William Hopinkah walked on peacefully on Saturday April 24^th 2021 at 4:30am while at Gundersen Health Systems of La Crosse WI.

William (Bill) was born in Black River Falls on May 3^rd in 1951 to Conrad Hopinkah and Marjorie Elaine Blackdeer. He was married to Patricia L. Hopinkah October 10^th 2010. He was raised by Jerry and Joan Berard in Hayward Wisconsin where he graduated from High School.

As a child Bill always aspired to one day be a cowboy. His life’s journey to that end included playing guitar in a band, competing in the World Championship log rolling finals, riding his Harley, pow-wow hoop dancing, enlistment in the United States Marine Corp, 14 years as a BIA Federal Marshall, bronc and bull dogging on the rodeo circuit, and ten plus years over the rode in an 18-wheeler.

Bill eventually settled into his life’s passion as the Manager (“Trail Boss”) of Whirling Thunder Equestrian and Organically certified Belted Galloway Cattle Ranch.   He loved participating in events such as Spirit Rides, Wozahwa Days parades and various trail riding activities with Ho-Chunk Nation tribal members and friends of the ranch. Bill enjoyed constructing leather horse tack, collecting bows, knives, guns and anything equine. He also enjoyed cruising around Amish country and relaxing in his favorite recliner watching old westerns.  His greatest love in life was his children, grandchildren, and hanging out under a shade tree with his beloved wife and canine companions.

Bill is survived by his wife Patricia, daughter Julia, sons William Jr., Doug, and Dominic, brother Boye Ladd Sr. sisters Linda Hopinkah, Kathy Hannon, Karen Hopinkah-Ramberg, Kimberly Elmgreen, and many beautiful nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his father Conrad, mother Marjorie, grandparents Abel and Allie Hopinkah (paternal) and Harold and Nellie Blackdeer (maternal), brother Ashley Conrad Decorah, and daughter Marjorie Hopinkah.

Meal will be at Bluewing Community Building at 6pm Monday April 26^th 2021.  Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.