Timothy W. DeAtley

Timothy “Tim” Wayne DeAtley passed away peacefully at Rochester Methodist Hospital on 3/18/2025 after a long and valiant fight against cancer. Tim never gave up the fight and was a brave warrior modelling what it meant to face the enemy with grace and dignity. He was blessed to be surrounded by love. He spent his final days hearing from friends and loved ones who shared memories and gratitude for his impact on their lives. The support and prayers of family and friends carried him throughout the journey.

Born to Ron and Joyce DeAtley on September 17, 1957 in Gibson City, IL. Tim spent time in France during his father’s military career and fondly shared stories of living above the bakery. His family returned to Loda, IL where he was an avid baseball catcher, graduating from Buckley-Loda High School in 1975.

Tim had a larger-than-life personality. He always loved to meet new people and build relationships. He had a presence in a crowd and could often be heard singing a verse of “Oh Lord It’s hard to be Humble” with a twinkle in his eye.

Tim briefly owned a family bar that became a favorite gathering place for the community, serving up stories and harmless pranks.

Employed by Kraft Foods at an entry level position in 1979, he worked his way up to Sanitation Manager for the Champaign plant, one of the largest food manufacturing plants in the world. Tim advanced to corporate sanitation before ending his Kraft career and moving to ConAgra Foods in 2009. Tim’s knowledge and leadership as Senior Director of Food Safety and Sanitation put him on the road often, but he loved the work that he did. He helped facilities build amazing programs and developed people at all levels of the organization.

Jimmie Bolton and Bill Bunting provided Tim with amazing opportunities and mentorship throughout his life. He in turn always paid it forward as he advanced his own career. Sanitation was his passion, and he was respected industry-wide for his ability to build programs and people to keep our food safe. A direct, no nonsense individual respected by all levels of the organization. Tim always did what was right and led the charge to market the importance of Sanitation. Tim always lived life to the fullest and seized opportunities to challenge himself and others to be the best their very best.

His first marriage was blessed with a son, Justin. He was the proud Pop as he raised Justin to be a strong man with a good heart. He created memories and built character. Coaching T-ball, helping build Pinewood Derby cars, and cheering for Justin on the high school football field. Tim’s love for Christmas was instilled in Justin as they would build Christmas trains, airplanes and sleigh plywood displays while listening to Burl Ives on 8-track tape. Fun trips to Illini basketball and football games as well as NASCAR laid foundation to Justin’s passion for sports and autographs. Tim proudly stood beside Justin at his wedding, beaming with joy that he had found his life partner, Ashley.

Community service in Loda started as Village Board Trustee and ended as Mayor. He initiated fun events like The Good Old Days in the ‘80s. Creative events like Cow Bingo and Mud Volleyball were retold for years after, bringing chuckles as Tim’s animated recollection showcased his zest for life and creative spirit. His parents, Ron and Joyce, were always nearby supporting him in all his endeavors.

Tim loved to show his St. Bernards. He had many champions, with Reno being one of his favorites. Winnie Martin was a loving hand, guiding him as he achieved success with the Saints.

Tim met and married his life partner, Lynda Stewart, in 2005 on a beach in Lahaina, Maui. This new life included a chance for Tim to raise two additional children – Nathan and Andrea. Tim found out what fun it was to be a “Girl” dad to a fiery red head. He also reexperienced the joy of building another strong young man’s strong character. There were many adventures and family trips to Indiana Beach, Washington DC, Virginia, South Dakota, Arizona and George Strait concerts. Reno became the family pet after Tim retired from showing dogs. He was quickly spoiled and smothered with love by Lynda and the kids.

The family moved back to Lynda’s hometown, Menomonie, in 2011 and Tim started to develop a new set of friendships and community involvement. He quickly became part of the family and enjoyed outings with the in-laws, Lynn & Jo Stewart. His passion for Corvettes that started at 18, reemerged and the Chevytown Corvette Club was launched. So many wonderful friendships were forged with club trips, drives, and activities continued. Tim loved being Santa and the Easter Bunny for the kids’ events. The Chevytown Corvettes Cares car show was always a fun event that brought everyone together for a great charitable cause. The “Castle House” became a frequent gathering place for club picnics, Halloween and Christmas parties. Tim was always found comfortably behind the bar serving up drinks and hospitality. Tim and Lynda enjoyed travelling and spending time with friends. Wine and bourbon tastings were always fun activities for new destinations. Trips to Kauai, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, Bowling Green, Seattle, South Dakota as well as so many others. Tim was a social person that loved to gather with friends and family. Tim never met a stranger and was always so comfortable meeting new people and sparking conversations.

Tim loved to “find” that perfect Corvette that he could bring back to its original and then certify. The core “pit crew” travelled to shows often with Tim and Lynda to lend a helping hand and join in the fun. NCRS events, Bloomington Gold and Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals were frequently on the annual calendar.

Tim was a lifelong Packer fan and stood behind them through the good, and the not so good years. He was able to experience tailgating and a few Lambeau home games. He also followed the St. Louis Cardinals through the years, and he especially enjoyed when they were higher in the standings than the Cubs. He also cheered on Rusty Wallace during his NASCAR career.

Thanks to the Mayo teams in Menomonie, Eau Claire, and ultimately Rochester who provided an excellent level of care and compassion to Tim and the family. Tim was blessed in his final days to receive visits and calls from family and friends to express his impact on their lives and their love for him, a gift not everyone is able to receive. When recently asked what he was most proud of, through all the accomplishments in his life, his answer came quickly, “Raising those amazing kids.” Family was so important to Tim, and he worked hard to provide for them. His faith was strong, and he knew how much he was loved. Those left behind will grieve but also have wonderful memories of an incredible man that was taken too soon.

Tim is survived by wife, Lynda Stewart; children, Justin (Ashley) DeAtley, Nathan Loscher, Andrea Loscher (fiancé Cody Marschall). He is further survived by mother, Joyce DeAtley; brothers, Rich (Rita) DeAtley, and Steve (Jill) DeAtley; aunt, Mary Krysik; and uncle, Jim DeAtley.

He was preceded in death by toddler brother Jeffrey, father Ron, and uncle Tony Krysik.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 28, 2025 at Faith Lutheran Church in Menomonie, WI with Pastor Michael Penikis officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the church from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

A celebration of Tim’s life will be held at a later date in Illinois.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com