Roger Dale Woodman

Roger Dale Woodman was born on November 4, 1937, at the Dr. Reed Hospital in Deshler, to Enola (Bartels) Woodman.  He passed away on October 16, 2023, in Hebron.  Roger was baptized at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Deshler.  His sponsors were Lavena Bartels and Wilbert Bartels.

Roger attended Hebron Public Schools grades K-12th.  He graduated with the class of 1956.

In his younger years he liked staying with his Grandma and Grandpa Bartels, as grandpa was a trucker for farmers around Deshler and he got to tag along.

In Hebron his best times were spent with friends in the woods – just west of railroad tracks to the river.  He hunted for squirrels and went spearing for bullfrogs, which mom would fry for him. UGH.  The river was fun for fishing, swimming, sliding down the face of the dam, and he also lost his new glasses when pushing a boat into the river he slipped and fell head first into the mud.

Our neighborhood had lots of kids.  Evenings were spent playing outside until dark or after.  Playing kick the can was the most fun.

In high school Roger went out for football and track.  He also worked at Jim Johnson’s used car lot, helping to grow his love for cars.  Any name of car was great.  He was a car guy!

After graduation he headed west, ending up in California where he enlisted in the Navy.  Off to basic training in Washington which included survival school.  After all tests were passed, he was assigned to Pacific Anti Submarine Patrol 17 and 23.  They were sent to Japan and then to Vietnam.  Vietnam was two tours.  Leaving the Navy after 10 years, he returned to southern California and started selling cars for various dealerships.  He loved the last one he worked for, Mercedes Benz.  He loved being outside with no walls!  Evenings were spent with friends dancing at the VFW Clubs.  The Texas two-step was his favorite.  He loved spending weekends in the desert with Uncles Norm and Walt, dune buggying, 4-wheeling and eating sand!  His greatest joy was taking his mother to Europe sight-seeing and looking for long-lost relatives.

Roger retired and moved to Somerset, KY.  No traffic jams – just wide open spaces, a lake, and did not have to scoop SNOW!  He quickly made friends with his new neighbors, Gary and Robin.  Gary and Roger had both served in Vietnam, and Robin was the best cook ever!  He was sad to leave them.

In July 2023, Roger’s nephew Brian flew out to Kentucky and moved him home to Hebron to reside at Courtyard Terrace Assisted Living.  He enjoyed his short time living there as the staff was super great to him.  But October 16 came too soon, as he was looking forward to spending time with family during the up and coming holidays.

Roger was preceded in death by his mother, grandparents and other relatives.  Roger is survived by his brother Wayne Woodman and wife Kay of Paradise Valley, AZ, and sisters Grace Richardson of Topeka, KS and Sharon Hulse and husband Larry of Bruning, NE; and many nieces and nephews.

We loved Roger and his interesting life he shared, usually dressed in khaki shorts and a Hawaiian shirt.  Roger’s favorite saying was, IT IS WHAT IT IS AND YOU CAN’T CHANGE IT!!!

A private graveside service will be held at a later date.