Gary Loren Woodward

Gary Loren Woodward, 90, of Fargo, ND, passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Serenity Assisted Living in Dilworth, MN, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Gary was born on September 29, 1933, to Fred and Gladys (Stoddard) Woodward in Hurley, SD. He grew up in Park Rapids, MN, where he graduated from Park Rapids High School. After high school, he joined the military with the United States Air Force, serving his country during the Korean War being stationed in Paris, France. After his service, he attended Bemidji State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He returned to Park Rapids, MN, where he assisted his father who was recovering from a heart attack, by working at Northern Pines for a year. He then began his career with the government working as an SBA loan officer, retiring in 1988. In his retirement, he enjoyed working part time with the Moorhead American Legion until 2018.

Gary was a dedicated member of the Moorhead American Legion and earned the title of Silver Fox from his dedication to his work with them. He was proud to be a member of the Honor Flight for his service and was a true American patriot. He was also an avid golfer and enjoyed golfing at the Moorhead Country Club and was credited with two holes in one. Gary shared a special bond with his brother, Gail, and would often travel together to the hunting shack and hunt deer, animal watching, or just talking and being together. He was a humble, soft-spoken man, but when he spoke, he meant what he said.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Sandy Woodward; children, Diana (Richard) Johnson, Sandra (Kevin) Christianson, Susan (Craig) Berndt, and Scott (Karen) Woodward; step-children, Staci (David) Birrenkott and Matthew (Stefanie) Ellison; grandchildren, Joe Christianson, Alex (Johanna) Christianson, Sam Christianson, Tom Christianson, Tyler (Melissa) Woodward, Michael (Laura) Woodward, Robert (Veronica) Woodward, Cathrine (Shane) Gilbertson, Carrie (Jamie) Christensen, Stephen (Mandy) Johnson, and Jordan Berndt; step-grandchildren, Christopher Birrenkott, Joshua Birrenkott, Drew Birrenkott, Beckett Ellison, and Landyn Ellison; 13 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Shirley Woodward; and many other loving relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Gladys and brother, Gail Woodward.

Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., followed by the memorial service at 11:00 A.M., on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN. A livestream of the service will be available here on Gary's webpage. Burial will be at Fargo National Cemetery, Harwood, ND, at 2:00 P.M., following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Veterans Honor Flight of North Dakota and Minnesota.

The family of Gary Woodward would like to extend their appreciation to Hospice of the Red River Valley and the staff at Serenity Assisted Living in Dilworth for the special care that they gave him.