Obituary
Timothy Thomas Devine
Timothy Thomas Devine, 62, of Holmen, WI passed away Thursday, January 21, 2021. He was born August 1, 1958 to Richard and Patricia Devine in LaCrosse, WI.
Tim will be remembered most for his sense of humor and caring nature. He was a true outdoorsman. Hunting, fishing (he never gave up his secret catfishing hole), and trapping were some of his favorite pastimes. His love of horses began at a young age as a stable hand. At the age of 17, he took a trip to the Trempealeau Fair where he met the love of his life, Leah. They were married March 24, 1979.
He dedicated his life to serving the community. He enlisted in the Army in 1978. In his three years of service, he traveled from Germany to Puerto Rico where he was stationed as a MP. For 18 months, Leah and Tim called Fort Buchannan home. After being honorably discharged, he began his career as a police officer. Tim spent 33 years dedicated to his profession. His most distinguished award came when he received the Medal of Honor in 2008. Officer 114 will be remembered by anyone who worked with him.
Tim spent many years actively involved in the Coulee Region Riders Club. His voice was heard many nights over the loud speakers announcing the monthly gymkhanas. Later, he traveled around the state to lend his voice for the Wisconsin High School Rodeo. Horses were a staple in his life whether he was breaking them, riding in parades, or leading the kids around the yard.
Tim was proud to be a father to Clare and Dominick. He taught them that tap root beer was the best after a hot day of trimming horses, if you get bucked off always get right back on, and “don’t take no wooden nickles.” His greatest accomplishment was becoming a grandpa. He loved to cheer from the stands at every go kart race, softball, and basketball game he could make it to. Catching bugs in the front yard will never be the same.
Tim had the chance of a life time to go on a Freedom Honor Flight to Washington DC with his dad in 2016. The memories made there were priceless.
In his later years, Tim found a new passion for Search and Rescue with his sidekick bloodhound, Peach. They ran trails all over WI, assisted the Police Departments when needed, and demonstrated her skills at local colleges. He enjoyed morning coffee with the boys at Mike’s and afternoon beer with the guys at Sam’s Bar. His trips to Colorado where he could live the cowboy life were his favorite memories to reminisce about.
Tim is survived by his loving wife Leah; his children Clare (Lee) and Dominick (Andrea); grandchildren Logan, Kiera, Stella, Athena, and Dean; His siblings David (Letitia), Bryan (Christine), Michael (Sandra), Anthony (Carolynn), Christine (Matt), and Connie. Tim will also be remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Richard and Patricia, his brother Patrick, and his grandparents.
Tim’s family would like to thank the caring staff at Hillview Nursing Home where he was treated with the utmost respect until the very end.
There will be a visitation for the public from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St. Onalaska, followed by a private family service. Masks will be mandatory.
Our hearts are hurting with the news of Tim’s death. He was a good friend. We have many memories of his frequent visits in our driveway while he was in his squad car. God bless him for serving his country and his community. Our thoughts and prayers to you Leah and the entire family. God Speed my friend.
Rosey and Hat Rosendale
Thanks so much you two. I remember how good it was to see you guys at Grizzly’s last time Tim and I went there! We shared funny memories the rest of the night!
Very sad news. Tim used to stop by my place with smile and solid advice to not hit the turkeys in the head as there’s nothing in there when I would get mad at them for perching on my new truck! I always looked forward to seeing his county car coming up the driveway. My deepest condolences.
Sending love and healing thoughts to the Devine/Anderson families. May his bravery, integrity, love of family and that brilliant smile live on in our hearts and minds. We will miss you Tim. ❤️
Always remember Tim for his caring & humor. Cherish the memories and hugs to all.
Tim was like another father to me growing up. Even as an adult, I would come over to the house and he would welcome me with a big hearty “Palmer!”. He loved his family more than anything and I will always cherish my memories of him. Sending my love to his family.
With deepest sympathy to all of Tim’s family. Remembering his smile, voice and love of horses. RIP Tim.
So sorry for your loss. I will never forget Tim’s smile and laugh.
He always brightened up my day when he stopped at Neshonoc
sports.
Lori Thompson Anderson
OMG, what sad news!! Tim would frequent Karls Sportshop in West Salem during his patrol and chat with the boys! I am so very sorry for your loss, he will be missed!!
Our heartfelt condolences to the Devine family in your loss if Tim.
Tim was such a great guy. He was an amazing announcer at our CRRC horse shows and rodeos. His voice was known far and wide. He was always helping the kids and his community. Thank you Tim, for all you’ve done. You will be greatly missed.
Such sad news Tim was always a stand up man. And treated people with respect and kindness he will be missed. R I P Tim.
I am so sorry Leah. I didn’t know Tim but if he was anything like you I’m sure he was a great guy! Thinking of you and your family!
With deepest sympathy to you Leah and family. Will always remember Tim’s voice from horse shows and rodeos. He did so much for others. Keeping all of Tim’s loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.
Leah, so sorry to hear about Tim. It is never a good time to lose the one we love but it is maybe bittersweet knowing he is not suffering anymore. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Deepest sympathy to family. Enjoyed our conversations at Neshonoc Sports shop over morning coffee.
Tim will always be remembered as being a man of his word, We so loved him and his help with the WHSRA never said no when we needed him. I remember when he brought his blood hound to the motor home in Holmen he was so proud of it and so excited about starting in search and rescue. He definitely was one of a kind. RIP Tim
So sorry always enjoyed his visits whether it was a morning cup of coffee at Auto Care Mall or seeing him at the race track we truly lost one of the good ol’ boys.
So sorry Leah to hear of Tim’s passing. I didn’t know him but sounds like he was a great guy! My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family! May your many memories be of comfort to you all, in the days ahead. Love,your cousin Teresa (Howe) Luther
My sincerest condolences to Leah and family. Tim was one of the Good Guys and I’m glad I got to know you and your family. Prayers for you all,
–Donna Anderson
Many fond memories of Tim and the entire Devine family. I think I still have a few scars.
Anyone who knew Tim would agree that he was kind and warm-hearted. God speed Tim.
I had the pleasure of meeting Tim once, when he brought Peach to visit the class I was teaching at Globe University. There he gave a presentation on search and rescue to criminal justice students. Peach and Tim were a hit. I wrote an article about his visit and will see if I can locate it. His passion was clear and my students and I were made better by learning from Tim. My condolences to his family and friends.
Tim was such a nice guy, looking back it has been 50 years since were first met him. Remember your wedding reception. Tim was so happy, many wonderful memories. Our deepest sympathy to you and family.