Elda Woodroffe, 108, of rural Denmark, Iowa, died Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, West Burlington, Iowa.
She was born in Des Moines County on September 24, 1916, a daughter of Herman and Emma (Wagner) Hasenclever. She attended school until the 8th grade, walking a mile and a half over two creeks, and eight fences each way.
On May 17, 1949, she married Glenn Woodroffe at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. She was a homemaker, and she stayed busy with her family and community. Elda was a 4-H leader for 10 years, and for many years she was a member of Women’s Farm Bureau, Denmark Senior Citizens, T.T.T., and Denmark United Church of Christ Church Circles.
She was proud of her family, noting that at least one family member had become a doctor, lawyer, engineer, Army officer, Airman, computer technician, farmer, lumberman, and world traveler. She remained active and supportive in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending countless concerts, ball games, and graduations. She was loved and an inspiration to many.
She is survived by her children: Randolph (Janice) Woodroffe and Kerwin Woodroffe, both of Denmark; Jeanne Woodroffe and Reginald Woodroffe, both of Des Moines, Iowa, and Anita Woodroffe, of Atkins, Iowa; four grandchildren: Nicole (Jeffrey) Blumenauer, Royce (Lisa) Woodroffe; Alexander and Gunnar Erickson; great grandchildren: Julia, James, Beauregard, Graham, Wilhelmina, Montgomery, and Ella; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, seven siblings: Harlan Hasenclever, Everett Hasenclever, Delbert Hasenclever, Calvin Hasenclever, Lelia Hasenclever, Leona Wilbert, Velma Johnson, and two infant sisters.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 am on Monday, May 12, 2025, at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison, Iowa. Her funeral service will follow and begin at 11:00 am, Monday, May 12, 2025, at the Barr Memorial Chapel, with Reverend Chad Savage officiating. A memorial has been established, and contributions may be made at the Barr Memorial Chapel. Barr Memorial Chapel is honored to serve the Woodroffe family and an online guest book may be found at www.barrmemorialchapel.com.