Rodney Ralph Woodward

July 18, 1954 - February 15, 2022

Rodney R.”Woody” Woodward, 67, of Channing, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer. Woody was born in Gaylord, MI on July 18, 1954, to the late Ralph and Patricia (Rich) Woodward. In 1972, he graduated from Vanderbilt High School. Woody married Karen Coonrod in Sagola on April 2, 1977. He worked 28 years for Fredrickson Oil before buying it out in 2004. Woody owned and operated the business for another 8 years before his cancer diagnosis prompted him to sell in 2012. He finished his working career for Superior Specialized Carriers. He was also proud of his many years as Fire Chief for the Sagola Township Fire Department and as a first responder for Star Ambulance. Woody’s sense of humor and infectious laugh will always be remembered. He also enjoyed spending time fishing, snowmobiling, camping, and most importantly, spending time with his family. Woody is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Karen; children, Jennifer (Rodney) Klotz, Travis (Kristin) Woodward, Rodney (Lana) Woodward Jr., and Andrew (Britney) Woodward; 17 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; brother, Rocky (Kathy) Woodward; mother-in-law, Leona Coonrod; and many other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; a great grandchild, Wade Johnson; and his father-in-law, Donald Coonrod. A Celebration of Life will be at the Sagola Community Building, 306 1st Street, starting at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Rodney Woodward online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.