Thomas "TK" Krogen Woods

Thomas Krogen Woods (TK), age 96 of Ashland passed away at Court Manor Health Services in Ashland on Wednesday, Sept 5, with family by his side. Tom was born on March 17, 1922 in Bottineau, ND to Monte and Anna (Krogen) Woods, the oldest of nine children.

Tom graduated from Bottineau High School in 1939 and went to college at Fargo State in Fargo, ND to pursue a degree in Pharmacy. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and went to basic training in Spartanburg, SC. From there Tom went to France where he was wounded in action. After a short hospital stay, he returned to the U.S. and was reassigned to Japan during the restoration period after the war. He was a decorated war hero. Upon returning home he completed his pharmacy degree and took a job at Sigurdson’s Drug Store in Bottineau. He met his future wife, Beatrice Irene Stirling while she was attending Saint Joseph’s Nursing School in Bottineau. They were married in Amenia, ND on August 18, 1947. In the fall of 1954 he went to work as a pharmaceutical salesman for Parke Davis Drug Co and his territory was northern WI and upper MI. On June 30, 1955 he and Bea purchased McKinney Rexall in downtown Ashland and renamed it Woods Rexall Drug. Tom operated the drug store until he sold it and retired on June 30, 1991.

Tom amazed us with his everyday deeds-whether it was shoveling snow or mowing lawn for a neighbor, sharing produce from his garden or delivering dog treats to his canine friends.  He was a member of the United Presbyterian Congregational Church in Ashland, where he served as an elder, the Ashland Rotary Club, the Masonic Lodge, past president of the Ashland Foundation, past president of the Ashland Chamber of Commerce and former chairman of the Union National Bank board of directors.

Tom is survived by his children: Betty (Tom) Yankee and Mary (John McCue), all of Ashland and Jim of Ely, MN. Also surviving are grandsons & great-grandchildren: TJ (Jessica) Yankee & daughters, Ali & Kelsey of Lisbon, WI and Mike (Sarah) Yankee, daughter Quinn & son, Emmett of Ashland; brothers, Jack (Patti) Woods of Dunseith, ND and David Woods of Red Wing, MN; sisters-in-law, LaVonne Woods & Judy Woods both of Omaha, NE and Delores Woods of Powell, WY; special friend, Agnes Moniza & special neighbors, Joe Koeller, Brian and Joan Nagro, Cheri Eddy& Sara and Dan Heisler.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Bea on May 11, 1992, sister, Betty Ann Woods, brothers, Bill, Mark, Carl, Pat and Jerry woods.

A memorial service for Tom will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Sept 14, 2018 at the United Presbyterian Congregational Church (UPCC) in Ashland, with Reverend James Deters officiating.

A gathering of family and friends will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Church in Ashland on Friday and continue until the hour of service.

Interment will take place in Mount Hope Cemetery, Ashland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ely Honor Guard 140 East Sheridan Street, Ely, Mn.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Ashland and Mellen, WI.

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