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Elmer "Lee" Woodward, 79, of Cloquet passed away Jan. 23, 2023, at Solvay Hospice House in Duluth. He was born June 25, 1943, in Seattle, Washington, the son of Elmer and Laura (Simnis) Woodward. Lee served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He was raised in San Diego, California and moved to Duluth in 1966. Lee was united in marriage to Marlys Meemken on Dec. 10, 1966. He worked for Zalk Josephs Fabricators in Duluth and retired from Potlatch Corp. Lee was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Hebert-Kennedy VFW Post 3979 and had served with the Cloquet Combined Honor Guard, the Cooties, and the Disabled American Veterans.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Virginia Rutherford; infant brother, Richard Woodward; and brother Donald Woodward. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marlys; children, Deborah (Chris) Conner, Joseph (Diane) Woodward and Lori (Michael) Hatinen; siblings Shirley (Al) Friedly, Lonni Lowe, Gordon (Jacque) Woodward and Dianna (Norman) Larsen; grandchildren, Emily Conner, Elaine Conner, Jack Conner, Kyle (Sierra Pederson) Woodward, Brittney Woodward, Heather (Ryan) O'Connor and Blake (BreAnna) Hatinen; great-grandchildren, Cameron, Piper and Jaxx; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial Friday, Jan. 27 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Cloquet, followed with a luncheon in the church social hall. Military Honors and inurnment service will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Saginaw at 2 p.m. Arrangements are entrusted to Nelson Funeral Care of Cloquet.

Pine Knot News. Jan. 27, 2023