Richard Dean Woodruff, 80, of Osage, passed away Monday, March 27, 2023.
A funeral Mass for Richard will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 3, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage with Reverend Raymond Burkle officiating. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Osage from 4 to 7pm on Sunday, April 2nd, 2023, with a Knights of Columbus Rosary being prayed at 4 pm and a brief scripture reading at 6pm.
Richard Dean Woodruff was born June 15th, 1942 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the son of Richard Parker and Mary Ann (Muetze) Woodruff. He was the oldest of five siblings. The family moved through the upper Midwest through his childhood. Richard enjoyed spending time with his extended family and maintained close ties with them throughout his life.
Richard attended school (K – 11) at St. Thomas Moore and Aquinas High School in Lacrosse WI, and graduated from St. Stephens High School in Port Huron, MI. With a love for history and advice from his grandparents, Richard studied to be a teacher. He earned a BA in History from the University of Northern Iowa, and a MS in Education from Drake University.
While in college and working at Marshalltown Manufacturing Richard met Sharon Ann Musel in 1962. They were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marshalltown, IA on August 8th, 1964. They had a daughter Lisa Jeanne and son Richard Karl Wilson.
Richard started his professional career teaching at Madrid High School where he taught for 4 years. The family then moved to Osage where he taught high school history, social studies and government for 40 years, retiring in 2008. He was an impactful teacher, teaching multiple generations of students. He was recognized numerous times by his students and peers including a special recognition by the Office of the Governor of Iowa at a reception in Des Moines three times. He was the recipient of the KIMT Golden Apple Award.
Richard was active in the Osage community. He held various leadership positions with the Knights of Columbus over 55 years – Grand Knight, 1975-76, achieving Star Council award, Recorder until 2023. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic church, various Teacher’s associations, and spent considerable time debating issues with friends over coffee at Lucy’s Lunch box and the Osage Seminary. Richard was passionate about politics and was vocal about expressing his views with friends and family.
In his spare time, Richard enjoyed collecting clocks, pens, inkwells, hats, as well as playing cards and fishing. He was a Minnesota twins and a Green Bay Packers fan.
Richard is survived by his wife Sharon of 58 years, children Lisa, Richard (Radhika), grandchildren Donovan (Heather), Siobhan (Jason), Porter, Meghana, Manisha, great grandchildren Theodore, Edith, Logan, Arya, brothers Mark (Cathy) and Steve. He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and MaryAnn, sister Mary Lou and brother Tim.
Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, 1205 South Main Street, Charles City, Iowa 50616 is in charge of local arrangements. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall for the family at www.hauserfh.com.
