Marlyn "Corky" G. Woodward

Marlyn G. “Corky” Woodward, age 69, of Merrill, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on May 25, 1954 to the late Harvey II and Evelyn (Rucks) Woodward in Wausau, WI.  Corky met the love of his life, Danette Leer, and the two exchanged marriage vows on February 25, 1983 in Kansas.  She survives.  He attended Merrill High School before bravely enlisting in the United States Army and was a military police officer.  Corky was honorably discharged after serving 4 years. 

Corky was a man that wore many hats, and was a friend to all who knew him. He worked in various lines of work, but coming from a long line of law enforcement, he was most passionate about that, and was proud of his service as a deputy sheriff in Vilas County WI, Wabaunsee County KS and Sheriff in Morris County, Kansas.  He also owned Corky’s Bar, was a dairy farmer and loved his career of over the road trucking, where he worked for many companies and eventually owned his own.  Corky also worked as an auctioneer.  He loved his family, especially his children and grandchildren, they were the center of his world.  He was a man with a great sense of humor and would enjoy telling jokes and pranking people – especially on April Fool’s Day!  Corky looked forward to spending time on his tractor or going for a ride on the UTV. He loved telling stories and visiting with friends during happy hour at the Trophy Bar or the Dugout. He was a proud Republican and would not be afraid to stand up for what is right, he was passionately involved with politics.  Corky will be sadly missed, but his stories will live on.

Corky leaves behind his wife: Danette Woodward of Merrill, son: Denney (Janet) Woodward of Florida, daughter: Penny (Bob) Zajackowski of Merrill, sons: Joe (Laura) Bowling of Arkansas and Dusty (Liz) Woodward of Merrill, his beloved grandchildren: Colton aka Duke, Maddie Rose, Morgan, Avery, Cason, Colton, Aiden and Braydon, brothers: Reed (Susan) Woodward of Pulaski, WI, Rocky (Debbie) Woodward of Hatley, WI and Brian (Sue) Woodward of Nevada, sister-in-law: Diane Woodward of Mosinee and his loyal service dog, Christy, who was his big fur baby that went everywhere with him!  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother: Harvey Woodward III.

The funeral service for Corky will be held on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 11am at Waid Funeral Home.  Pastor Greg Laska will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, from 4pm-8pm, and again on Thursday, July 20, 2023 from 10am until the time of the service, all held at the funeral home.  Military honors will be performed by the Merrill VFW Post # 1638 at the funeral home, immediately following the service.

For those unable to attend the funeral, it will be live streamed for immediate viewing. It will begin at 11am on Thursday, July 20, 2023, and will then be posted under his obituary on our website for future viewing.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to all of the staff at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital for the care and compassion shown to Corky and his family over the years, most recently, in the Intensive Care Unit.  Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.