Gene Woodworth

GENE HAROLD WOODWORTH, 85 ROCKFORD - Gene Harold Woodworth, 85, formerly of Rockford, went to be with the Lord on Friday, Dec. 9, 2011, in his home, in Calumet, Mich. Born July 14, 1926, in Rockford; the son of Chester and Linnea Woodworth. Graduated from Rockford East High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served for two years during World War II. Attended DePauw University and graduated from Cincinnati University. Member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He was outstanding in the ROTC program and earned a regular commission as a Lieutenant in the Air Force. Earned his wings and then graduated in jet fighters at Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas. Gene flew 100 missions in the F-86 in Korea, shooting down 21/2 MiGs. Earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Korean Service Medal, 4 stars, United Nations Medal, World War II Medal, and the American Campaign Medal. Married Lois Jean Dahlquist in 1951. After five years of service he worked in personnel for Sundstrand Corp., in Rockford and as personnel manager at Warner Electric Brake until 1964 when he developed his own business with the Amway Corp., of Michigan. Member of Calumet Golf Club, Calumet, Mich., Kiwanis Club, and former member of First Evangelical Covenant Church in Rockford. Gene and Lois attended First Baptist Church in Calumet until his illness. Gene was one of the Greatest Generation who fought for his country. Survived by his wife of 60 years, Lois; sons, Dr. Steven (Diane) Woodworth of Calumet, Dr. Don (Pamela) Woodworth of Hot Springs, Ariz., and James (Pamela) Woodworth of Tampa, Fla.; grandchildren, Allison, Zoe, Ray, Craig, Kyle, Brett, Ryan and Sean; great-grandchildren, Tavin and Peyton; brother, Tom Woodworth of Littleton, Colo.; and sister-in-law, Joyce Lundstrom of Rockford. Service at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, in Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd., Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 Second Ave., with visitation from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m.; Pastor Peter Dibley will officiate. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Salvation Army Rockford Temple Corps, 500 S. Rockford Ave., Rockford, IL 61104. To share a memory or condolence, visit olsonfh.com.