Rodney Woods

Sioux City - Rodney D. Woods, 61, of Sioux City slipped peacefully from his family's arms into eternal rest Tuesday, April 2, 2013, at his residence following a brief and courageous battle with cancer.
Services will be 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Larkin Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home, with Chaplain Jon Moravec officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a prayer service at 6 p.m., at the funeral home.
Rodney was born on June 21, 1951, in Sioux City, the son of James and Marie (Bitsos) Woods. He was baptized a Methodist. Rodney lived all his life in Sioux City, attending Sioux City schools and graduating from Sergeant Bluff High School in 1969. He played baseball and football through his school years. Rodney continued his education for a short time at Wayne State College. In 1972, he graduated from carpenter’s apprenticeship at Western Iowa Tech Community College. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1972, receiving an honorable discharge. He earned the National Defense Service Medal and Expert Rifle (M-16) Marksmanship award.
Rodney married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Murfield, on Dec. 9, 1983, and they shared 31 wonderful years together. Rodney was a carpenter by trade and worked for Oakleaf Real Estate Management until his illness.
He was a true outdoorsman, with his passion for fishing, hunting, boating and camping, which he tried to pass on to his children and grandchildren. Rodney’s greatest pride and joy were his children and grandchildren. He loved attending all their sporting and school events. Rodney was loving, generous and forgiving. He would help anyone in need, no matter what.
He is survived by his wife, Patty; daughter, Kristine Gosnell of Sioux City; son, Casey Gosnell of Columbus, Ohio; grandchildren, Lakyn, James, Camille, Andella and Mila; parents, James and Marie Woods of Mission, Texas; sister, Linda and Les Zahnow of Mission; two brothers, James and Vicki Woods Jr. of Galva, Iowa, and Craig and Debbie Woods of Houston, Texas; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.