Obituary of Leo F Woods

Leo F. Woods, 84, of Dyersville passed away Saturday, Oct 21, 2017.  As requested he was at home and surrounded by his family.

Visitation was held from 2 – 8 pm Tuesday, October 24, 2017, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where a parish vigil service was held at 2 pm and an Ancient Order of Hibernians service was held at 7 pm.  Visitation continued Wednesday from 9-10 at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 am Wednesday, October 25, 2017, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Dennis Quint officiated.  Placing of the pall was done by Judy, Michael and Stephen Woods.  Lectors were Mike Woods and Carol Katsumes and giftbearers were Kara Johnson and Jon Woods.  Eucharistic ministers were Julie Wieneke, Jolene Rahe and Carol Goerdt.  Music was provided by St. Francis Xavier Resurrection Choir, solo pianist, Carol Katsumes and bagpiper, William Spivey.  Honorary pallbearers were member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.  Pallbearers were Jon Woods, Danny Woods, Stephen S. Woods, Kara Johnson, Bud Johnson and Dan Zitelman.

Leo was born August 18, 1933, near Hopkinton, Iowa the son of John and Sadie (Burke) Woods.  He was the youngest of seven children.  He married Judy Swenson on September 14, 1952, in Clermont, Iowa.  They moved to Clermont, Iowa and began a career delivering gas and fuel oil then moved into the sales of agricultural products such as feed and livestock. They moved to Dyersville in 1976, where they made many new friends and became active in St. Francis Xavier Parish. After retirement he enjoyed driving an RTA bus for special needs adults.  Leo was a talented salesman because he loved talking to people.  His interest in people guided his association with the Ancient Order of Hibernians where he was named 2016 Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Leo was also loved by many local friends, known for often telling a good story or joke and visiting his big family frequently, especially his grandchildren.

Leo is survived by his wife of 65 years, Judy, two sons: Michael Woods & Katie Pague of Berthoud, CO, and Stephen Woods & Carol Katsumes of Elgin, Iowa; his very dear grandchildren: Jonathon & Nadine Woods of Johnston, IA,  Stephen & Melodee Woods of Hawkeye, IA,  Kara & Bud Johnson and Danny & Aleisha Woods, both of West Union, IA, and Emily & Steven Beard of Gilbert, AZ; great grandchildren include Conner, Duncan, & Megan, Brody, Ali, Kade, Megan, Addison, Mia, Kole, Jackson and Liam with Sarge, Brielle and Esaias; two brothers: Thomas & Carolyn Woods of Oelwein, IA, James Woods of Cedar Rapids; and in–laws: Sheldon Fox of Oelwein, IA. and Mary Kay (Robert) Marvin of Janesville, IA.

He was preceded in death by his son, David Woods in 2002, siblings: Donald (Jean) Woods, Paul (Carolee) Woods, Margaret (Thomas) Henry and Betty Fox; a sister-in-law: Patricia Woods.

Memorials are preferred and can be made in his name to the Ancient Order of Hibernians, St. Francis Xavier Church and Schools, or Hospice of Dubuque.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com.