David Wooden

David James Wooden, 78, of Red Wing, MN died Friday, September 27, 2024 in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 16, 1945 in Winona, MN, the youngest child to Henry and Vada (Schmidt) Wooden. He graduated from Cotter High School in 1963 and attended Winona State University graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1968 and a Master of Science in 1969. On August 8, 1970 he was united in marriage to Mary Ryan. They moved to Red Wing, MN where they built their home on Graves Drive. Dave began his career with Interstate Rehabilitation Center as a program director. Dave worked with IRC for over 25 years, always finding new and innovative ways to help those with brain injuries. Dave continued with work at Sorenson Financial and enjoyed his retirement job driving truck for the family business, River Valley.

Dave was a strong Catholic, and was a member of the Church of St. Joseph in Red Wing and Miesville where he contributed his time serving through the Church council. He was truly a family man, Mary and Dave raised 3 wonderful children. He was a member of Elks Lodge 845 where he was an avid volunteer, he served as Chaplin, and regularly attended the 3 o’clock club. In his younger years, Dave was a hockey coach and volunteered with the Red Wing Youth Hockey Association. He participated in many volunteer groups in the community like the JayCees and Boy Scouts; ultimately, he achieved the distinction of Eagle Scout, and even took a trip to Hawaii, Guam and the Philippines with the scouts. Dave was a passionate water skier, and a member of the Sugar Loaf Ski Squad. He and his friends spent many, many days on the water working on water ski tricks and water ski shows. He spent many nights with them in the boat house at the Crooked Slew in Winona, MN where they enjoyed each other’s company. They became lifelong friends and continued to meet for lunch along the river. 

He enjoyed socializing, dining out, hunting, boating, fishing, gardening, canning his famous pickles, and cooking. He enjoyed traveling and shared his many fond memories with anyone who was around. He would regale about cruises and his world travels. He especially enjoyed his trip to Ireland with Mary. Dave was an avid hockey dad, teaching his kids to skate and supporting them throughout their figure skating and hockey endeavors. As a grandfather, he valued passing knowledge and skills to his grandchildren, supporting them with their passions. Despite his accident in August of 2021, which left him with many medical challenges, Dave continued to live life to the fullest. Dave and his wonderful family and home health care team made it possible for him to continue to do the things he loved. They went on boat trips, to many events for family, and even took a cross-country trip to Key Largo, which was quite an adventure. Dave’s sense of humor, quick wit, and intellect helped keep his life full despite the medical challenges.

Dave is survived by his three children, John (Carrie) Wooden of Red Wing, Anne Wooden of Red Wing, and Michael (Kristi) Wooden of Rochester, six grandchildren: William, Grace, Nicholas, Henry, Luke, Sawyer; Brother Robert Wooden of Wabasha; nieces and nephews, Mary (Cass) Gordon, Thomas (Nancy) Wooden, Edward (Kelly) Wooden, Kate (John) Dunnum, Janet (Scott) Macon, along with extended family and friends. He was proceeded in death by his parents, infant brother Richard “Dickie”, loving wife Mary Wooden, infant daughter, and sister-in-law, Carol Wooden. 

Mass of Resurrection will be at 10:30 am. Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Church of St. Joseph in Red Wing, MN with Father Brandon Theisen presiding. Visitation is at 9:30am until the Mass at 10:30am. Lunch and special afternoon “last toast to Dave” at his favorite watering hole RW Elks at 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. A private family burial at Calvary Cemetery to follow.

Memorials are preferred to the Elks Association and MN Elk’s Youth Camp or donor’s choice. Funeral arrangements are made by the Mahn Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel.