Dale R. Woodard, age 60, of Hager City WI, passed away at Abbott Northwestern Hospital with his family by his side.

Dale was born July 26, 1954 in Hillsboro WI., to Boyd (Bud) and Elaine (Schmidt) Woodard. He was the youngest of three children. Dale graduated in 1972 from Royal High School, Elroy WI. Dale began a lifelong career with the railroad, hiring on to the Milwaukee Road in 1973. Most recently he was a signal maintainer, working out of Hastings, MN for the last 30 years. Dale retired from the Railroad after 41 years of service, July 29, 2014.

Dale enjoyed all aspects of the outdoors. He is known for his beautiful flower beds and vegetable garden that he tended with pride. Dale enjoyed hunting and fishing, making his final deer hunt on November 22, 2014.

Dale is survived by his wife of 33 years, Margaret; daughter, Laura (Phil) Hodges of River Falls, WI., Son, Joe (Lindsay) Woodard of Shakopee, MN. Two beloved grandsons, Wyatt Hodges and Grayson Woodard. His mother, Elaine Woodard of Kendall, WI., Sister, Sandy (Randy) Parkhurst of Orfordville, WI., Sisters-in-law; Ellie (George) Hooker, Lina Bennett, Jane Viles, Mary (Karl) Steffen of Beloit, WI., Roberta (Ron) Woods of Janesville, WI., along with many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Dale was preceded in death by his father, Boyd (Bud) Woodard, brother, Glenn Woodard, maternal and paternal grandparents, uncles and brothers-in-law; Frank Bennett, Steve Lee, and Don Viles.

Dale’s exuberant personality and award winning smile will be forever in our hearts!

Hill Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Ellsworth, is serving the family.