Roger Kent Woolsey

1949 - 2016

GALESBURG - Roger Kent Woolsey, 66, Galesburg, passed away at 1:17 p.m. Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at Galesburg Cottage Hospital.
Roger graduated from Williamsfield High School in 1967, Western Illinois University in 1971, and earned his master's degree in 2006.
He was born Oct. 23, 1949, in Galesburg, the son of Darreld E. Woolsey and Faye E. Woolsey. He was the second of four children. He is survived by his wife (aka wiffy), Kathleen A. Woolsey (Else) whom he married on Dec. 21, 1973; and children, Michelle (Joel) Cortes of Lehi, Utah, James (Nicole) Woolsey, Phoenix, Arizona, and Robert (Christina) Woolsey of Gilbert, Arizona. Roger was blessed with nine grandchildren, Mariah, Macenzie and Maliyah Cortes; Noah, Lincoln and Reagan Woolsey; and Anthony, Alexis and Natalia Woolsey. Roger is also survived by sisters, Darlene (Robert) Armstrong and Barbara (Jim) Corry; and one brother, John (Lisa) Woolsey; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
All of the lives touched by, encouraged, influenced, gentle compassion, to the extended children and families of foster children, Boy Scouts, private boarding school students and other students throughout the 30+ years of teaching.
In his younger years he helped his father run the Dahinda grocery store. He was employed at Gale Products in the tool and dye apprenticeship and Gates Rubber Company. He began his teaching career in 1971 at Sherrard High School. He also taught at Knoxville Junior High for nine years, Judson Boarding School, Scottsdale, Arizona, for 13 years, and at Alhambra High School, Phoenix, Arizona, for 13 years, retiring in December 2012.
Two of his favorite four letter words were "road trip." He was always game to travel anywhere at the spur of the moment. He enjoyed camping, canoeing, fishing, spending time with the kids and grandkids. The Woolsey motto was, "The more the merrier."
He was a member of Boy Scouts of America, earning the Order of the Arrow. He worked with kids at Fellheimer Scout Reservation and Sherwood Youth Camp. He also worked with kids detasseling corn for Pioneer Seed Corn Company.
Cremation rights have been accorded. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 23, 2016, at Dahinda Methodist Church, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life. Private interment will take place at the Maquon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Dahinda Methodist Church or to the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online condolence may be made at www.watsonthomas.com.