Paul Elmer Woodard, 92, of West Union, Iowa, peacefully passed away on April 20, 2025, surrounded by his family, at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital in West Union, Iowa. Born on February 4, 1933, in Cresco, Iowa, Paul lived a life marked by dedication to family, service to his country, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.
Paul attended school in Cresco, where he was an avid high school wrestler. His athletic talent earned him full scholarship offers from Iowa State University, Winona State University, Michigan State University, and the University of Iowa. However, when his best friend was drafted during the Korean War, Paul chose a different path—enlisting in the United States Army. From 1953 to 1955, he served stateside as a Military Police officer during the Korean War era.
After his military service, Paul returned to Iowa and began working for local farmers before taking a position at Oliver/White Farm in Charles City. He later joined Lynch Livestock hauling hogs and eventually became an independent owner-operator of his own semi-truck. His strong work ethic and commitment to providing for his family were evident throughout his career.
Paul married Jacque Schlichte on December 6, 1991, and together they shared over 33 years of marriage. He is survived by his wife Jacque Woodard; his brother David Woodard of Boone, IA; children Pam Woodard (Pam Johnson) of Urbandale, IA; Paula (Bob) Trader Surprise, AZ; Patrice (Daryl) Kuennen, Fort Atkinson, IA; Paulette Dagit, Lawler, IA; P.J. Woodard, Fort Atkinson, IA; stepdaughter Valerie Heins, Prairie du Chien, WI, and Jeff Kennedy, Ocala, FL. Paul was also blessed with 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren—with one more expected in May—as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents William and Ruth (Mackenburg) Woodard; sisters and brothers-in-law; Janice and Duane Werger and Dorothea and Orlen Kruger.
From a young age, Paul found joy in nature. As a boy, he spent countless hours exploring the woods and fishing along the riverbanks with his beloved Shetland Collie named Sandy. That love for the outdoors stayed with him throughout his life. He especially enjoyed deer hunting with friends and family—often recounting tales of memorable hunts including one where he shot two deer with a single shell. He also loved sitting next to a river, lake, or pond with a fishing pole in his hand. Fishing with his family anywhere was a happy place for him. Stories from catching the big one or talking about the one that got away, are family favorites. What brought the most joy to Paul, was the time he spent with family doing what he loved.
A devoted Cubs fan who loved to sing and share stories from days gone by, Paul will be remembered for his warmth, humor, and enduring spirit.
May Paul’s memory bring comfort to all who knew him and serve as a lasting reminder of a life well lived.
Paul’s family would like to thank Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital and Clinics and Gundersen Palmer Hospice for the care he received during his last weeks with us. The compassionate care you provided helped our entire family get through a very difficult time.
A Visitation/Celebration of Life will be at the Waucoma Event Center on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 2 – 5 p.m. with Funeral services Monday, April 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to services.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, April 28, 2025 at the Waucoma Event Center in Waucoma, Iowa with Rusty Phillips as the Officiant.
Interment with Military Rites will follow at Alpha Cemetery in Alpha, Iowa.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa is assisting the family with services.