William B. Woodruff, J.D.
September 4, 1927 – November 24, 2023
William B. Woodruff, J.D., 96, of Omaha, NE, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on November 24, 2023, and is now with his Savior and Lord.
Bill was born on September 4, 1927, to William and Charlotte Woodruff in Kansas City, MO. After graduating from Southwest High School in Kansas City, Bill joined the Navy and went to Corp School to become a Hospital Corpsman in WWII. He served on a ship and was also a translator for the German prisoners of war. When the war ended, he enrolled at Northwestern University and studied PreMed. There he met his wife Lynn Mooney. Ten weeks before his graduation in 1951, he was pulled back into the Navy for the Korean War and was assigned to the Marines in Oceanside, CA. Bill and Lynn were married on September 15, 1951, and lived in Oceanside for 4 months before his discharge, at which time they moved to Omaha.
By this time Bill decided to be a lawyer instead of a doctor. Northwestern permitted him to attend Creighton University for his last semester and transfer the credits to graduate from Northwestern. He then attended law school at Creighton. Bill practiced law for 60 years.
Although Bill was an Omaha transplant, he quickly got involved in the community. He helped found Community Health Agency Drive (CHAD) by writing the By-Laws and other legal documents for the organization. He helped found the Nebraska and the National Epilepsy Foundations. He also served on the Notre Dame committee responsible for writing the American Disabilities Act.
Bill was on the board of directors for Release Ministries and Prison Ministries. He also served as a Ward Chairman for the Republican Party in the 1960s and was a Colonel in the Civil Air Patrol. Bill was a member of The Optimist Club of Omaha and The Lions Club. He was a member of the community clubs for his children’s schools and sang in the church choir.
Most of all, Bill was devoted to his family. He was a constant source of support and encouragement. His kindness extended to friends, clients, and strangers.
All of this he did out of devotion to the Lord. He desired to help in any way he could with faithfulness, generosity, a tender heart, encouraging words, selfless actions, and love of family and friends. He will be missed. We are comforted that through his faith in Christ, he has the hope of resurrection, and is now resting in Christ’s care.
Bill is predeceased by his parents; brother, Max. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Marilyn (Lynn) Woodruff; daughters Cheri McPherson (Jeff) and Cyndi Focht (Dallas); son, Bill Woodruff (Linda); sisters, Nancy Duboc of Kansas City, Ann Johnson of Naples, FL; 8 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren.
Visitation begins Thursday, November 30th, 10:00AM at West Center Chapel with a MEMORIAL SERVICE at 11:00AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Combined Health Agency Drive (CHAD) and Open Door Mission.
5 Comments
Deepest sympathies to your family – what an amazing person he has been and what an amazing legacy of family he’s created. Love to Cyndi and your family.
Cyndi I’m so sorry holidays are not the best time to loose a parent my prayers and thoughts go out to you all
Cyndi, and family! What a man- generous and kind. My heart is sad but know you will see him again. My thoughts are with you and your entire family!
Bill was a great man who I came to know and respect through our mutual membership in the USAF Auxiliary (Civil Air Patrol). Bill served as commander of the Nebraska Wing, a position I later held and often looked to Bill for his wise and sage counsel. He lived a full life and will be missed by all who had the rare privilege of knowing him. Rich Anderson
Cheri and family – my deepest condolences on the passing of your father. I remember meeting him at a Scout event with you. How fortunate you were to have such a special person in your life. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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