In Remembrance Of
Wayne Woolsey
Wayne was born January 24, 1948, in Shelton, Washington. His parents, Louis (Red) Woolsey and Marina (Brandt) Woolsey, moved to Kansas City, MO in 1952. Wayne attended North Platte Schools and earned numerous honors in football and track.
In 1966, he attended Northwest Missouri State University on a football scholarship and also played baseball. Wayne’s commitment, dedication and enthusiasm for the Bearcats was wholehearted and lifelong. During his distinguished 37-year career, he served as teacher, coach, and administrator in Iowa, Missouri and at NWMSU. He gained particular recognition for his impactful work as a statewide facilitator for the Missouri Leadership Academy.
Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Nancy (Jordheim) Woolsey, their devoted sons, Tucker and Katie (Scherer) Woolsey and Conrad Woolsey; treasured grandchildren, Westin (13), Colton (10), and Kenna (5); as well as his brother, Ron and Barb (Tiffin) Woolsey. Together they raised their family in Excelsior Springs where life revolved around football, wrestling, track, and baseball. Above all, Wayne cherished time spent with his sons.
Wayne is fondly remembered for his deep love of family, competitive nature, his passion for golf, track, and football, and his relentless drive. He would always plan the next project even before completing the last. His grandchildren brought love, laughter and joy to Wayne’s life as he followed them around fields, courts, and ball parks cheering and providing coaching pointers as only a grandpa can.
Wayne (77) passed peacefully on December 26, 2025, after an unexpected battle with cancer. The family will receive friends Monday, January 5th at the Elms Hotel in Excelsior Springs, MO from 4:30-6:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at 6:00 p.m. Please feel free to wear Bearcat Green.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the “Woolsey Family Scholarship”; Office of University Advancement; Northwest Missouri State University; 800 University Dr.; Maryville, MO 64468 or by calling 660.562.1248.
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Service Details
Celebration of Life at 6:00 p.m. Monday, January 5th at the Elms Hotel in Excelsior Springs, MO.
The family will receive friends Monday, January 5th at the Elms Hotel in Excelsior Springs, MO from 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Comments & condolences
36 comments
Susan Dunseath
Dear Nancy, I just heard that your beloved husband Wayne has passed away. I’m so, sorry. 48 years of marriage is wonderful. I’m thinking and praying for you and your family. Sincerely, Susan Dunseath
Brace and Diana Bailey
We are so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. I will always remember coaching baseball with him – and his guidance and foresight were amazing. Tucker and Adam shared a lot on the baseball field and later at NWMSU. Rest in peace.
Don and Rita Hanks
So sorry to hear that Wayne has passed. We have known you guys since high school and always enjoyed Wayne’s stories when our paths crossed! Every time we go to the Pizza Shoppe I always ask Rita if she thinks Wayne and Nancy will be here!! He was a great personal friend and will be missed by all that knew him!!!
Marci Riley
I’m so sorry for your loss!! Prayers for all of you!! ❤️
Mike and Kenna Johnson
Sending our love for the Woolsey family! Wayne’s passing leaves a gaping hole in Bearcat hearts throughout our alumni community. We reflect on Wayne’s passion for all things NW and the wonderful family in which he raised. TY Wayne for loving and impacting us…we are better because of YOU💚
Bill and Karol Mueller
What a great guy. We’re sure that he is challenging all comers in a foot race in Heaven. Deepest Sympathy.
Bob Hart
Nancy so sorry to hear this. Wayne was one of a kind.
Cathy Judy
Nancy (my latte and glass-wall sharing colleague and friend),
Sending you and yours sincere condolences. May your many memories surround you with love and a bit of peace. Wish I could give you a hug, but Dave and I will be in Vegas for Chiefs game. Wayne would approve of our sports themed travels.
Cathy Judy
Teresa Cummings Smith
My heartfelt condolences to the family. May Wayne rest in peace.
Julie Tollefson
Sending my deepest sympathies to you, Nancy, and family….Jules
Sandra Kramer
Don and I have countless wonderful memories of our time spent with the two of you. Wayne’s generosity and laughter will forever be remembered.
Roger and Peg Nelson
We have all lost a great friend! I was shocked to hear of his passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to family members. Wayne had so many hats and touched lots of lives. Loyal friend for life. Once he met you he was your best friend. Never be another man like him. God bless you
Sandy Estes
I knew Wayne since we were little kids. He lived close to my Grandma Witt. We all played together and then we went to school and stayed friends.
I had a nice visit with him at my brother, Ronnie Witt’s funeral.
