Elwood J. Hestness, fondly known as “Woody,” passed away on December 12, 2024, at Mayo Hospital in Mankato, Minnesota. The third of eight children, Woody was born on August 10, 1927, in Lake Mills, Iowa, and was the last of Clarence and Albena Hestness’ children to be welcomed back to their heavenly home.
Elwood J. “Woody” Hestness
Woody served his nation with honor, enlisting in the United States Army on October 25, 1945, and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal for his service. He was transferred to the Army Reserves as a Sergeant in 1947; his devotion to his country did not end with his military enlistment, as he continued to be an active member of the American Legion, proudly representing those who served. A short time after his service, Woody married his beloved wife, Valta Schott, on June 18, 1950 and had two children, Tom and Judy. He went on to provide for his new family as a carpenter in the Albert Lea area.
In his professional life, Woody worked for Rilco/Weyerhauser Company, Wilson’s, and Adrian Hestness Architecture; additionally, he served as a building inspector for the City of Albert Lea. Outside of his career, Woody was deeply involved in various organizations and activities that reflected his commitment to community service. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking and found appreciation in the outdoors while fishing. Woody was an active member of the Fountain Lake Sportsman Club and supported the Boy Scouts of America and the Cedar Valley Boy Scouts; additionally, Valta and Woody cherished their time dancing together in the Grapevine Twist Square-dancing Club. He also served the City of Albert Lea through various committees, including the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Freeborn County Board of Adjustments, and the Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Committee.
Woody’s lifelong membership at Salem Lutheran Church in Albert Lea was a cornerstone of his life as he dedicated countless hours to church council work, youth programs, caring for the church building and grounds, and competing in the church’s Dartball games. Woody is survived by his children, Tom (Lynn) Hestness of Albert Lea, MN, and Judy (Donald) Wrolson of Hampton, IA; grandchildren, Jennifer Tosel of Mason City, IA, Becky (Joe) Detrick of Norwalk, IA, Joel (Ginger) Hestness of San Jose, CA, and Jodi (Brody) Page of Oakland, MN; and great-grandchildren, Emma, Shelby, Billie, Camdin, and Lucy. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Dorothy, Marie, and Yvonne Hestness; numerous nieces and nephews; and good friends Dennis Christenson and Carl Grandstrand.
He was preceded in death by his wife of over 70 years, Valta; his parents, Clarence and Albena; siblings Virgil Hestness, Mavis (Jim) Cornick, Jerry Hestness, Shirlene Young, Gene Hestness, Adrian Hestness, Vivian (Milford) Brudvig; and his granddaughter, Ginger Wrolson.
Woody’s family will be accepting visitors from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation in Albert Lea on December 19, 2024. A funeral service will take place at Salem Lutheran Church in Albert Lea on December 20, 2024, at 2:00 PM; a visitation will begin one hour prior. Woody will then be laid to rest at Hillcrest Cemetery in Albert Lea.
In lieu of flowers, memorial can be made to Salem Lutheran Church of Albert Lea in Woody’s memory.
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