Woodrow "Woody" A. Desmidt

Woodrow A. "Woody" DeSmidt, age 78, of Allouez, passed away Friday, September 28, 2018 at his home. He was born May 20, 1940 in Milwaukee to the late Woodrow and Marie (Brethouwer) DeSmidt. On December 19, 1964, he married Jean Kopecky in Wabeno. He was a graduate of Whitefish Bay High School, Carroll University, and the Marquette University School of Dentistry. He went on to practice dentistry in Wabeno, Appleton, and Green Bay.
Woody became a ham radio operator as a teenager, and his call letters were K9FWE. He continued to enjoy talking to other ham radio operators throughout the world until a few years ago. He was a lover of the outdoors, either hunting, fishing, golfing, or snowmobiling, pursuing each interest with intensity. For several years he operated a charter fishing boat, The Flying Dutchman, on Lake Michigan, which despite its namesake, always returned to port. He had a lifelong interest in aviation, both as a pilot of real airplanes as well as radio controlled models. He loved all things that went "boom", as well as jokes- both verbal and practical. An avid lover of cats, Woody firmly believed every home should have a cat. He and Jean shared their home with several throughout the years, the latest resident being Jazzy Cat. (Jazz)
Survivors include his wife, Jean; his beloved children and their spouses: Eric (Connie) of Burlington, Amy of Indianapolis, Christopher (Annie) of Whitefish Bay, and Jon (Sarah) of Appleton. His grandchildren, who hold a very special place in his heart: Jack, George, Peter, Sam, Ben, Sophia, Austin, Wyatt and Mia. He is further survived by his brother, Tom (Carla) of Virginia; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Phyllis (the late Howard) Kopecky of Siren, Dr. Rich (Mary) Buech of Minnesota, Tom (June) Kopecky of Arizona, Mark (Linda) Kopecky of Florida; as well as nieces, nephews, other family and friends. His dear friends, Pam Harter, Al and Gloria Slack also survive him. Further survived by Paul Johnson of Indianapolis and Kate DeSmidt of DePere.
Family and friends may visit at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 743 Monroe Ave, Green Bay, on Friday, October 12, from 9:00am until 10:45am. Funeral service will follow at 11:00am with Pastor Paul D. Schleis officiating. Cotter Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family. Online condolences at www.cotterfuneralhome.com