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REV. RUSSELL E. WOODBECK
February 19, 1927 ~ February 13, 2011
"He was a preacher on and off the clock,
telling everyone about Jesus."
Rev. Russell E. Woodbeck of Vancouver, WA, peacefully passed away Feb. 13, 2011. He was born in St. Paul, MN to Phoebe Woodbeck and Earl Smith (later adopted by Fred and Bernice Woodbeck).
Russell graduated from the St. Paul Minnesota Bible School and the Olivet Nazarene College.
He served two years in the Navy and five in the Army Air Corps.
He was a licensed pilot and enjoyed sports and riding motorcycles.
Russell was an ordained Pastor in the Church of the Nazarene. He loved children and was loved by them.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Grace (Yoder) Woodbeck; daughters, Bonnie and Sandra; 8 grandchildren; one great-grandchild.
A funeral service will be held on Sun., Feb. 20, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Fourth Plain Church of the Nazarene.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may taken to any Umpqua Bank (deposits may be made in his daughters names, Sandra Kerr or Bonnie Carpenter) in Rev. Russell Woodbeck's benefit.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Russ welcomed me as a tag-along teenager Bonnie brought home from school one day. He and Racey Gracey became precious family to me and he will always be a special father figure to me. I can still see him at the dinner table laughing and having Grace serve him his 4 ounce glass of grapefruit juice. I was the luckiest girl in Salem, to find such a loving second family. I'm so glad I'll see him again soon with Jesus.
Mary Clem Welty
April 17, 2011
The Celebration of Russ's life was an absolutely wonderful tribute to him, and to his faith. What a legacy of love he has left to all of his family!
I know that there will be difficult days ahead in missing his presence here - but I am so grateful for the many expressions of faith - and know that you will find comfort in God's strength and grace - and in knowing without any doubt where Russ is!
You will find his words of wisdom ring in your ears - and they will become a comfort and joy throughout the remainder of life.
Our very deepest and most sincere sympathy in your time of separation - - but, in Christ, we have absolute certainty that it is only for a little while. It will be a happy reunion on the other side - and that cushions the grief.
Lola Cain
February 21, 2011
February 19, 2011
I met Pastor Woodbeck when he was the interim pastor at the Castle Rock Church of the Nazarene. I have NEVER met such a selfless servant to the Lord as Pastor Russ. During his time at the our church, he not only was my pastor, but also my friend...someone who ALWAYS took the time to listen, care and lift you up to the Father in prayer. I will never forget the "Country Store" and all those buckeroo bucks!!! We still have the harmonic that he donated as one of the items to purchase. He would give so much of himself and would never take the credit for anything, it was always praises to the Lord. What a treasure he was. I consider it a great honor and blessing to have know him and his lovely wife, Grace. My prayers go out to the family and am looking forward to seeing him again. God's Blessing, Pastor Woodbeck......I love you!
Lisa Hill, Longview, WA
February 19, 2011
Dearest Aunt Grace, Bonnie and Sandy,
I love you all so much and share in your deep loss, I will be there for you in any way I can. I always loved my Aunt and Uncle so much! They were my favorites....I always thought my Aunt Grace and Uncle Russ were the most beautiful couple ever. I loved being in their wedding as a flower girl when I was around five. I remember being in a car with antie and uncle before they got married, I was in the front seat and they were in the back seat together stealing kisses, I thought that was so romantic. I pray for God to cover you in His Hugs and give you His awesome sweet Presence, Peace, Strength, Protection and Provision. Uncle Russ is in the presense of our Lord having a Hallelujah time! WOW!!!
Nancy Steiber
February 19, 2011
My Uncle Russ was a great man of God and a gifted evangelist. It seemed that his greatest love was to tell others about Jesus Christ. I will always remember his wonderful laugh and his devotion to my dear Aunt Grace. He was my favorite uncle and we will all miss him until we see him again in Heaven.
Karen
February 19, 2011
Several years ago I met Russ while eating breakfast at McDonalds. I remember he would talk about what Jesus has done for him to anyone who would listen. He would pass out business cards and invite everyone to come visit his Nazarene church. When he found out that I used to go to the Nazarene Sunday school during my childhood and that we knew alot of the same people, he instantly befriended me. From then on he would sit with me and have his breakfast and share stories of his ministry, his time in the military, and of his lovely wife, Grace. My wife soon was joining us for breakfast and we all became good friends. We made his day a few times when he got us to come to his church. We went out to eat a couple of times with Russ and his wonderful wife, Grace, and are sorry we didn't get around to doing it more often. I'd like to just say that Russ was a wonderful man, dearly devoted to his wife and to the Lord, always there for me with his prayers, and he will be missed greatly.
Ron & Andrea Stevens
February 18, 2011
My grandpa was an amazing man - always an inspiration and example. He loved me through my growing up years, took me in as one of his own. I will always love him.
Vanessa
Vanessa Vavold
February 18, 2011
Sandy,
I know this is a most difficult time for you, your mother and sister. Your father was a great man and an incredible example of the love of our heavenly Father. He will be incredibly missed. Know I am here to help and serve in any way I am able. It is my honor to walk alongside you through this time. We celebrate together the miracle that he is no longer in pain, and he is with Jesus now!
Benjamin
Ben Andrew
February 18, 2011
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