Wallace ‘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 passed away on May 12, 2019 at the age of 83.
He was the youngest of five children, born to Fred & Alma (Barber) Woodhead.
He graduated from Rock County High School in 1954. After graduation, he built a stock car with Harry Swanson, racing 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 after graduation, he worked for Lackaff Ranch and other local businesses. Wally started his own business as a mechanic in the early 60’s.
Wally married Lorene Babcock, and to this union four children were born, Marilyn, twins Karen and Sharon and Michael.
Wally moved to Grant 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 Fair for 37 years and Husker Harvest days for 41 years. He taught a certified welding class for Mid-Plains Community College at 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, attending grandchildrens’ 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, Bassett and Grant Fire Departments. Wally was also a proud sponsor of 4-H sales in Arthur, Keith and Perkins Counties.
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 (Rick) Brodbeck of Ainsworth, Karen (Dan) Farnham of Grant, Shari (Doug) Sexson of Grant; son Mike (Deb) Woodhead of Holyoke, Colorado; grandchildren Heather (Cody) Stec, Cory Brodbeck, Troy Brodbeck and friend Anissa Julius all of Ainsworth, Marsha (Dan) Gusmerotti of Denver, Colorado, Cody (Brooke) Lee of Grant, Joshua Sexson and friend Lauren Pelchat of Lincoln, Jacob Sexson and fiance Maggie Reynolds of Omaha, Jarrett Woodhead of Holyoke, Colorado; great-grandchildren Grant Stec, Rowan, Rieken, and Lainey Lee; sisters Lorene Shear of Scottsbluff, Jeanne (Fred) Shelor of Omaha; Katherine’s children Terry Dodge and his children Joshua (Melody) and Crystal all of Las Vegas, Nevada, Marta (Jim) Scolaro and their daughters Bailee and Marina of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, Allen Briggs of Pahrump, Nevada; and many other relatives and host of friends.
A celebration of life was held at the Grant United Methodist Church on Thursday, May 16, at 10:30 a.m. In honor of Wally, the family requested attendees wear casual or Husker attire.
Visitation was Wednesday, from 2 to 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 is in charge of arrangements.