Woody Woodruff

Joseph "Woody" Woodruff, 58, passed away suddenly on September 4, 2014. Born on April 17, 1956, in Oak Park, IL, and formerly of Marengo, IL, Woody resided in Minocqua for 29 years. A good man is judged by what he does; a great man by how he serves; and the greatest of men by the joy and love he freely gives to others. Woody Woodruff was, indeed, one of the greatest of men whose life was cut short, far too soon. Known to many as “Mr. Minocqua” and the unofficial “Mayor of Minocqua”, Woody tirelessly promoted the interests of his much-loved Lakeland Area. Before moving “Up North”, Woody was active in his home town of Marengo, Illinois, serving as a policeman and a paramedic. He was also co-owner of Marengo Insurance Agency. Woody owned Loon Land Trading Company and Twisted Root Emporium in Minocqua for 29 years where he was also the Executive Director of the Campanile Center for the Arts. He served on the Minocqua Area Chamber of Commerce Board, was active in the Island Business Association, was the current vice-chair for the Wisconsin Presenters’ Network, was a current board member for the University of Wisconsin-Marathon County and was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church. Many who heard of his death, described Woody’s spirit as “larger than life itself”. Indeed, Woody lived life in full color; he was a vibrant man whose love of a good story, laughter and a joke embraced everyone equally. Woody’s eyes were alive with that inner fire of one who knew it was the people in his life that mattered most. In Woody's own words, "If a person's wealth is measured by his friends, I am the richest man in the world.” Woody is survived by his daughters Devin Woodruff (Kyle) Zarda and Morgan (Derrick Ammel) Woodruff; granddaughter Nora Ammel; partner-in-life Jody Peterson; mother Gladys Woodruff; sister Carol Woodruff (Patrick) Keedy; nephews Matthew (Kristi Cook) Kirchhoff, Cole (Amy) Kirchhoff; niece Jayne Kirchhoff; grandnephews Anthony Kirchhoff, Michael Kirchhoff, Parker Kirchhoff, and grandniece Brooklyn Kirchhoff. Woody was preceded in death by his father, Frank Woodruff. A celebration of Woody’s life will be held from 3:00 - 7:00 PM on Wednesday, September 10, 2014, at the Campanile Center for the Arts. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church on Thursday, September 11, 2014, with visitation from 9:00 - 11:00 AM at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Campanile Center for the Arts or to the Lakeland Area Food Pantry.

Woody Woodruff

April 17, 1956 - September 4, 2014