Obituary of Tom Woody

Frederick George "Tom" Woody, of Faribault, MN, formerly of West Liberty, IA, and Anthony, KS, passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at Faribault Senior Living after an extended illness.

Born on August 30, 1930, in Jefferson City, Missouri, Tom was the son of William Reed and Ethel (Becklenberg) Woody.

Tom graduated from Anthony High School in Kansas and married his lifelong love, Janet Sue Coglizer, on May 27, 1949, at the Congregational Church in Anthony, KS. Together, they resided in Anthony, KS, Attica, KS and Kearny, MO, before settling in West Liberty, IA. Tom worked in various roles, beginning with Phillips Petroleum and MAPCO – Mid American Pipeline, and later retired from the University of Iowa. In retirement, he and Janet owned and operated Janet’s Pretty Carpets in West Liberty. Recently, they relocated to Faribault, MN, to be closer to family.

Tom found joy in dancing, traveling, and golfing. A self-taught handyman, he loved renovating homes and took particular pride in restoring their cherished Oak Ridge Farm on South Columbus Street. He enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren's activities and playing euchre with his grandsons. Tom also enjoyed hobby farming and was actively involved in his community, serving as a board member of First Church United in West Liberty, a member of the West Liberty Country Club, Masonic Lodge, and Shriners, and on the West Liberty City Council.

He is survived by his daughter, Cindy (Scott) Yerington of Faribault, MN, and his son, John (Teri) Woody of Goodyear, AZ. He leaves behind ten grandchildren: Emily (Ociel Reyes) Farley, Andrew (Tania) Farley, Aaron Baker, Corey (Amy) Johnston, Daniel (Michelle) Johnston, Jason (Briana) Johnston, Cale (Lindsey) Johnston, Emery (Brandon) Anderson, Megan Woody, and Jenna Hoffman, as well as seventeen great-grandchildren: Sebastian, Camela, Benjamin, Brenda, Celeste, Aaron, Ryker, Bauer, Hayden, JD, Trey, Teagan, Wally, Elle, Will, Eden, and Riley.

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janet Sue, on April 8, 2024, his parents, W.R. and Ethel Woody, daughters Marcia Kay Farley and Brenda Rae Woody-Richards, son James Thomas Woody, and his great-grandson Kyler James Hoffman-McEntire. He is also predeceased by his brother W.R. “Bill” Woody and his wife Vera, sister Linda Woody Cheatum and her husband Bruce.

Visitation will be held 9:00 to 11:00 A.M., Saturday, November 9, 2024 at the First Church United in West Liberty with funeral services to be held immediately following at 11 A.M. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery in West Liberty.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Minnesota Hospice, 17645 Juniper Path, Lakeville, MN 55044 or Faribault Senior Living, 843 Faribault Road, Faribault, Minnesota 55021.