J. Woodson "Woody" Mader ---    2/27/1941 - 6/03/2024

Generous, Compassionate, And Kind To All

Dr. J. Woodson “Woody” Mader left this world, but certainly not our hearts, on June 3, 2024.

He was born in Nebraska and grew up in Omaha. Preceding him in death are his parents Lee and Elmer Mader, described by Woody as “Ward and June Cleaver”.

He is survived by his big brother Jon Mader and his wife Lana, of Council Bluffs, Iowa. He will be missed everyday by his son Jay W. Mader (wife Sharon) and two beautiful granddaughters Ella Mader and Zoe Mader. Celeste Hochrein has been his bride for almost 30 years, and she knows how lucky she was to share a very full life with Woody. Woody loved and was adored by his Hochrein, and Zigrossi in-laws and many, many nieces and nephews.

Woody was never afraid of work. Recently, a timeline of his many jobs was recorded: a stable boy at age 12, a cowboy at a cattle company, a florist delivery person, and a teacher at his mother’s dance studio. He also handled horses at a race track, dug ditches and he worked in a research lab that developed vaccines for cats, and guess who handled the not so happy cats! His other, not so safe job, was working at a packing facility, where he learned the hard way that although he knew how to stop a running cow, that if he stepped in front of a frightened pig, it would run straight through him. He swears that the pig is still running to this day.

His dream was to get a degree in animal husbandry and own his own ranch. Unfortunately, his family didn’t own much land and his dad informed him if he was not the owner, he would always have to answer to a boss. So, with first an undergraduate degree from the University of Omaha, he then earned a Ph.D. degree in chemistry from the University of Nebraska and accepted his first professional position with the Dupont company, where he answered every day to, you guessed it, a boss! Dupont moved him from Willington, DE to Dalton, GA in 1974. In 1985 he was employed by Charles Gavin of MFG Chemical Inc. in their marketing department. At MFG, he was never just an employee, but was considered a family member. Woody retired initially in 2006. Five years later he was back at MFG for a few more years and then retired a second time. No one was surprised when, post-retirement, he accepted a teaching position at Dalton State College and University, and for a few years, instructed students in industrial chemistry concentrate and developed an off-campus program touring students to local manufacturing plants. That relationship did not end after resigning; he actively participated as volunteer consultant even as recently as the week before his death.

But it wasn’t all work and no play. Woody loved travel, fishing, bicycling both road and single track, hiking, and dancing. He and Celeste were often the first on the dance floor at any event. The two made numerous trips to Europe and he was never happier than when climbing the Alps. Fishing, especially with his son Jay, brought him great joy. Woody was also an avid bicyclist. There are few roads and trails in North Georgia that he had not ridden and he loved recounting stories about some epic rides, including the “Pedal-to-the Sea”, a ride from Dalton to St Simon’s Island. With his “other brother” Herschel or “cousin” John, he rode many training miles weekly and participated in the occasional race as well. He proudly related that once, finishing in first place in his age group, he was also recognized as the oldest rider! He loved to cook and his fabulous culinary skills will be missed by all. As much as he enjoyed cooking, he loved more seeing his guests enjoy the meal. We will miss his lemon chicken, pork with apples, and his signature winter time meal of “pork prepared in the manner of wild boar”.

In addition to teaching young Woodson the importance of hard work, his father had instilled in him the importance of being a gentleman and of dressing respectably. Woody was always a dapper dresser, known for his signature bow ties. In retirement, he became a woodworking perfectionist. He designed, built and installed his own kitchen cabinets, made chests and tables and many other works of art, giving away most pieces.

He was a member of St Mark’s Episcopal Church in Dalton, and later, The Church of The Nativity in Fort Oglethorpe. An avid reader and student, he loved sharing his vast knowledge of history, theology, and spirituality. He co-taught a variety of adult education Sunday school classes including one entitled “Jung at Heart”, an exploration of depth psychology and Carl Jung’s influence on Christianity; and, he mentored a four-year course on Education for Ministry through the University of the South.

Those who knew him remember how he went out of his way to be generous, compassionate and kind to all. In lieu of flowers he would like us to share our time, talents and treasure with organizations of your choice, that serve those with less.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at St. Mark’s Episcopal church in Dalton at 11 a.m., preceded by a reception of friends at 10 a.m. at the church.