Woods Harold

Harold, Woods

Harold Emery Woods (Hal) left this world on his 91st birthday, Monday, June 1, 2015.

He was born to the late Harvey and Gladys (Clemenson) Woods on June 1, 1924 in Spring Grove, MN. Upon graduation from high school, he entered the Army Air Corp, where he proudly served in the South Pacific. After serving in World War II, he moved to the Chicago area & worked at Glenview Country Club, where he learned to make a mean 'Manhattan'. It was there that he met his bride-to-be, Vera Mae Keith. They were married in Bruce, Wisconsin on February 18, 1951. Hal and Vera soon made a home in Oconto where they raised their family. Their home is included on the West Main St. Historic District list. Hal was a self-employed Contractor & Carpenter and worked on many homes and businesses in Oconto County. He also served on the Oconto City Council. Hal then became City Assessor and Building Inspector for the City of Oconto, retiring in 1986. Upon retirement, the couple took a special bucket-list trip to Ireland, the land of his roots. Hal was proud to participate in an Honor Flight for World War II veterans to Washington D.C. in 2012. Hal enjoyed the outdoors. Deer camp, Keith Family Camp, 4th of July at Pliers cottage and weekend camping trips with Groses and Sowles were anticipated events. He also traveled to Canada for moose hunting and fishing. Hal was an active member at the First Presbyterian Church, serving as Trustee and Elder. He was also Boy Scout Leader for Troop 48, leading week-long camps at Bear Paw. Hal was a talented wood worker, making many items for his church and toys and furniture for his children & grandchildren. You could always count on Hal for a good game of cribbage, cards or just a big welcoming smile or hug.

Hal was proceeded in death by Vera, his wife of 49 years on August 9, 2000. He is survived by his children, Jeff (Susan) Woods of Fort Atkinson, WI; Steve (Carla) Woods of Sheboygan, WI; Anita Woods of Green Bay, WI; and Nancy Woods of Rogers, AR. He is further survived by his grandchildren Jen Woods Engelke (Chris); Abbey, Michael, Elliot, and Henry Woods; sisters Barbara and Laura; brother Rick; many brother and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. Sisters, Margie & Dorothy preceded him in death.

A loving thank you to his special friend, Roberta Couillard, for keeping him company and enjoying life together.

A service celebrating Hal's life will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church in Oconto, WI. Visitation will start at 1:00 pm with the service to begin at 3:00 pm. Burial at Evergreen Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.gallagherfuneralhome.net.

The Woods family thanks Woodland Village Nursing Center & Southern Hospice for their excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorials to be made to the First Presbyterian Church.