Tom Woodward, 67, of Nebraska City, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the Ambassador in Nebraska City.

John Thomas Woodward was born on June 16, 1957 in Hamburg, IA; the son of John Bernard and Gertrude Eloise “Trudy” (Boettner) Woodward. He grew up and attended school in Hamburg, graduating from Hamburg High School with the class of 1975. He then attended the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, graduating in 1979.

He was united in marriage to Teresa Martin on September 6th, 1986, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Nebraska City. To this union, three children were born: Alexis, Tyler, and Kelsey. The family made their home in Hamburg where Tom farmed around Hamburg and Watson and worked as a Pioneer seed dealer. He was an active member of the Hamburg Community, volunteering on many church and community boards, including the Grape Community Hospital board where he served as President. He was a longtime member of Hamburg Fire and Rescue. After moving to Nebraska City in 2012, Tom joined the Nebraska City Volunteer Fire Department Great Western Company where he proudly served until his retirement. 

Tom never lost his passion for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.  Through the good years and the bad years, he was a diehard fan.  His daughter-in -law, Abby Woodward, brought a special Husker connection to the family as both of her brothers played football for The University of Nebraska in recent years.

Tom worked hard and played hard.  He loved traveling with his family and never missed an opportunity.  Both Tom and Teresa always shared a love of being in and around water, even meeting each other for the first time at a party on the Missouri River.  They eventually created a warm and inviting lake front home for friends and family to enjoy at the Lake of The Ozarks.  The Woodward family has had a long love affair with golf, beginning with Tom’s parents, John and Trudy.  Tom played with The Golf Limited Group and The Nomad Golfing Group, where he enjoyed spending quality time with friends.

One of the greatest joys of Tom’s life was being able to farm alongside his father, John, and his son, Tyler.  He always had a passion for agriculture and was a true steward of the land.

Tom lived his life with honesty, integrity, unwavering kindness, and a love for his family that was unmatched.  He gave tirelessly to his community.  Tom will be remembered as a loving family man, an excellent farmer, a community leader, and a good friend to so many.  He cherished his friendships, developing them at each stage of his life, with most of these lasting the remainder of his life.  He was often described as a “true gentleman.” 

He will never be replaced, but his legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, and family.  He had a very special bond with his children and grandkids and they adored him. He was always rooting each one of them on through life. Each one of Tom’s children and grandchildren have qualities that exemplify the life that he lived and are his greatest accomplishment. 

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Teresa Woodward of Nebraska City; children: Lexi (Jacob) Klima of Murray, NE, Tyler (Abby) Woodward of Hamburg, IA, and Kelsey (Drew) Meyer of Syracuse, NE; four grandchildren: Keith and Emery Klima, and Eloise and Charlotte Woodward; sister Jonelle Spiegel of Hamburg, IA; nieces and nephews: Andrew (Molly) Spiegel, Laura (Clint) Tobin, and Kyle (Becca) Spiegel; parents-in-law Pat and Darell Martin; and brother and sister in law Brad and Denise Martin; Uncle Bill (Jo) Woodward, Jacque (Tony) Diez, Cari (Joe) Robertson Jerry (Jenny) Woodward and many other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Trudy Woodward, and his brother-in-law Dick Spiegel.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church in Nebraska City. Burial will follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Hamburg, IA. with a firefighter procession and memorial service. The family will greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday (5/6) at the First United Methodist Church in Nebraska City.

Memorials may be directed to Hamburg Fire and Rescue, Grape Community Hospital Foundation, or the First United Methodist Church in Nebraska City.

Gude Funeral Homes in Nebraska City and Hamburg are in charge of arrangements.