Wally Woodhead
Wallace B. “Wally” Woodhead was born on his mother’s birthday, March 25, 1936, in Rock County, Nebraska, at home on the “Patch Place.” Wally died May 12, 2019, at the age of 83.
He was the youngest of five children born to Fred and Alma (Barber) Woodhead. He graduated from Rock County High School in 1954. After graduating, he built a stock car with Harry Swanson, racing in Nebraska in Stuart, Sargent, Ainsworth and Valentine.
He attended Milford Trade School, graduating in mechanics after the first semester because he knew more than his instructor. Returning to Bassett, Nebraska, after graduation, he worked for Lackaff Ranch and other local businesses. Wally began his own business as a mechanic in the early ’60s.
Wally married Lorene Babcock, and to this union four children were born: Marilyn, twins Karen and Sharon, and Michael.
Wally moved to Grant, Nebraska, after living in Bassett for 35 years. Wally was employed by Valmont Industries for two years as a district service manager. He became farm manager for Dudden Brothers Farms until he opened his own business in 1975. This became his lifelong passion up until the time of his death.
His specialties were T-L center pivots, Isuzu engines, and Wally’s Coolrite Coolers, along with fabrications, crane work and a welding shop. He serviced a four-state area. His highlights were exhibiting at the Chase County Fairs for 37 years and Husker Harvest Days for 41 years. He taught a certified welding class for Nebraska’s Mid-Plains Community College in Imperial, Madrid, Grant and Ogallala.
In 2004, Wally married Katherine Dodge in Ogallala. They resided in Ogallala before moving to Grant. Together they enjoyed camping, gardening, and attending grandchildren’s events and Husker football games. Wally’s other hobbies included stock car racing, ice fishing, hunting and attending Bronco football games. His passion was helping others with his talent, knowledge and skills.
He never knew a stranger or forgot a name.
Organizations he belonged to include Lions Club, Bassett United Methodist Church, Ogallala Elks, Moose Lodge, and Bassett and Grant fire departments. Wally was also a proud sponsor of 4-H sales in Arthur, Keith and Perkins counties in Nebraska.
Wally fought a courageous battle with cancer and other health issues over the last several years and will be dearly missed by all.
Wally was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters and brothers-in-law, LaVerna and Vernon Sharp, Lila Kepler and Kenneth Shear.
He is survived by his wife, Katherine of Grant; daughters, Marilyn and husband Rick Brodbeck of Ainsworth, Karen and husband Dan Farnham of Grant, and Shari and husband Doug Sexson of Grant; son, Mike and wife Deb Woodhead of Holyoke; grandchildren, Heather and husband Cody Stec of Ainsworth, Cory Brodbeck of Ainsworth, Troy Brodbeck and friend Anissa Julius of Ainsworth, Marsha and husband Dan Gusmerotti of Denver, Cody and wife Brooke Lee of Grant, Joshua Sexson and friend Lauren Pelchat of Lincoln, Nebraska, Jacob Sexson and fiancee Maggie Reynolds of Omaha, Nebraska, and Jarrett Woodhead of Holyoke; great-grandchildren, Grant Stec and Rowan, Rieken and Lainey Lee; sisters, Lorene Shear of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and Jeanne and husband Fred Shelor of Omaha; Katherine’s children, Terry Dodge and his children Joshua and wife Melody and Crystal of Las Vegas, Nevada, Marta and husband Jim Scolaro and their daughters Bailee and Marina of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, and Allen Briggs of Pahrump, Nevada; and many other relatives and a host of friends.
Celebration of life was scheduled for Thursday, May 16, at 10:30 a.m. at the Grant United Methodist Church. In honor of Wally, everyone is asked to wear casual or Husker attire.
Visitation was scheduled for Wednesday, May 15, 2-6 p.m. at Grant United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to Perkins County Health Services in Wally’s memory.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant has been entrusted with the arrangements.