Paul K. Woodward

POYNETTE – Paul K. Woodward, 77, passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2017, at the Columbia County Health Care Center in Wyocena in the presence of his loving wife of 54 years, Polly.

Paul “Woody” was born on August 5, 1940, in Poynette, the son of John and Irene (Willard) Woodward. He entered the Army following high school and developed lifelong friendships along with amazing memories based upon his time in Alaska. The Army buddies, their spouses and families remained close and created cherished memories throughout the years. He married Pauline “Polly” Olson on July 6, 1963, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Arlington. Together, they farmed for a number of years before transitioning to new careers. Paul moved from farming to selling farm implements at Johnson Sales. He truly loved his job and not only was a wonderful employee but a valued colleague and friend to all who he worked with at Johnsons. He developed lasting friendships with both his colleagues and his customers based upon his outgoing and down-to-earth personality. Retirement was not Paul’s cup of tea—his preference was to be on the road, working and visiting with his customers and friends. His grandchildren remember and enjoyed the days when they were able to join grandpa on his trips around Wisconsin visiting with customers.

He loved spending time in the Northwoods with friends and family at his cabin. All his grandchildren developed a love for fishing based upon grandpa’s cabin, boat and the lake. We know that the cabin along with the Northwoods will continue to live in the Woodward family hearts where generation after generation will be able to continue to enjoy the Northwood’s lake experience.

He loved his grandchildren. He cherished time spent with them and took great pride in each and every one of them. They brought him great joy and pride in every endeavor they took on. He was supportive of their dreams and could be seen at College Bass Fishing tournament weigh-ins for his grandson Ty; high school basketball games for his granddaughter, Tierney, and continued support for her as she pursued her passion for the game of basketball in college; attendance at youth basketball events for Codi, along with frequent after-school visits by Codi. He truly enjoyed each day when Codi was picked up from school and spent time in his home. Paul frequented and was supportive of his granddaughter, Paige, as she was growing up in Amboy, Illinois. He enjoyed traveling to her dance recitals, gymnastic exhibitions, watching her play basketball and participate in track and field events. He took her on special trips around the area to visit the family cottage up north during her summer visits. She now lives in Sterling, Illinois.

Paul will be dearly missed by his wife, Polly; children, Buck (Lisa) Woodward, Poynette, Paula Woodward, Pardeeville; grandchildren, Ty, Tierney and Codi Woodward, Paige Lewis; sisters and brother, Bea (Walt) Lindner, Rio, Art (Rosanne) Woodward, Rio, Evelyn (Don) Jerred, Cambria, Helen (Marvin) Manke, Poynette; brothers-in-law, Bob (Kathy) Olson, Jr., Tomah; Carl Olson, Londonberry, NH; sisters-in-law, Rachel Spear, Elkhorn, Jenny Smith, East Troy, Becky Ingersoll, Tustin, CA, Sonja (George) Twaroski, West Allis, Gretchen (Tim) Mantz, Oak Park, IL, and other relatives along with many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Irene Woodward; sister, Doris Wheeler; brothers-in-law, Larry Wheeler, Gene Spear; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Gladys Olson.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at Arlington St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, with Pastor Marion Hendrickson and Pastor Christopher Amen co-officiating. Inurnment will follow in Hillside Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Poynette Area Veterans. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, August 21, 2017, at Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Poynette.

We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to friends and family, all the caring staff at Columbia Health Care Center for their kindness and compassion and the Agrace Hospice staff.

Paul (husband, dad, grandpa) will be dearly missed. We take peace in the fact that he will be in a better place with friends and family that passed before him. I can just hear the stories that are already being shared amongst Paul and his buddies. Health issues will never slow him down again.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Legion Clyde Sheppard ALP #271 in Poynette or St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Arlington.