Wayne Wooden

Wayne "Woody" Wooden finished his greatest race and went to be with Jesus on Dec 3, 2025.

He passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family exactly how he wanted.

Woody was born May 23rd, 1939, in Brainerd to Albert and Dewette (Dick) Wooden, he graduated in 1957 from the Washington High School in Brainerd, MN having already enlisted in the Army National Guard at the age of 16 and serving for 8 years. During those years he was also working, getting married, having 4 children and furthering his education at the Chicago Vocational Training with a degree in Diesel & Auto Mechanics.

He continued to be a mechanic for next 60+ years. Having a Woody's Star-Hi Texaco and Woody's Spur gas & mechanic station on South 6th St Brainerd for many years. He eventually moved it north of Brainerd where the "Woody's Auto" sign still stands.

That love of cars and going fast led Woody to become the president of The Road Gents car club and a local legend in dirt track racing, always having his signature 8-ball and woodpecker on the side of the car, claiming many track championships and even racing 3 different cars and classes in the same night for a time.

Woody started racing in 1959 and finally decided to retire from driving at the age of 69 after racing for 49 years at North Central Speedway and other tracks in the surrounding area.

After retiring from racing his favorite thing to do was gather with his family especially at local lakes and parks. Woody loved Nascar and was a optimist Vikings Fan.

Woody is survived by his children Dawn (Gordon Hart) Squires-Hart, Todd (Teresa) Wooden, Toby Wooden, 14 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, sister Dianne Miller, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Timothy Wooden, brother Conrad Wooden and his dog and best friend Buddy.

Services will be at Oak Street Chapel in Brainerd on Saturday December 20th. Visitation at 11, service at 12 with lunch to follow.