William "Bill" Woffinden

William “Bill” Goates Woffinden, 96, died on Dec. 8, 2011, from complications of a stroke. He was born on Feb. 18, 1915, in Austin, Utah, the eldest twin of Horace D. and Agnes Viola Goates Woffinden. He was raised in Brigham City and Garland, Utah. After his youth, Bill served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with his twin brother, Walt, to London, England. During their mission, they both sang in the Millennial Chorus. Hugh B. Brown was their mission president. Following his mission, on Jan. 12, 1940, he married his sweetheart, Veda Lucas (also a twin), in the Logan, Utah, LDS temple. Bill completed his accounting degree from Utah State University and was an accountant and office manager for U and I Sugar. Bill was the third generation Woffinden employed by the sugar factory. He loved the sugar company, and he worked there until his retirement. While doing the company’s books, he disciplined his penmanship to be indistinguishable between either hand. Bill loved Veda. They loved to dance. They taught their children and grandchildren to dance – even if it was only done in the kitchen. Bill prized fishing. Many people learned eternal principles while fishing with “Bishop Woffinden.” During many years of retirement, Bill and Veda wintered in Mesa, Ariz., with his twin, Walt, and sister-in-law, Emily. Bill and Veda loved to visit, play golf, dance, and enjoy their many wonderful friends. Until his death, Bill and Veda were able to live together in their home, because of Bill’s loyal and attentive care. People were naturally drawn to this kind, patient, and gentle man. He was known to temper his tongue, though he certainly knew how to share a well-placed joke. Bill had no enemies. Bill Woffinden was an active member of the LDS church, and he loved the gospel. He was a faithful home teacher, even in his later years. He served faithfully as a bishop, in several high councils, in a branch presidency, and as a welfare clerk. He loved and served in the communities where he lived. Bill and Veda were blessed with four children: William L. (Thelma) Woffinden, Sharol Bangerter, Susan (Don) Stepan, and Marion (Bart) Davis. As a father and grandfather, Bill’s gentle and kind nature served him well. His family loved and respected him. Bill outlived all his siblings: Phyllis, Hope, Walter, and Bob. He was preceded in death by his son, Bill Woffinden Jr., and three grandsons: Gregg, Matt, and Cameron. Bill had fifteen grandchildren and thirty-one great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 12 Noon on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011 at the Woodruff LDS 2nd Ward (1660 12th Street)in Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home (273 North Ridge Avenue) and on Wednesday from 11 to 11:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Logan Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15,2011.