Eugene Wodzinski

IRON RIVER — Eugene “Woody” L. Wodzinski, age 91, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2020 at Aspirus Iron River Hospital.

He was born on Oct. 22, 1928, in Iron River, the son of the late Joseph and Hedwig “Harriett” (Koukowski) Wodzinski. Woody attended the Iron River schools, graduating with the class of 1947. He then attended Northern Michigan University, in Marquette, earning a bachelor’s degree in education/history. Woody went on to earn his master’s degree in education and English from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 1958.

Woody married Tootsie Dallafior on Jan. 26, 1952 at the Assumption Church in Iron River. The couple made their home in Stambaugh and celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary this year.

He began his educational career as an elementary school teacher, became the principal, and ultimately became the superintendent of the West Iron County School District - a career that expanded 35 years.

After retiring, he was a professor with Bay de Noc Community College, leading several courses in U.S. government and history. He also served as chairman of the former Iron County Community Hospital for several years.

Woody also enjoyed a 25-year career as a high school and college level basketball referee, officiating over 1,000 games across the Upper Peninsula. He also officiated high school and college football games.

Woody was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Iron River and a former member of the Iron River Elks Lodge No. 1671. He was an avid golfer, Green Bay Packers fan and was very, very proud of his garden, where he enjoyed many, many hours and years.

Woody is survived by the love of his life, wife Tootsie; daughters, Cathy Wodzinski of Carpentersville, Ill. and Julie (Joseph) Puricelli of Lone Tree, Colo.; cousin, Ramona Ross of Caspian; sister-in law, Dolly Richards of Iron Mountain; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his 11 siblings, brothers, Matthew, Edward, Zigmund, Alfred and Theodore; and his sisters, Jessie, Lou, Irene, Loretta, Dolly and nun, Sister Jeanette Wodzinski.

Private services will be held. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Eugene “Woody” L. Wodzinski online at www. jacobsfuneralhomeir.com. Funeral arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River.