Vernon D. 'Woody' Woodward

With his family by his side, Vernon D. Woodward, age 82, passed away at his residence Thursday morning, January 12, 2012. Vernon was born in Racine May 2, 1929, son of the late Richard and Matilda (nee: Johnson) Woodward.

On September 30, 1950, in Yorkville, Vernon was united in marriage to the love of his life, Irene Harcus. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. Woody was employed with the Bosch Company, formerly Racine Hydraulics, for thirty six years until his retirement.

In retirement he enjoyed his time in the outdoors,  farming his land and tending to his gardens. He especially enjoyed his time with his family camping and playing cards, horseshoes and croquet. It was his time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, that gave him the most joy. He will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his loving wife of sixty-one years, Irene; children, Donald (Mary Jo) Woodward, Susan (Ryan) Anderson, Kathleen (Herbert Sr.) Vogt, Brian (Lisa) Woodward, all of Racine; grandchildren, Lisa Woodward, Melissa (Jonathan) Haigh, Ryan (Erin) Anderson, Kyle (Ericka) Anderson, Sara Anderson, Herbert (Sara) Vogt, Eric (Ann Marie) Vogt, Jennifer Vogt (fiancé, Tristan Sabin), Breanna Woodward; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Max and Mason Anderson, Madelyn and Aiden Anderson, Sydney and Jaxon Haigh, Riley Vogt; brothers, Howard Woodward, Wayne (Marva) Woodward; sisters-in-law, Doris Walters, Luella Ziegler, Ruth Ostrander; brother-in-law, Robert Harcus; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to his parents, Vernon was also preceded in death by his three brothers, Floyd “Bud,” Bill and David; and two sisters, Nancy and Joyce.

Funeral services will be held at Evangelical United Methodist Church, 212 11th St., on Monday, January 16, 2012, at 5:30 p.m., with Rev. Dr. Creighton Kaye and Rev. John Fleming officiating. Interment with Full Military Honors will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church Monday from 3 p.m. until time of services at 5:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Evangelical United Methodist Church have been suggested.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888