Woodford, Virgil Dwight

Virgil Dwight Woodford, 98, died of natural causes Thursday, May 24, 2012, in Olathe, Kan. Private family services, conducted by Pastor Mike Patterson and Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home, were held in Cedar Rapids on June 1, 2012.

Virgil was born Oct. 8, 1913, the son of Leota Lodge Woodford and Bert Woodford in Downey, Iowa. Virgil was preceded in death by a sister, Fonda Miller; and two brothers, Ernest and Clinton Woodford.

Virgil married Helen L. Schaefer on October 10, 1936. She preceded him in death in May of 2006 after 69 years of marriage.

Survivors include his son, Phillip L. Woodford of Great Falls, Mont.; and daughter, Marcia K. (Woodford) Levsen of Shawnee, Kan. Additional survivors include four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Virgil graduated from Grant High School in 1932 and went into real estate in the 1950s where he established his own successful business. He was a member of the Cedar Rapids Real Estate Board, served as its president, and was instrumental in the establishment of the Cedar Rapids Student-Built Housing Program.

After retiring at the age of 65, he pursued such interests as golfing, woodcarving and racquetball.

Virgil was especially fond of racquetball and successfully competed in Senior Olympic tournaments throughout the country well into his 80s.

Virgil and Helen eventually resided in an assisted living facility in Cedar Rapids. After the passing of his wife, Virgil moved to Kansas where he could be closer to family.

Please sign the online guest book for Virgil at under obituaries.

Published June 6, 2012 in The Gazette