Racine – Roland J. Woods, age 85, passed away peacefully at Lakeshore Manor on Saturday, February 20, 2016.
Roland was born on June 1, 1930 in Sparta, Wisconsin. He graduated from Washington Park High School in 1948 – where he excelled as an athlete in football, basketball and baseball. He faithfully served our country with the United States Army in Germany during the Korean War.
On August 25, 1951 in St. Edward’s Catholic Church, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, LaVerne Mary (nee: Burry), who preceded him in death on October 9, 2005. Roland was employed as a manager for the Von Schrader Company. Among Roland’s interests, he enjoyed fishing, golfing, bowling woodworking and playing Blackjack at Potawatomi Casino. Above all, spending time with his entire family is what Roland loved most.
Surviving are his children, Steven (Robin) Woods, Lori (Dr. Thomas) Schuster and James (Kimberly) Woods; grandchildren, Alan (Jamie), Mitchell, Christopher (Shannon), Robert (Natalie), Abbey, Jessica (Dan), Taryn, Evan, Cody and Shelby; great-grandchildren, Logan, Kimani, Miles, Keegan, Peyton, Maddox and Tully; sisters, Karen Burmeister and Carolyn (Tom) Flemming; sister-in-law, Dolores Woods; brother-in-law, Louis Tullgren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Roland was preceded in death by his beloved wife, LaVerne; parents, Ever and Martha (nee: Durden) Danielson; sister, Charlotte Tullgren; twin brother, Roy Woods; sister-in-law, Jeanette (Robert) Zenoni; and brother-in-law, Gene Burmeister.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 29, 2016 at 11:00 am in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. Interment, with military honors, will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park. A memorial luncheon will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Monday from 10-11 am.
A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Michael Papp and the staff of the Wheaton Franciscan Cardiovascular Institute for the compassionate care and support given in Roland’s time of need.
Lisa Metzger says
So sorry to hear this. I worked with Roland at Von Schrader – he was always so nice to me. Sorry for your loss.
John & Linda Norton says
Our thoughts are with the Woods family as you say goodbye to your dad and grandfather. John has many happy memories of your family and we will both miss talking with “Big Rol” about football and life in general. Peace, prayers and blessings!