"Edna, josh and Kelsey, Our deepest condolences on the loss of Greg. The years have passed too quickly and I?m sorry we?ve lost touch with you guys. But I?ll never forget piling four adults and our four kids into that small Mazda sedan for a trip to the beach and sand dunes. I recently came across a great picture of Greg and I wearing fur- lined leather lumberjack hats with ear flaps (where did anyone find these in SA?). Probably gifts for our shared birthday. But dang i can?t find that photo!, but I did find ones of Edna and Jan at the camel market ? looking a little out of place in retrospect. Greg was a great engineer and a great guy ? we will all miss him."
In loving memory of
Greg Alan Woodworth
January 18, 1951 - July 8, 2021
Greg Alan Woodworth, 70, of Rochester, passed away at his home on Thursday, July 8, 2021.
Greg was born January 18, 1951 in Huron, SD to Verne and Mabel "Maxine" (Teuber) Woodworth. Greg attended South Dakota State University and received his bachelors in Electrical Engineering in 1974. Greg was united in marriage to Edna Canfield in Sioux Falls, SD on August 18, 1973. As an electrical engineer, Greg worked with Black and Veatch in Kansas City, Bismarck, and Saudi Arabia, before settling in Rochester where he worked for 22 years as the Engineering Manager at Rochester Public Utilities. After earning his MBA from Winona State University and his MS in Electrical Engineering from Iowa State University, Greg went on to work as an Associate Vice President at Ulteg Engineers and a Senior Staff Consultant at Siemens Energy before retiring in 2017.
Greg was an avid reader who always wanted to learn more. He enjoyed watching sports, especially college football, and took great pride in watching his children and grandchildren play sports over the years. Greg was extremely proud of his family and was very supportive of the people he loved. He had an infectious laugh and could tell the best stories. Greg loved mentoring junior engineers and was often known as an engineer's engineer. He was friendly, funny, and generous with his time. Above all, Greg was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother.
Greg is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Edna; children, Josh (Liz) Woodworth of Overland Park, KS, Kelsey (Randy) Vaszily of Rochester; grandchildren, Alex (12), Addison (12), Samantha (10) and Carter (9); sister, Marlis (Leon) Lindbloom of Richland, WA, and a host of other family and friends. Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Verne and Maxine.
A memorial service to celebrate Greg's life will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 17, 2021 at Evangel United Methodist Church, 2645 N. Broadway Ave., Rochester, MN. Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, July 16, 2021 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester and one hour prior to the service at the church. The Rev. Mark Rader will be officiating with a private family inurnment at Oakwood East Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Diabetes Association in memory of Greg. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Woodworth family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Edna, josh and Kelsey, Our deepest condolences on the loss of Greg. The years have passed too quickly and I?m sorry we?ve lost touch with you guys. But I?ll never forget piling four adults and our four kids into that small Mazda sedan for a trip to the beach and sand dunes. I recently came across a great picture of Greg and I wearing fur- lined leather lumberjack hats with ear flaps (where did anyone find these in SA?). Probably gifts for our shared birthday. But dang i can?t find that photo!, but I did find ones of Edna and Jan at the camel market ? looking a little out of place in retrospect. Greg was a great engineer and a great guy ? we will all miss him."
"Greg's smile and infectious laughter could make anyone's day. He was a true friend and the life of any party. We will miss him."
"A one of a kind person, Woody. A true friend to so many who loved him deeply for his many attributes. Compassionate, kind, self-deprecating and at times, simply hilarious. Brilliant with a sharp memory and an easy smile. Lord please be very good to him as he was a gentle giant, fun loving and so caring. Miss you my friend. "