DONALD C. WOODRUFF
Donald C. Woodruff, age 101, of Alma, Nebraska formerly of Beaver City, Nebraska passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at the Harlan County Health System Hospital, Alma, Nebraska. He was born on September 8,1921 in Sterling, Colorado to Sid and Henrietta (Kolves) Woodruff.
Don’s father was employed in barn construction and when Don was 6 years old the family returned and relocated near Stamford, Nebraska. He and his sister Doris attended grade school at District #4 near Stamford, also in Stamford until his parents moved the family to a farm near Long Island, Kansas. He assisted his parents with farming as well as a dairy that they operated for several years. He attended high school in Long Island. He participated in football, basketball, and other sports and graduated with the senior class of 1941.
Shortly after graduation, Don was inducted into the Army and served in the Pacific Theater, being stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Fort Luis Obispo, California, and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He was in combat in New Guinea and the Philippines with the 6th Infantry Division.
After the cessation of hostilities, the 6th Division was sent to occupy Korea. He received his discharge on December 15,1945, and returned home to resume farming near Long Island, Kansas. They farmed together for 61 years; raising grain and beef cattle.
On June 24,1952, Don and M. Marcile Young were united in marriage. After spending several days in the mountains of Colorado, they returned to establish a home on former Henry Kolves farm southeast of Beaver City, Nebraska. After the farm was sold the Woodruffs moved to the former Robert Volgamore farm located on the Sappa Creek. Marcile passed away in 2007 following a lengthy illness.
Don was a member of the Charles Roy Bonham American Legion Post #28 serving as secretary and commander for several years. He also served in several other organizations, VFW of Phillipsburg, National 6th Division Army Association, Kansas Farm Bureau, Wheat Growers Association, Furnas County Weed Control Board.
For many years he was a distributing agent for Archer Oil Company. He was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church.
Besides his love of farming, he liked to fish and could often be found polishing his angling skills on the Harlan County Lake, or from the banks of the Sappa Creek or the Republican River. He would often be found visiting family and friends. He cherished the lifelong friendships that were made in and around the communities of Long Island, Kansas and Furnas County, Nebraska He was proceeded in death by his wife Marcile, parents, and sister Doris.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Charles Roy Bonham American Legion Post #28 of Beaver City, NE.
Viewing and visitation was held Tuesday, February 21, 2023 from 5 PM till 7 PM at Garey Funeral Home, Beaver City, Nebraska. Funeral Services were held Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at 2:00 PM at the Beaver City Methodist Church in Beaver City, Nebraska with Rev.
Joel Rathbun, officiating.
Burial was at Long Island Cemetery, Long Island, Nebraska with military rights given by American Legion Post #28 of Beaver City, Nebraska.
Garey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences and personal reflections for the family can be left at gareyfimeralhome.com
