Robert E. Woodward, age 92, of Racine, passed away peacefully with his daughter, Donna by his side on April 13, 2023.

Bob was born in Racine WI May 29, 1930, a son of the late Earl R & Francis G (nee: Peterson) Woodward

He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Shirley J. Nielsen on November 19, 1949 at Emmaus Lutheran Church in Racine.  Sadly, Shirley preceded him in death on October 16, 2022 after 72 years of marriage.

Bob was employed with Massey Ferguson, Equitable Life Insurance, WI State Patrol, Heft, Dye, Heft, & Paulson S.C., Racine (1961-1984) and later Clark Law Firm, Madison.

Bob was a man of strong faith, love for his family and country. Along with his wife Shirley, they were foster parents for Racine County for over twenty years.

Bob served in the Air Force (Air National Guard 128 ^th Air Control Squadron) from 1951 to 1988, served in the Korean War, was Commander at Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Juneau WI from 1984-1988, retiring as full bird Colonel.

Bob was a member of Emmaus Lutheran Church in Racine, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Racine (serving as Deacon and active in choir) and Central Lutheran Church in Edgerton. Bob enjoyed music, singing, square dancing, clogging, travel, camping, hunting, fishing, and sports. He was a member of the Racine Theatre Guild (acting in numerous plays, working props and sound).

Left to cherish his memory are his five children, Alice (Martin) Olson, Timothy D. (Georgina) Woodward, Donna L. (Keith) Buska, David A. (Karen) Woodward, and Michael (Mandy) Woodward; 16 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren, brothers Lee (Betty) and Bruce (Shirley) Woodward, childhood friend, John Carlstrom, along with relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Steven R. Woodward, brother and sister in law, James (Shirley) Woodward and sister and brother in law, Jane (Darrel) Markham.

Bob's family would like to give a special thanks to Gentiva Hospice and the staff of Pleasant Point Senior Living for the love and care shown to their dad.

Service Details

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.  A visitation will be held on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  Interment with full military honors will take place on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. at West Lawn Memorial Park. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery gate at 1:45 p.m. to proceed to Bob's grave.

Memorial Suggestions

In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to a Veteran's cause of one's choice or Racine County Foster Care, 1717 Taylor Avenue, Racine, WI, 53403, would be appreciated by the family.