Michael "Woody" Woods

Michael "Woody" Woods, 71, of Emmett, Idaho, died on December 30, 2024, after battling a chronic respiratory condition for the past few years. While his condition was very serious, his passing was more sudden than expected, and he is dearly missed.  

Mike was born in Burlington, NY in 1953 to Jack and Rita Woods, and spent his childhood living in different parts of the country as the Air Force stationed their family in Alaska, Staton Island, Texas, and finally Colorado. Mike was the much-loved big brother to Lynne (two years younger) and Scott (four years younger.) Mike and his siblings were always very close. As kids, they hung out with each other, building forts, catching crawdads, playing “Gun Smoke" and Bonanza. Mike was a natural-born leader; Scott & Lynne always looked up to him. Their strong sibling bond never wavered, and Mike would frequently go on epic road trips to get together with his family.  

Mike attended Mitchell High School in Colorado Springs before joining the Air Force. Most of his work life was spent in construction/carpentry and later as a truck driver in the oil fields in North Dakota.  

Mike and his wife Kary met over 30 years ago. They were married in 1993 in Elko, NV. Their son, Michael, was everything to them, and raising him was the focus of their life together during his younger years.  

Mike had four children whom he loved very much: Sarah, Katie, Kristy, and Michael John. No matter how far-flung, or what time differences there were, he would always make a point of staying connected with his kids. He was there for the big things like graduations and weddings, but also quick to call or text back about the small everyday things as well.  

Mike had many longtime friendships including with Marco, Chris, Jay, and Dave who he thought of more as family. He was always a loyal and true friend who paid tribute to those who went on before him.  

Mike loved family and friends deeply. He was also passionate about his Harley Davidsons, many dogs over the years, guns, freedom, our country, hunting, history, music, and, surprisingly, social media. His garage was his happy place, and it was where he spent the majority of his time, especially over the last few years. He was stubborn, rebellious, and not one to conform to societal norms. He didn’t like crowds or being around a lot of people, but he wouldn’t begrudge his friends and family for having a memorial service, knowing it’s more about their closure than for him.  

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, John "Jack" and Rita Woods and his brother, Scott Woods. He is survived by his children, Sarah (David) Jablonski, Katie (Brent) Woods, Kristy Woods, Michael Woods; grandchildren, Austin, Talen, Jacob, Sami, Haley, Dahlia and his sister Lynne (Brad) Butler.  

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Potter Funeral Chapel, 228 E Main Street, Emmett, ID 83617. Military Honors and Inurnment at 2:00 pm at Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, at 10100 North Horseshoe Bend Road Boise, Idaho 83714. 

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