D. Terry Woodford Jr. died December 13, 2018.
He was born to Donald T. Woodford Sr. and Geraldine (Geri) Peterson Woodford March 7, 1933 in Black River Falls, WI. When he was six years old the family moved to Stevens Point, WI. Terry attended the Mary Bradford School, in connection with UW-Stevens Point. He attended and graduated from P.J. Jacobs High School in 1951. While in high school, he was a band member, a chorus member, and a class officer. During his junior year, he attended Badger Boys State, and was a Boy Scout-Order of the Arrow. He enjoyed these years which included time also spent on the “Chain O’Lakes”, social occasions at the “Casino” as well as in and around Stevens Point. Terry attended college at UW-Stevens Point for one year thereafter transferring to Luther, Decorah, Iowa. He graduated with a BA degree in Business. During his years at Luther College he continued vocal training and was selected as a member of the Nordic Cathedral Choir for his entire time at Luther College. The choir traveled from coast-to-coast during this period. After college, Terry volunteered for the U.S. Army and was inducted September 1955. His basic training and specialty training were done at Ft. Leonard, Wood, MO. While in the Army, he was assigned to a medical detachment in Frankfurt, Germany. He was honorably discharged September 1957 at Ft. Dix.
Following his service in the Army he was employed by Employers Mutual of Wausau and was trained in sales before being transferred to their office in Appleton, WI. Terry developed an interest during this time in medical/dental Professional Management. He changed employment and joined the professional management firm, Gaarder & Miller, Inc, on February 1, 1961. He continued his life in Appleton where he met a beautiful gal and the love of his life, Sara Elizabeth Dixon, who was visiting her family in Appleton while teaching and living in Boston, MA. They were married September 9, 1961 at the First Congregational Church, Rockford, Illinois, Sara’s hometown. They raised three children in Appleton, WI, Robert, Thomas and Elizabeth. An infant son, William Eric Woodford, died earlier. Terry continued his Medical/Dental management career for 50 years. He served his company as an equal owner, member of the board and an officer. Together with other owners and shareholders they developed the first online Medical Billing/Insurance billing system known. This business was later sold to Employers Mutual Insurance Co, Wausau, WI. Prior to his retirement, he also served on some of his client’s Boards. Gaarder & Miller, Appleton branch was merged with Schenk & Associates, S.C., Certified Public Accountants as a medical management division. He also enjoyed his years as a member of the Downtown Rotary Club.
Terry and his family and many friends enjoyed the family cottage on Rainbow Lake, Waupaca Chain O’ Lakes for 45 years. He and Sara retired there for several years prior to returning to Appleton. Although Appleton was the place he spent most of the year, the “Cottage” was the heart and soul of his family and life representing family activities and endless joy.
Surviving family members include: his wife Sara; their three children, Robert(Emmie), Thomas(Elisabeth), Elizabeth “Betsy” Woodford; his grandchildren: Jacob(Hilary), Alexander, Catherine, Madeline, Joseph and Caroline Woodford; his sister Carol Olsen and her children, John, Kristin, Karen and Sarah.
The family would like to thank The Bridges nursing home and staff for the loving, competent and compassionate care during Terry’s illness. The many thoughtful visits from family and friends were deeply appreciated.
A memorial service will be held at First Congregational Church UCC in Appleton on January 26, 2019. The service will be held at 3 p.m. with visitation from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to participate in a memorial fund, The Boys & Girls Club or First Congregational Church of Appleton are suggested. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.