He was a nice man, he will be missed.
Dianna (Nerby) Anderson
Nancy, I am so sorry to hear about the unexpected loss of your husband. Please accept my sincere condolences to you and your family. God’s peace and comfort to all.🙏🏼🙏🏼
Gene RANEY
Sorry to hear about Wayne I went to junior high school with Wayne he was a good friend. Praying for you and family RIP Wayne 🙏
John and Madalynn Bell
Thought the world Wayne and Nancy whom we meet through our sons sports competitions. Or prayers go out to Nancy and the boys and family GODS blessings to all.
Donnie Roberts
Sorry to hear about Dr. Woolsey, he was a great leader. He took a chance and hired me for my first administrative job and was always available when needed. He made a tremendous impact on the school district and community. My prayers are with the family.
James and Dorothy Kennedy
We are very sorry to hear this sad news. Many great memories of Wayne at NWMSU. Wishing the whole family comfort and peace as you navigate your great loss. Sincere condolences.
Anita Mummert
So sorry for your loss to Waynes family. know you have many fond memories to cherish.
Gary and Cheryl Bleier
Nancy, our heartfelt condolences on the loss of Wayne. We had such a great time golfing and visiting with you both when we were there. God bless you and your family.
Carol & Eric Jensen
Oh, dear cousin Nancy. I’m so shocked and saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing! I’m thankful we got to make some good memories in Arizona during the last few years. You and your family are on our hearts and in our prayers. Love to you all. ❤️
Roxanne Romnes
Please accept my sincerest sympathies! I knew Wayne first as my principal… but soon learned he was a friend too! I knew him when he was at Scott Elementary in Belton, MO. After he left, and my years as a teacher were over, I realized he was the BEST principal I ever was blessed to work with. Not because he agreed with me but how fair he was. He truly stood by his teachers. He reached out to me a few years ago as we were both in AZ. I regret not taking him up on the offer. I don’t need to tell you these things… but I wanted too! My prayers to all of you as you navigate life without him. What an amazing guy!! 🥰✝️🙏🏻
Don & Bonnie Miller
Nancy and family, Words can’t express appropriately how much we enjoyed our years with Wayne and you during your time in Fort Dodge. Wayne was always so good at reaching out to keep in touch. Our visits out west in Arizona were simply a fantastic memory with you guys. As we age and were nearing God calling us home , lifelong friendships means great deal. You are all in our prayers during this difficult time saying goodbye. I know you will all see Wayne again some day.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Angelo & Paula Savaiano
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nancy and the Woolsey family. Wayne was just the very best of Bearcats. He was always in their corner to celebrate success and also offering positive feedback for continued success on the fields and in the classroom. God Bless
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Marie and George Fero
So sorry hear of Wayne’s passing. You have our deepest condolences.
Carla Sumna-Herman
Nancy and family I am so sorry to see that Wayne has passed. As with Doug, cancer has claimed another great guy. First time I met the two of you was at the golf tournament in Mt Ayr in honor of Doug for his scholarship. God Bless you and continued prayers over your loss. Carla & Gary
Randy Jennings
Wayne passing will be a
Big loss to everyone he helped a lot of people he will be missed
Debbie Fowler
Oh Nancy, I am so sorry to read that your husband has passed! My sincere condolences to you and your family. No words are right – but my message is heartfelt.
Debbie Fowler
Oh Nancy, I am so sorry to read that your husband has died! My sincere condolences to you and your family. No words are right – but my message is heartfelt.
Rosalie Tuttle
Dear Nancy and HUGE family .. what a shock!! He will be as missed as he was loved. So sorry to hear.
Sandi (Viker) Scott
Nancy, I am very sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. My sincere sympathy to you and your family. Blessings to all of you.
Curt and Linda Cook
So very sorry for your loss. So many fond memories. You’re in our thoughts and prayers. ❤️
Cathy Thomas
Rest in peace, Dr Woolsey! Sending Prayers and Hugs to Your Family.
Rosalea Winders
I’m so sorry Nancy. It’s so hard to see them in pain. Hang on to the memories. I’m sure Danny was there to greet him.
Jesse Hall
My thoughts are with Nancy, Tucker, Conrad and family. Many great memories with Wayne that I will cherish. Rest in peace my friend.
Janelle Nelson
Wayne was truly one of a kind. Wayne and Nancy are forever in my hearts and have always been there for me. Wayne definitely has his own spirit about him!! I am grateful for his projects, he gave me a place to live when needed because of them!! Love him and he will forever be in my heart. As he said, I will see him again someday!
Janelle Nelson