August "Augie" Woods Obituary (1930 - 2017)

August "Augie" Woods, 87 of Dwight, IL passed away on Sunday, December 24, 2017 at Heritage Health in Dwight, IL surrounded by his family. Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be held at Hager Memorial Home from 10:00am until the time of services on Friday, December 29, 2017. Memorial services will begin at 11:00am. Burial will be at McDowell Cemetery following the services in rural Dwight, IL. Full Military Honors will be accorded. Augie was born February 4, 1930 in Raleigh Lake, IL a son of August and Myrtle (Sassenger) Woods. He married Frances Kissiar in 1953. He later married Nancy Kruse on March 23, 1979. She survives in Dwight, IL. He is also survived by daughters: Debra (Gary) Thorson, Kathy Woods, Carolyn Woods; son, Michael (Jeana) Woods all of Dwight; step children, Christopher (Carol) Whitson of Glen Ellyn, IL, David (Karen) Whitson of Wauconda, IL, Michael Whitson of Las Vegas Nevada; grandchildren, Stephanie, Michael, Beth Ann, Emily, Bryan; step grandchildren, Matthew, Zachary, Allyson and Bryan; many great grandchildren; sister, Lorraine Hollis; grand nieces, Casey and Nicki Kellums all of ARK; sister, Elva Jean; brothers, Byron and Charles Woods. He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved aunt and uncle, Ralph and Bernice Sassenger; brother in law, Ed Hollis; nephew, Tony Catritias and niece Tina Kellums. Augie was hired into Caterpillar in Peoria in 1949 where he worked until the Korean war began and he was called away to serve in the United States Army in 1950. He was trained at the 101st Army basic training facility at Breckenridge, Kentucky and served his country in the 7th Army Constabulary in Germany hold the Iron Curtain in the mountains. After his time in the Army he returned to work for Caterpiller at the Joliet Plant, where he worked until he retired in 1985. Augie was an Honorary lifetime member of the American Legion Post 486 of which he held many titles over the years including, Post Cammander, Adjutant and service officer. He was also a lifetime member of the Dwight Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 2608 where he served as Commander Post Quartermaster and service officer at various times. He sold real estate for Coldwell Banker for several years in the Dwight and Morris area. He loved sports, but his passion was for baseball. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal's fan and was involved in local youth baseball including the Little, Pony and American Legion Leagues and always said the job could not have been done without his friend and coach Henry Lund. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's Choice. This obituary may be viewed, and condolences left at www.calvertmemorial.com