Norlan Woodard, 80, of Oskaloosa, passed away Sunday, February 26, 2023, at his home in Oskaloosa.
Norlan Allen Woodard, son of Norlan Edward and Dorothy Irene (Wey) Woodard, was born December 23, 1942, in Ottumwa, Iowa. He grew up in the Hedrick area and was a 1961 graduate of Hedrick High School. His first jobs were in construction. He married Gloria Jean Vander Vegte on March 14, 1965, and they made their home in LeMars. While living in LeMars, Norlan worked at Dubuque Packing Company. In 1986, they returned to Oskaloosa, and Norlan took a position with Pella Corporation.
Norlan was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. He loved traveling with Gloria; he was an avid mushroom hunter, fisherman, and avid Hawkeye fan. He cherished his wife and family – they were the pride and joy of his life. Gloria passed away in 2012, and Norlan missed her every day after that.
His family includes his sons: Norlan Allen Woodard Jr. of Des Moines, Robbie Dean Woodard of Ottumwa, and Rickie Lee (Melinda) Woodard of Iowa City; six grandchildren: C.J., Brandon, Tyler, Brice, Lindsey, and Eliza; and numerous great-grandchildren. Five siblings also survive him: Lloyd Woodard of Fremont, IA, D.I. (Donnie) DeMarse of Des Moines, Jim Woodard of Hedrick, Lois (Kim) Kehe of Waukee, and Jack (Sue) Woodard of Fairfield.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Norlan was preceded in death by brothers: Ralph, Lawrence, and Jerry.
Funeral Services for Norlan will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 3, 2023, at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory, with Pastor Amy McGriff officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., Thursday, at the funeral chapel; the family will greet visitors from 4-6 p.m. Burial will be in Resthaven Memory Gardens in LeMars at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to the First Presbyterian Church.
