Eileen Woodford

Eileen D. Woodford, age 91, of Redwood Falls passed away on February 2, 2024, at CentraCare – Redwood Falls Hospital in Redwood Falls. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2024, at St John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Redwood Falls with burial to follow in the Redwood Falls Cemetery. A visitation will be held Thursday, February 8, 2024, from 4 until 7 p.m., at the Nelson-Hillestad Funeral Home in Redwood Falls.  Visitation will continue on Friday, February 9, 2024, from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. at the church.

Arrangements are with Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Service of Redwood Falls. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hillestad.com.

Eileen Dorothy Woodford, the daughter of George and Agnes (Kuester) Piotter, was born on September 21, 1932, in Elmore, Minnesota. Eileen spent her childhood growing up in rural Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. On May 14, 1950, Eileen married Donald L. Woodford in Sleepy Eye. The couple then settled in rural Redwood Falls to raise their family.

Eileen had a fulfilling career, working at Pietrus in Sleepy Eye and also taking on the roles of a nanny and farmer. She enjoyed being surrounded by nature and caring for others. Eileen's nurturing spirit extended beyond her work as she dedicated herself to raising her family.

She was a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Redwood Falls. Eileen actively participated in the St. Johns Ladies Aid and dedicated her time as a Sunday School Teacher. 

Eileen had a passion for gardening and found joy in nurturing plants and watching them thrive. She was also an excellent baker and cook who delighted in preparing delicious meals for her loved ones. Her skills extended to canning and sewing as well. Eileen's warm heart and caring nature made her a natural at babysitting, which she cherished. She also was involved with the Sunshine Club, Paxton Township Extension, and 4-H.

She is survived by her loving children; Mary Louise Woodford-Smith of Port Orange, FL, Randell Woodford of Redwood Falls, Sandra (Steven) Stenzel of Mankato, MN, Michael (Michelle) Woodford of Redwood Falls, Eric (Mary) Woodford of Emmetsburg, IA; grandchildren, Aaron (Jennifer) Gibson, Ryan Boklep, Adam (Holly) Gibson, Melissa (Nathan) Foster, Dustin (Erica) Woodford, Tiffany (Daniel) Kobberman, Andrew Gibson, Ashley (Travis) Diesterhaft, Zachary (Nicole) Smith, Jennifer (James) Groebner, Nathan (Melanie) Woodford, Skylar (Brock) Linsmeier, Mariah (Phillip) Schroader, Charles (Samantha) Polzel, Nicholas (Sierra) Woodford, Dylan (Rebecca) Woodford, Thomas Woodford and Aliza Woodford; and 35 great-grandchildren; siblings, Evelyn (Roger) Ohm, LuVerne (Irene) Piotter, Verona (Jerry) Munsterman, Bernard (Sharon) Piotter, Marian (Dean) Irlbeck, Marvin (Connie) Piotter, Lucille Lee, Lois (Tom) Wersal, Delbert Piotter, Jeanette (Paul) Landsteiner, Ronald Piotter, David (Juanita) Piotter and Steven (Rita) Piotter.

Eileen was preceded in death by her devoted husband Donald Woodford in 1991; daughter Susan Gibson; grandson Benjamin Boklep; son-in-law E. Wayne Smith; daughter-in-law Teri Woodford; brothers Ervin Piotter, Eugene Piotter and Dwayne Piotter; sister, Dorothy Postel; brothers-in-law, Donald Lee and Duane Domeier; sister-in-law, Marlys Piotter.

Eileen's giving nature and kind heart touched the lives of many. She will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. May her soul rest in peace, and her memory be forever cherished.

Blessed be her memory.