Woodrow "Woody" W Purington

Woodrow W “Woody” Purington, Grand Forks, 73, passed away Sunday, September 9, 2018 surrounded by his family at Altru Hospital.

Woody was born February 7, 1945, in Rugby, ND, the son of Simon and Harriet (Christiansen) Purington.  He grew up attending area schools and graduated from Knox High School in 1963. 

In 1967, Woody married Sharen Voeller; from their union, they were blessed with three children: Todd, Renae, and Kevin. In 1977, Woody married Shirley Schmaltz; from their union, they were blessed with 4 children: Michael, Steven, Sara, and Melissa. He worked as an auto parts salesman, helping many people with their vehicles.

Woody loved to hunt and going bowling. He also loved being a baseball umpire, coaching little league and watching all types of sports especially his Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Indians. Most importantly he loved spending time with his family and making people laugh.

Woody is survived by his children: Todd (Kathy) Purington, Renae (Daren) Jesperson, Kevin (Jessie) Purington, Michael (Mandy) Purington, Steven (Angie) Purington, Sara (Steve Kukowski) Purington, and Melissa Purington, grandchildren: Zachary, Courtney, Stephanie, Lucas, Lexi, Laina, Stetson, Samantha, and Sutton, great grandchildren: Harley, Ava, and a baby boy on the way, sister; Karen (Paul) Tufte, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Dale, sister Barbara, grandson Tanner, and his niece Beth.

Woody’s family would like to thank all of the nurses and staff on 3^{rd floor}, 6^th floor and SCCU at Altru and the staff at Tufte Manor for all the great care.