William ‘Bill’ H. Woodard

Bill was born on Sept. 19, 1933 to the late Harold & Dorothy (George) Woodard. Bill was raised in Cornell and graduated from Escanaba High School in 1952.

After graduation, Bill worked for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. In 1953, he married the former Joan O’Connor and they moved to Chicago. Bill and Joan then moved to the Willow Farm in Harvey, Mich., to work from 1957 to 1960. At that time, the family returned to Cornell to work and carry on the family dairy farm with Bill’s father. Bill rarely took a day off from the farm and taught all five of their children the meaning of hard work. His children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews cherish many memories on the farm, from snowmobiling, throwing hay bales and milking cows to making apple cider. He retired from the family farm in 1993 when they moved to their current home in Cornell.

Bill enjoyed woodworking, hunting, four-wheeling, snowmobiling, bicycling, cross country skiing and especially spending time with family and friends. He was always ready to play a game of cribbage, pinochle, or smear or any other game. Bill was always helping others and could often be seen pulling neighbors out of the ditch in the worst winter weather. Bill was a former board member of Michigan Milk Producers Association, Production Credit Association, and Farm Bureau Association. He also served as deputy treasurer for Cornell Township for 28 years.

Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joan; his daughters, Billie Woodard of Rapid River, Brenda (Jon) Servant of Escanaba, and Kristine (Bruce) Brandt of Nunica Mich.; son, Jeff Woodard of Cedar Hill Mo.; sister, Irma (Dave) Powers of Marquette; brother, David Woodard of Jacksonville, Fla.; daughter-in-law, Joetta Graybill, Eustis Fla.; grandchildren, Curt (Becky) Servant, Jessie (Steve) Menard, Jamie Romero, Jason (Kate) Woodard, Blair Woodard, Anna Servant and Sarah Brandt; and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Arlene Cantin, and son, Rory Woodard.

Bill’s family will receive friends on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 12 to 3 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Escanaba. Funeral services will follow visiting hours on Saturday at 3 p.m.. at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Ryan Edwardson officiating. Luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be offered at www.skradskifuneralhomes.com