The youngest of seven children, Eldon was raised in Broken Bow and graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1952. He attended Hastings College on a football scholarship. Always up for an adventure, he quit college after 18 months to work in the oil fields in California.
In 1955 he married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Billiard, and moved to Lincoln, where son Jeffrey was born. During this time, he joined the US Army and served for two years at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia. While in Georgia, Bev and Bud welcomed the birth of daughter, Kelli. After his honorable discharge from the Army, Bud and family moved back to Lincoln.
At Cushman Motors (Outboard Marine Corporation), Woody excelled at his job and was soon promoted to Project Engineer. He designed variable speed electric motors, golf carts, the Trackster integrated steering and throttle controls, and various other greens keeping machines. Eldon received several US patents for his ideas. Woody retired in 1994 after serving 37 years in this position.
Woody’s favorite hobbies were fishing trips to Canada, bowling, and golfing. He had a passion for coaching Elks Youth Football, which he did with great enthusiasm for many years. His involvement in the sport allowed him to positively impact the lives of many young athletes, teaching them valuable lessons on and off the field. Woody’s dedication to mentoring extended beyond football; he was always ready to offer guidance and support to those who needed it, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Woody met and married Charlotte in 1974 and both were active as members of Northeast United Church of Christ in Lincoln for many years. In 1988, Bud was honored with his induction into the Broken Bow High School Athletic Hall of Fame, joining big brother Frank. Woody was also an active member of the American Legion Post #3. Woody and Charlotte enjoyed attending Husker football games in Lincoln and hosting friends at their home to watch “away” games on TV. After their retirement, Eldon and Charlotte enjoyed visiting family in California and Minnesota, and New Mexico. Woody and Charlotte enjoyed a cruise to Alaska. Eldon, Charlotte, and eldest sister, Louise traveled to Australia and Fiji. After Charlotte’s passing in 2004, Eldon served as companion and caretaker to his eldest sister Louise.
Survivors include son, Jeffrey (Laura) Wooters of Lincoln; daughter Kelli (Jim) Fritz of Barre, Vermont; grandchildren Alex (Jodie Smith) Wooters of Lincoln, and Ethan (Candice Crider) Wooters of Omaha; and Kevin Fritz of Little Rock, Arkansas, all of whom were the lights of his life; step-grandchildren Dustin, Tiffany, and Brandon Kaufman and their mother Kathy; beloved great-grandchildren Hallie, Jeriko, Kaia, and Ryker of Lincoln and Omaha; extended family members, friends, and very special friend, companion, and partner at Legacy Terrace Retirement Community, Mary Ann Higgins, along with her daughter Myra and husband Jerry Bartek.
Preceded in death by his parents, wives Beverly and Charlotte, siblings, Mel (Florence), Ralph (Wilma), Louise (Harry) Stutzman, Florence (Jim) Riley, Wayne, Velma (Vern) Ims, and Frank (Joan) Wooters.
Funeral Service to be held 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ Street. There will be a viewing for family at 10 a.m. preceding the funeral. Burial will take place at Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln following the service, with reception after the burial at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel.
Memorials may be donated to the American Cancer Society.
Link to Service Recording: https://vimeo.com/1119467398/d8944fa45c?share=copy