| Gerald H. “Woody” Woodgate |
The Phonograph-Herald | August 20, 2025
Gerald H. “Woody” Woodgate of St. Paul, formerly of Ord, passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Brookefield Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in St. Paul, at the age of eighty-five.
Mr. Woodgate’s wishes were to be cremated.
A celebration of Gerald’s life will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Ord Veterans Club, beginning at 11:00 a.m. The Officers’ End of Watch (last call) will be at 11:45 a.m., followed by a luncheon at 12:00 p.m. The celebration will continue with a live band beginning at 1:00 p.m. to honor Woody’s love of music and dancing. Private inurnment will be in the Ord City Cemetery.
Ord Memorial Chapel is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.ordmemorialchapel. com Gerald Herbert was born August 25, 1939, at North Platte, to Vernon and Dorothy (Newsome) Woodgate. He was raised in Fremont, near the State Lakes, where he received his education. Following high school Gerald worked at GE Electric.
On November 22, 1959, Gerald and his high school sweetheart, Elvera C. “El” Wennstedt were united in marriage at Fremont. The couple was blessed with a daughter, Denise, and son, Gerald “Jerry.”
Gerald decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a career in law enforcement. His lifelong career first started as a policeman in Fremont. In 1963, Gerald and El moved their young family to Ord, where Gerald was a game warden. After attending the FBI Academy, he worked for the Nebraska Crime Commission. Gerald served as the Valley County Sheriff for many years, then as the Kearney County Sheriff until retirement.
During his career, he was the recipient of numerous awards for bravery. His highest achievement came from the United States Department of Justice in 1996, for recognition of his dedicated efforts and service that contributed to fostering law enforcement cooperation in the State of Nebraska.
Gerald was a member of the Nebraska Sheriff’s Association, serving as president in 1995. He belonged to the Lucky 13 goose hunting crew, Ord Elks Lodge, and the Ord Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.
As an avid hunter and fisherman, Gerald was instrumental in starting the Ord Karp and Krow club as well as the Ducks Unlimited Chapter of Elyria.
Gerald was a lifelong member of the Shriners, sponsoring many children in need; he received an award for fifty years of service as a Master Mason.
Gerald enjoyed boating, dancing, traveling on cruises, and spending time with his family. He also collected and sold guns and coins.
Years following El’s passing, he moved to the Lake of the Woods in St. Paul. Gerald and fiance’ Linda Vargason spent the last nine years together fishing at the lake, dancing, and going on cruises. They loved spending time with family and their dog, Bella. The last nine years were a blessing to both Gerald and Linda, as their lifelong friendship and God brought them together to enjoy life at its fullest.
Survivors include Gerald’s fiance, Linda Vargason of St. Paul; a daughter, Denise O’Neel of Ord and her fiance Mike Hobson of Fort Calhoun; a son and daughter- in-law, Gerald “Jerry” and Michelle Woodgate of St. Paul; five grandchildren, Tyler O’Neel, Travis and Catherine O’Neel, Timbre and Tyler Crumrine, Kyle and Lisa Woodgate, and Dylan and Danika Woodgate; eight great-grandchildren, Treyton Cassell (Kendyl Koehlmoos), Kaiya Cassell (Zach Anderson), Katrina Cassell, Greyson Crumrine, and Maverick, Murphy, Saylor and Hudsyn Woodgate; one great-great-grandchild, Ivy Anderson; and a sister, Peggy Peterson of Fremont.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, El; a brother, Cecil Woodgate; a sister, Shirley Sommers; and son-in-law, Terry O’Neel.