Leonard R. “Woody” Woods
April 4, 1950 – October 29, 2019
Leonard Robert Woods, (Woody, Len, Lenny) was born in Fremont, Nebraska on April 4, 1950 and passed away at Methodist Hospital in Omaha on October 29, 2019.
He was the fourth child of James Duane and Dorothy Romans Woods of Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska.
The family moved to Alma, Nebraska in 1956. Len loved living in the small town of Alma and to this day has many life-long friends from his growing up days. He excelled in a variety of sports, including his love of track; which led him to coach/mentor many youths in the Omaha area in the shot put and discus. Stories of trapping beaver and fishing with his dad were some of his favorite memories.
Following his high school graduation from Alma in 1968, Len attended Kearney State College where he lettered in football. He transferred to South Dakota State in Brookings and played football for the Jackrabbits for three years. Woody was known for his leadership on the team, was co-captain his senior year, and became a forever friend to many of his teammates. He recently returned to Brookings for a “Football Jackrabbits of the 70’s” reunion.
Woody attended the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in their Physical Therapy program. He graduated in 1975 with a RPT degree. His first PT job was at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he became the director of the Physical Therapy department. Many opportunities to use his knowledge, skills, and compassion followed; partnering with Dr. Ron Miller in his clinic, home health care, private practice, and working for Methodist. Woody retired after more than 40 years of helping others.
Woody met his wife, Michelle in 1978, rehabbing her knee at Jennie Edmundson. They united in marriage on September 29, 1984 and resided in Omaha. Both were elated when their daughter, Lauryn Michelle was born on July 29, 1987, followed by her brother, Evan Randall on October 11, 1990. Woody loved his family and spending time with his wife, kids and puppies, were the highlight of his life. He always was so proud of them.
Woody touched so many lives in his years on earth. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Michelle, children, Lauryn Woods of Omaha, Ne., Evan Woods of Los Angeles, Ca., sisters, Julia Woods and Marilyn Hurst of Albuquerque, N.M., brother Jim (Yvonne) of Bella Vista, AR., in addition, many nieces and nephews and friends from across the country.
We want to thank you for being such a special part of his life and of ours.
Family will receive friends Friday, November 8th from 11am-1pm at West Center Chapel with MEMORIAL SERVICE at 1pm. Following the Memorial Services, a Celebration of Woody’s Life will be held at the VIP Lounge (9001 Arbor Street). In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Nebraska Humane Society or the Leonard R. “Woody” Woods Alma, Nebraska High School Track Scholarship.
10 Comments
So very sorry to hear about “Woody”! What a great great man! Back in my coaching days at Omaha Burke, I would take my injured girls for Woody to evaluate and treat for their injuries! He was always very positive and encouraging to me and the athletes!! He will truly missed, but never forgotten!!! A legend in the field! Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family and friends!! 🙏🏻🥇
50 years ago we were Kearney state college football teammates. Lenny was an exceptional linebacker and also shot putter. May his memory be eternal.
Oh, my great friend Woody. So very sad to hear of his passing. Truely, a man loved and revered by all who were lucky enough to have known him…..and I am one of those lucky people. How very fitting to have a celebration for him at his beloved VIP lounge. I so wish I could be there. Rest In Peace, my dear friend. I will miss you.
My favorite memories of Woody are his love of California corn and strawberries and his love of betting superfectas. May he rest in peace. Rosemary and i wish we could be at the VIP to give Michelle a big hug.
RIP old buddy. Have a cold Michelob Light or a glass of Crown Royal waiting for me.
Our deepest condolences at this time. I was so sad to hear of Woody’s passing. I cannot count the times people have called or come into the various pt clinics and ask about Woody. He blessed many, many lives including my own and my family’s. Whether putting my husband on traction at the last minute or helping our daughter with adjustments needed because of track workouts….or urging me to use my teaching degree! He had a huge heart for people. Blessings and comfort to you and your family, Michelle, from the Comfort Giver.
My first memories of Lenny were when I was a 6tg grader and he was a 4th grader playing basketball with us “big Boys” Only he did not know he wasn’t supposed to be our equal! His competitiveness was always there. I well remember high school football and track when he was a sophomore and I was a senior. He was always pushing you to be better as well as himself. we had a great rivalry in track in shot and disc and no quarter was given by either. To Jim and Marilyn, I can say that I have great memories of the entire Woods family including your folks. I can still see your Dad standing on the sidelines of the football field with my Dad going over the last play , critiquing as they followed the ball and and am so sorry for your loss.
Rest easy Woody. I worked for him 2 years while in college in his PT clinic. I am now a Physical Therapist like Woody was and feel like he taught me a lot. I really try to treat my patients like he did and really try to get to know them. There wasn’t a person he couldn’t have a conversation with.
We are so very sorry to hear of Woody’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you his family. I cannot tell you how kind and helpful Woody was to me and us as patients. I always told him his vocation in life was truly a blessing from God and that he probably had no idea how many people he had healed over the years. He had amazing professional skills mixed in with such incredible kindness and humor. It was an honor to know him. He always talked so lovingly about his family and his dog. Rest in peace dear friend.. We know you are listening to some beautiful music in heaven. God bless.
Woody was a great guy and a great friend.
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