Donald Earl "Don" Woodward, age 86, of Columbus, WI, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2024, with family by his side.

Donald was born on March 22, 1938, in Lowville, WI to Russell M. and Delia E. (Thiessen) Woodward, the second of ten children.

Donald was united in marriage to Sharon L. Sheskey on May 13, 1967, at St. Jerome Catholic Church, Columbus.

WOODWARD in Old English means: Keeper of the Woods ca. 1400

Donald loved the outdoors, especially the winter months, and wildlife of all kinds. He taught his girls early how to cut, split and stack wood and made it fun. He was extremely proud of his "4-Ds" for their creativity and work ethic which has been passed down to his grandchildren. He was an avid wood worker and loved gifting his creations. An all-around "Mr. Fix It", he did several remodeling and building projects. He loved cars and tractors, restored, owned, and showed several at shows around the area. He also enjoyed riding motorcycle. He loved to travel especially when flying was involved. Camping was a love he and Sharon found in the late 1980's and shared with their family. He especially enjoyed being surrounded by his girls, their spouses and grandchildren around the campfire "Up North" at Rocky Rips. Donald had a unique vocabulary and phrases he created, lovingly referred to by his grandchildren as "Grandpa-Isms" that often came out around the fire. Donald was a big Packer, Badger and NASCAR fan. Don always had a kind word to say, could talk to anyone about anything and was always willing to help a friend or neighbor in need.

He was a member of the Columbus Fall River Snowblazers, Red Bud CB Club, Lifetime member of the Dodge County Power and Antique Club, Two-Cylinder Club, car clubs, and St. Jerome Catholic Church.

Don was a hard worker from early on, starting on the family farm working with his dad, brothers and sisters, he also helped his mother with canning, and other chores. Through the years he worked at Del Monte in Arlington, Chisholm Ryder (25 years), Mid State Power and Equipment, and retired from Lyco MFG after 16 years in 2011, retuned part time until 2014 and always looked forward to going to the retiree banquets.

Donald is survived by his wife Sharon of 57 years; daughters, Diana Kovacs (Scott Steers) of Columbus, Deanna (Dennis) Springer of Waupun, Dana Woodward-Casey (Ryan Kies) of Columbus, Denise (David) Abel of Randolph; grandchildren Teri (nee Springer) (James) Grev of St. Paul, MN, Cody James Casey - FF CFD, Columbus, Gabba Casey of Madison, Abby (nee Steers) (Jake) Letlebo of Fall River, Andrew Steers of Ridgeway; siblings Robert (Patti) Woodward of Waupun, Russell (Jeanette) Woodward of Oconomowoc, Harlan (Betsy) Woodward of Columbus, Audrey (Phillip) Batz of Sun Prairie, Marcella Woodward (Don Steffenhagen) of Windsor; brothers-in-law David (Melissa) Sheskey of Deforest and Tom Kvale of Belleville; sister-in-law Nancy Woodward; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents; brother William Woodward on September 30, 2024, in-laws Stanley and Mildred Sheskey; sisters Geraldine Walker (Canada), Marilyn Kvale; brother Ronald "Rinky" Woodward; brother-in-law Dave Walker; nephews Robert Walker and David Woodward.

The family would like to thank Prairie Ridge Health, Dr. Jean Carstensen, Columbus Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Lifestar EMS, Columbus Fire Department, and a special thank you to Stan and Emma Jones.

A visitation will be held from 4:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. on Friday, October 25, 2024 at Jensen Funeral & Cremation. Visitation time will continue the next day from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00 A.M. at St. Jerome Catholic Church, Columbus. Interment will be in Bethany Cemetery, Town of Calamus.

We encourage you to share your online condolences with Don's family at jensenfuneralandcremation.com