Bill Kenneth Woodward

Bill K. Woodward, 78, of Moline, IL, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, December 10, 2011, at Clarissa Cook Hospice in Bettendorf, IA. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 13th, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at Wendt Funeral Home in Moline. Services will be Wednesday, December 14th, at 10:30 a.m., at the funeral home. Burial will be in Western Cemetery, Orion, IL. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Bill Kenneth Woodward was born December 11, 1932, in Lutheran Hospital in Moline, to George and Beulah (Peacock) Woodward. Bill married Charlotte Bledsoe, of Moline, on March 26, 1951, in Pocahontas, AR. She preceded him in death in October of 1990. During high school, Bill worked at International Harvester Company-East Moline Works, while operating his own garbage disposal service. In 1957, Bill and Charlotte purchased Bridgeway Auto Parts in Moline, which fulfilled his passion to operate his own business. After Charlotte's death, Bill continued to operate the business along with his children, and eventually with his grandchildren, who continue the operation. Bill was an avid collector and restorer of antique cars and motorcycles. He loved attending swap-meets and auctions to "wheel and deal". Over the years, Bill undertook a wide variety of projects, which included remodeling houses, and constructing buildings on his properties. Bill had a natural engineering talent that allowed him to solve problems with a variety of innovative solutions, using the materials at hand. Bill was a "people person", and enjoyed a wide range of friends from many walks of life. It was rare for him to be in a public place and not recognize and visit with an old friend or two. After he retired, he still came to "work" everyday, drinking coffee, and being the great story teller that he was. He loved to recount his life experiences. Bill cherished the friendships he had made over the years, and was a kind and generous friend in return. He was always willing to help people in need, a trait which touched the hearts of many, and a trait that he instilled in his children and grandchildren. He will be sorely missed. He was a Masonic brother, belonging to the Moline Blue Lodge #1014, and a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Moline (Free Masons). Survivors include: son, Bill (Chris) Woodward of Moline; daughters, Ruth (Rob) Bartelmay of Largo, FL, and Georgette (Terry Predmore) Woodward of Moline; ten grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren; and his longtime companion, Judy Stogsdill. He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte, his parents, and a daughter, Jacqueline Woodward-Stuebe. Special thanks to home care providers, Angie and Candi, and the many other health care providers who were a comfort in his final years.

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