Elwood Joseph Formholtz's Obituary
Elwood (Woody) Joseph Formholtz, age 81, of Lorain, Ohio passed away Saturday, February 7, 2015 at New Life Hospice Center of St. Joseph after a brief illness.
He was born on May 13, 1933 in Altoona, PA. Woody enlisted with the United States Air Force on October 10, 1952 and served as A/1C. He received the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Woody was honorably discharged on September 1, 1956.
Woody came to Ohio in 1959 to work at the new Ford Motor Co. assembly plant in Lorain. He worked a wide variety of jobs but spent the majority of his time as a repairman in the commercial van department, retiring in 1994 after 32 years of service.
He was a member of the Church of St. Peter, Lorain and the American Legion Post # 30 in Lorain. Woody's one hobby and his true passion was his family. He especially loved his grandchildren as they were his greatest joy throughout his retirement. He relished attending all of their events. Woody also loved to relax on his porch. You could always count on a wave or a friendly chat if you happened to come by. He was kind and generous, with a gentle manner and infectious smile that endeared him to all. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his sons, Gerard (Peggy) Formholtz and David Formholtz, both of Lorain; daughter, Mary (Daniel) McCoy, of Milan; grandchildren, Samuel and Joseph Formholtz; Luke McCoy(fiancee Zoe Gastier) and Mackenzie McCoy; sisters-in-law, Jane Gaul of Cleremont, Florida; and Judy Shaffer of Altoona, Pennsylvania; brother-in-law, Tom Shaffer of Tyrone, Pennsylvania; and many nieces and nephews.
Woody was preceded in death by his beloved wife Rita Ann (nee Shaffer), in 2008; his son, Stephen in 1957; and his mother, Marcella Formholtz in 1969.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 13, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Peter, 3655 Oberlin Ave., Lorain. Rev. Fr. Craig Hovanec, Pastor, will officiate. Inurnment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.
The family suggest contributions be made in memory of Elwood to St. Peter’s Pre-School in Lorain or the Lorain Public Library.
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