Bill "Woody" Woodward

William Byron (Bill or Woody) Woodward passed away peacefully on September 30, 2024 with his wife by his side.

Bill was born on February 11, 1946 in Columbus, WI to Russell and Delia (Thiessen) Woodward.

He was united in marriage to Nancy Troia on August 7,1971 at St. James Church in Madison. He built their home in 1972 in Sun Prairie, WI where they raised their two daughters.

Bill grew up on the family farm in Columbus, WI with his parents, 5 brothers and 4 sisters where he learned the value of hard work and how to drive tractors at a young age. He found his passion for carpentry work shortly after getting married and started building homes. Bill was a skilled carpenter for 45+ years building homes throughout the Dane County area. After retirement, he kept busy with side projects like building home additions, decks, patios, and woodworking. Bill loved mowing lawns and snow removal including taking care of lawns for friends and family. Bill also took great pride in fully restoring his father-in-law’s 1947 Farmall Cub Tractor. He detailed the restoration process including taking pictures from start to finish. Bill was a friend to everyone he met and was willing to help anyone who asked. He enjoyed going out to breakfast with his friends and meeting up with family and friends for dinner and drinks. Bill enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, watching westerns, listening to oldies music, and being outside enjoying the sunshine.

Bill is survived by his wife of 53 years; daughters, Sara (Phil) Long and Lori (Tim) Sheets; grandchildren, Madison Long, Chloe Long, Bradyn Long, Anna Long, and Spencer Sheets; siblings, Bob (Patti) Woodward, sister-in-law Sharon Woodward, Russy (Jeannette) Woodward, brother-in-law Tom Kvale, Harley (Betsy) Woodward, Audrey (Phillip) Batz, Marcella Woodward (Don Steffenhagen), sister-in-law Rosie (Jerry) Thompson, Antoinette (David) Schwoegler, brother-in-law John Spies; many nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Donald Woodward (passed way September 24, 2024), Geraldine Walker, Marilyn Kvale, Ronald “Rinky” Woodward, brother-in-law Dave Walker, sister-in-law Jenny Spies, nephews Robert Walker and David Woodward.

Visitation will be from 9:30-11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 2420 St. Albert the Great Drive, Sun Prairie, WI 53590 with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 AM. Bill will be brought to his final place of rest at Sacred Hearts Cemetery in Sun Prairie. 

Cress Funeral Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, WI 53590

608-837-9054