Neil W Woodard

Neil Woodard, 93, of Frazee, Minnesota passed away on May 26, 2024, under hospice care at the Frazee Care Center surrounded by his family.

He was born in Frazee, Minnesota on November 16, 1930, to Milton and Marie (Stacey) Woodard. Neil graduated from Frazee high school in 1949, where he was a standout athlete in football and basketball. After graduation, Neil enlisted in the US Navy, where he was a part of the water rescue team. While in the Navy, Neil was a forward and captain on the basketball team where he averaged 22 points per game. 

When Neil returned from the Navy in 1953, he married Janice Schram and they had five children together, Neil and Janice were married for 41 years until her passing in 1994. Neil worked as a surveyor for the Becker County Highway Department for 38 years and retired in 1991. He volunteered for the Frazee Fire Department and was a Becker County Auxiliary Police officer for 20 years.  

Neil loved attending all local sporting events and was the Frazee Wrestling fan of the year in 2003 -2004 and had a passion for the Minnesota Twins. He enjoyed being outdoors and was an avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer. His favorite time was hunting with his brothers, children, and grandchildren. 

Neil is survived by his five children; Mike (Renee) Woodard of Frazee, Minnesota; Jean (Bryan) Soland of Vergas, Minnesota; Sue (Jesse) Wilkowski of Butler, Minnesota; Jane (Larry) Bergquist of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota; and Steve Woodard of Frazee, Minnesota, 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Neil is preceded in death by his wife Janice, parents; Milton and Marie Woodard, brothers and sisters-in-law; Bob and Eleanor Woodard, Pete and Mary Woodard, and brothers-in-law; Robert Schram and David Schram.

Neil’s Celebration of Life will be held at the David-Donehower Funeral Home on Friday, May 31st at 11:00 am, visitation will begin at 10:00 am.