Harold Woodruff, 95, passed away September 12, 2017 in Jefferson, Iowa.
A Masonic service was held Friday, September 15 at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson with Doug Tucker presiding. Funeral services were held Saturday, September 16 at First United Methodist Church in Jefferson with Rev. Julie Poulsen officiating. The processional was “The Old Rugged Cross.” Soloist, Gary Haupert sang “On Eagle’s Wings” and “How Great Thou Art” accompanied by Sheryl Sloan. The honorary bearer was his granddaughter, Joy Campbell, deceased. Casket bearers were grandchildren: April Burnett, Ryan Woodruff, Jamie Rattanapamonsook, Matthew Woodruff, Megan Woodruff, Kyle Campbell, Kristofer Campbell, Danielle Durbala O’Hara and Jennifer Durbala. Military Rites were by United States Army Honor Guard, American Legion Post #11 and Jefferson V.F.W. Post #9599. Private interment will take place at a later date at Jefferson Cemetery in Jefferson, Iowa.
Harold G. Woodruff was born January 22, 1922 in Omaha, Nebraska to David Woodruff and Beatrice Pugsley Woodruff. Harold attended school in Davenport, but joined the United States Army in his junior year of high school. He spent five years in the service, three of them in Kodiak, Alaska. After his military service, he took tests to get his high school diploma so he could enter college at Drake University in Des Moines. While going to college, he worked at Nelson’s Drug in Beaverdale. During the time that Harold was in school at Drake University, Mary Duvall was working at Veterans Hospital. The couple met in Nelson’s Drug Store in Beaverdale. Harold and Mary were married July 17, 1949 at First Methodist Church in Des Moines. They lived on 25th Street near Drake and Harold continued with his education.
After graduation from Pharmacy College, Harold worked in several pharmacies in Iowa. In September of 1957, Harold and Mary bought Potter Drug in Jefferson, having decided Jefferson was where they wanted to raise their family and grow with the community. Harold was an active member of the Iowa Pharmacists Association, serving as President 1970 – 1971. In 1981 he received the Pharmacy A.H. Robins “Bowl of Hygeina” Award. He served as president of the Academy of Long Term Care from 1980 – 1981. Harold retired April 1, 1986 and sold the store to Hy-Vee Drugtown.
Harold and Mary were married over 68 years. They are the parents of three sons and two daughters. Harold was active as he raised his family serving as Cub Master, Webelos Leader and numerous scout committees. He was a Campfire Dad and Rainbow Dad. Harold and Mary chaperoned many school parties, worked at ball games, taught Sunday School, hosted a Rotary exchange student from Brazil for three months, and a Japanese girl for three weeks through International Experiment. They traveled to every state in the United States and many countries overseas.
Harold is a 60+ year member of Morning Star Lodge #159 A.F. & A.M. He belonged to Commandery, Shrine and Scottish Rite. He belonged to Lion’s Club for over 60 years being very active in light bulb sales, pancake supper and other activities. He served as Lion’s president in Forest City, Iowa from 1956 - 1957.
Harold joined the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce upon moving to town in 1957, and was an active member throughout his career. He was part of the People to People Tour, Jefferson Industry Director and president of the Jefferson Chamber in 1982. He received Boss of the Year award in 1980, and was awarded the A.B.C. Award in 1983. He was also a member of the Jefferson Ambassadors and served as president in 1986. Harold was actively involved in bringing new businesses and industry to Greene County. He served the community in many other areas, including Jefferson School Board (as president), Civilian Law Enforcement Patrol, and the Mental Health Board. He served on the Alumni Advisor Board to Drake University from 1980 – 1983.
Harold was an active member of the First United Methodist Church throughout his life in Jefferson. He served as a lay leader, trustee chairman, conference delegate, and was active in Handy Dandys and numerous other church activities.
Preceding him in death were his parents; two sisters, Louise Woodruff Barnett and Grace Woodruff Johnston; and granddaughter, Joy Campbell. Survivors include wife, Mary Woodruff of Jefferson; children: Alan (Judy) Woodruff of Columbia, Tenn., David (Pam) Woodruff of Cape Coral, Fla., Scott (Kim) Woodruff of Kansas City, Mo., Kay (Kelly) Campbell of Panora, Iowa and Susan (Doug) Durbala of Mankato, Minn.; grandchildren: April (John) Burnett, Ryan (Abby) Woodruff, Jamie (Niw) Rattanapamonsook, Mathew Woodruff, Megan Woodruff, Kyle (Stephanie) Campbell, Kristofer (Christinia) Campbell, Danielle Durbala (Gregg) O’Hara, and Jennifer Durbala; seventeen great-grandchildren; many other relatives and friends.
Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson assisted the family.