Rodger Lee Woolen

Rodger Lee Woolen was born June 1, 1942 in his grandma's house in Clay Center Nebraska, first son of Doial and Phyllis (Nye) Woolen. He died February 28,2024 at Kaiser Westside in Hillsboro Oregon. His first few years were spent in Clay Center with his mother and other family while his dad served in the CCC's. After the war the family of three traveled the country with a septic tank cleaning business. Rodger was joined by three brothers between 1948 and 1953, Jerry, Clay and Norm. In the early 50's they moved into a house they bought in Clay Center. The Portland, Oregon area was their next home starting in 1957. Soon after this Rodger moved back to Clay Center for health reasons. He graduated high school at Clay Center 1961. He was an avid athlete especially in football and basketball in Beaverton Oregon and Clay Center. He continued his love of sports his whole life and was an avid supporter of the Nebraska Cornhuskers. His brothers and he would often get together to watch the Huskers on TV here in Newberg with very much enthusiasm. On his 80th birthday his son gave him a birthday greeting from Tom Osborne, head coach of the Cornhuskers from 1973-1997. This thrilled Rod no end. He also loved Elvis having most if not all his records, and even combed his hair like Elvis. On May 18, 1974 he married Ila Mihm of Harvard, Nebraska. They settled into his parents' house in Clay Center for about 9 years. Rod and Ila lived there with their 2 sons. While living in Nebraska Rod was in construction as tender for bricklayers, they also formed concrete in various forms like driveways, basements etc. When that work became scarce in the early 80's, Rodger moved his family to Newberg Oregon where he became a sheet metal fabricator for 17 years. Making conveyors for the food industry like Frito Lay and Purina. He loved playing pool, doing yard work and gardening. He and his brothers attended garage sales every weekend for some years. He made a few wooden lawn ornaments for Christmas and Halloween. He would go to auto shows with his brothers. He also loved going to the beach where we watched the waves, ate plenty of seafood, and of course went to the casinos. Rodger was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jerry, Jerry's wife Sherry, and Clay's wife Susie. Surviving are two of his brothers Clay, Norm and his wife Steffanie. His wife Ila, their sons David, Brad and his wife Michelle, five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, seven nieces and two nephews.

Rodger Lee Woolen

June 1, 1942 - February 28, 2024