John Russell Woods

John “Woody” Russell Woods passed away peacefully at the age of 80 in his home the morning of June 15, 2024, after a short battle with cancer.

John was born in Hanover, New Hampshire on August 24, 1943, to Jean (Rambo) and Russell Woods. He was raised on a small farm in the valley of Bridgewater Corner, Vermont, with his brothers and sister. After attending a one room schoolhouse through 8th grade, John graduated from Woodstock Union High School in 1961. In high school he was on the All-State Shriners Football Team and All-State Basketball Team. He joined the Air Force soon after graduation, rising to the position of Senior Master Sargent. He proudly served his country for 28 years—including 2 tours of duty in Vietnam at Phan Rang and Tuy Hoa. 

John met the love of his life, Nancy Spiess, in 1969 while on a blind date in Duluth, Minnesota. They were married on August 24, 1971. After traveling the world together for many years in the military, he and his family found a home in Cleveland, MN for many years—with his final resting place in St. Peter. John and Nancy also thoroughly enjoyed their winters down in Weslaco, TX, creating long lasting memories and friends. John loved all 5 of his children dearly, always bragging about each of their accolades. He was an amazing dad and grandfather during his time on this earth.

John loved to hunt, fish, and garden – but his true passion for many years was lacing up and hitting the road for a long run. Over the years he competed in close to 68 full marathons and too many to count half-marathons, 10k’s, 5 mile, and 5k races. In the late 1980’s John was named runner of the year in Maine for finishing first in all but one race on a circuit one summer. Though no longer able to run for the past few years, he was still working out regularly. John will also be forever remembered for the deep pride he had for his country and always having Fox News on when you would come over. We thought he would for sure try to make it to November just to vote in the next presidential election (#Trump). He was a life member of the VFW, a member of the American Legion Post 37, and belonged to the Vietnam Last Mans Club. We couldn’t have asked for a better husband/father/grandfather and will miss him every day. John’s memory will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him.

Left to remember John are his loving wife, Nancy; sisters Betty Ann Sailor and Wanda Morgan; brother William (Jeannette)Woods; five children: Tami Brown, Lisa Hilton, Tara Smith, Jana (Patrick) Kunz, and Shawn Woods; Grandchildren Taylor (Tawnya) Brown, Julia Brown, Cara Brown, Emma Hilton, Luke Hilton, Ally Smith, Austin Smith, Noah Kunz, Logan Kunz, Anna Woods, and Hailey Woods; one great-grandchild Kellan Brown and many nieces and nephews; sister-in-law Linda Woods and brother-in-law Ric (Joe) Spiess; his many nieces and nephews and morning coffee crew.

Preceding him in death are John’s parents, brothers Robert (Becky) Woods and David Woods, mother and father-in-law Alice and Richard Spiess, and brother-in-law Thomas Spiess and Jack Sailor. 

Funeral Mass is 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at the Church of St. Peter in St. Peter, MN. Visitation and celebration of life will be from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, at the church. Visitation will be held one hour before the service at the church on Thursday. Following the funeral, burial will be at Calvary Cemetery with Military Honors.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by

Saint Peter Funeral Home.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.