Winston "WT" Tally

Winston “WT” Tally, age 83, of Viroqua, passed away peacefully on December 10th, 2025, surrounded by his girls. Born in Viroqua on May 16, 1942, to the late Albon and Edna (Hagen) Tally, WT carried his roots proudly throughout his life.

On January 21, 1967, WT married Judy Morrison. Together, they made their home on the family farm, raising three daughters—Bridget, Elizabeth (Beth), and Aimee—who were lovingly known to many as “the Tally girls.” WT spent years working on the family farm and later co-owned WT Trucking with Judy, building a reputation grounded in hard work, grit, and the stubborn determination that perfectly defined him.

Full of personality and never short on memorable lines, WT was best known for his infamous motto: “You just gotta wanna.” He enjoyed a challenge and embraced every adventure life presented. WT loved taking the long way around, especially on scenic back roads that left everyone else wondering how they’d ever find their way home. He found joy in hunting, card games (500, Euchre, and Pinochle), and perfecting his legendary catfish fry, all of which he shared generously with those he loved.

WT was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Judy and in-laws, Sandra and Mike McGregor and Tim Moran.

Those left to cherish his memory include his three daughters, Bridget Tally-Brill of Waldo (Joel Brill), Elizabeth Quackenboss of Cambridge (Todd Quackenboss), and Aimee Lempke of Grafton (Matt Lempke). He is also survived by seven grandchildren—Zach Brill (Mariah), Hailee Brill (Darren McCrae), Emma Quackenboss (Dawson Trautsch), Neil Quackenboss (Jordyn), Mason Lempke, Gavin Lempke, and Addison Lempke—along with four great-grandchildren. WT was immeasurably proud of his family and loved to brag about them to anyone who would listen.

Though an only child, WT embraced Judy’s family wholeheartedly—because, as he often lived by, that’s just what we do. He welcomed everyone as if they were kin. He is further survived by Judy’s sisters: Sue Moran, Christine Reed (Tony Reed), Bonnie Running (Richard Running), and Deborah Hanson (Jim Hanson). He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and cherished friends.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to St. Croix Hospice and the Vernon Manor caregivers for their compassionate and dedicated care of WT—and for embracing his humor, antics, and the crazy shenanigans he brought with him right to the end.

Winston “WT” Tally leaves behind a legacy of grit, humor, stubborn determination, and wholehearted love—carried forever in the stories and memories of all who knew him. And in true WT fashion, he would want everyone to remember:

“You just gotta wanna.”

A Funeral Service for Winston will be held at Noon on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial with military honors will follow at Belgium Ridge Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wild West Days, Viroqua FFA, or the Vernon County Fair.

To plant trees locally in Winston's name, please visit https://secondnatureatreadscreek.com/memorials. To order flowers, the family suggests Viroqua Floral Mercantile.