Michael Woods

Michael Joseph Woods, 88, of Traverse City, Michigan, died August 7, 2025. He was born on December 31, 1936, in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, to Lewis Arthur Woods and Helen Cooper.

Michael went by a few nicknames, but the one’s that everyone knew him by were “Musty” and “Riggmaster”. He was an avid woodworker and was always working on something throughout the years. Whether that was custom screen doors or a gazebo for his loving wife, there was always something crafty for him to be working on. Michael loved going to his cottage on Lake Leelanau during the summers and attending jazz night in downtown Traverse City at the Workshop Brewing Company. He was a lover of all sports, but he especially loved watching football. He was in a yearly football pool and was a dedicated researcher of all the stats each week. It paid off as he won first place or second place most years.

He met the love of his life in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, while working at a local newspaper in the editing department, after graduating from Central Michigan University. One night, while visiting the local Bluebird bar, Michael all of 5’8”, thought it would be funny to attempt to trip a gorgeous 6’1” woman in hopes of catching her eye. In true female fashion, she stepped right over his foot and kept walking without a glance back. Knowing he had to try again, but in a cleverer way, Michael decided to take it upon himself to publish in the local newspaper in the tv guide section a veiled message guiding her back to the Bluebird at 11:00 pm. Low and behold, the beautiful Emily Louise Lichty showed up, and even though he almost lost his job it was love from there on out.

Michael and Emily moved to Traverse City, where he went back to school and received a degree in Social Services. He worked as a director in Social Services until he retired. Together they had two children, Laura and Brandon Woods.

Michael is survived by his daughter, Laura (Dawn Wochinski) Woods; son, Brandon Woods; sisters, Louise (Denny) Tyler and Luci (Denny) Lavis; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Leon and Linda Lichty; many nieces and nephews; friends near and far and the Eastport crowd.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Emily Woods; and parents, Lewis and Helen Woods.

Because of the excellent care and supports offered Michael and his family, the family requests all donations go to Hospice of Michigan in his memory

A celebration of life will be held 11am, Thursday, August 14, 2025, at St. Michael and All Angels Lutheran Church in Traverse City. Visitation with the family will begin at 10am.

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