
Tim is survived by his mother, Janice Odegard; his uncles: Al (Doris) Odegard, Carlton (Jeanne) Odegard, and Robert (Barb) Odegard; his aunts: Kathy (Gary) Shafer and Karen Odegard; and his many cousins: Alex, Angie, Ashley, Dan, Elyse, Jamie, John, Luke, Neil, and Tyler, along with their spouses and children. He also leaves behind his bonus family of Pat and Shelby Sullivan and Harmony House family; his fellow deputies at the Vernon County Sheriff’s Department; and retired Wild West Days Marshal Dave Calhoun, all of whom held a special place in his heart.
Waiting to welcome him home were his great-grandparents, Thelma and Harley Cowell; his grandparents, Ethel and Lawrence Odegard; his uncle, Myron Odegard; and, undoubtedly, his favorite Texas Ranger, Chuck Norris.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026 at Popp Funeral and Cremation Services in Viroqua. A horse-drawn carriage procession will follow to the Wild West Grounds, Viroqua, en route to Our Saviors Cemetery in Westby for burial with a last call from the Vernon County Sheriff’s Department. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Popp Funeral and Cremation Services in Viroqua and on Friday, July 24, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials in Tim’s name may be given to Wild West Days, the Vernon County Law Enforcement Association or other charity of choice. Popp Funeral and Cremation Services in Viroqua is entrusted with his services.
Tim’s family extends their deepest gratitude to everyone who cared for him throughout the years, especially the staff of Harmony House and the teams who provided palliative and hospice care through Emplify Health by Gundersen. Their kindness, compassion, and dedication brought comfort not only to Tim but to all who loved him.
Online condolences: www.poppfcs.com
Add comment