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July 13, 1942 – May 11, 2024
On Saturday, May 11, 2024, Dr. (Nelson) Frederick Woolman Jr., 81, passed away surrounded by many family members. He was born on July 13, 1942, in Flint, to Nelson and Marge (Boa) Woolman. Known to many as Fred or Doc Woolman, he grew up in Grand Blanc. He attended Grand Blanc High School and then Michigan State University, earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Fred was a part of the Reserve Officer Training Corps and joined the United States Army as a Captain during the Vietnam War. While in the Army, he was stationed in Missouri and Japan where he faithfully served his country.
In 1973, Fred, Bronwyn and two children moved to Alpena where he founded the Alpena Veterinary Hospital. Soon it became clear to many that Fred was generous, loyal and extremely hard-working. He helped many community members over the years with their animal needs, and could always be counted on to answer the phone in the middle of the night to help clients in emergency situations. He also worked with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to rehabilitate many wild animals including bears, raccoons, bald eagles, and fawns which he nursed by hand to release back into the wild. Moreover, many came to know and appreciate Dr. Woolman due to his love of dogs. For over 40 years he bred labrador retrievers as hunting dogs and family pets.
Fred was a passionate sports fan, always rooting for his beloved Spartans, Red Wings, Tigers, Lions and grandchildren in their various sporting endeavors. Known to some, but not all, Fred was also an accomplished archer, winning a national championship in high school. For years, he shared his love of sports with others as a volunteer hockey and baseball coach (even winning the AHA Coach of the Year award). Additionally, he volunteered at the Alpena Fair and assisted in the 4H program. He was also a member of the Alpena Horse Club.
One of Fred's greatest joys was spending time at the hunting camp. There, he handcrafted a beautiful log cabin, created multiple trails, fished endlessly, and harvested many deer with friends and family. He also spent time with his children and grandchildren there; cutting down Christmas trees, sledding behind four-wheelers, and making maple syrup. Additionally, he was an avid gardener and beekeeper. Fred absolutely loved the outdoors – the woods, the lakes, the animals – and he shared his wealth of knowledge about the natural world with his family and friends.
Another gift Fred shared was his incredible woodworking skills. He created works of art in his wood shop, from rustic furniture to handcrafted bowls to intricate cutting boards. These were often gifts to loved ones at Christmas time.
Doc and his wife fostered over 50 children in the area. He is survived by Bronwyn, his wife of 56 years, and children: Matt and Mindy Woolman (Atyia, Audra, and Evelyn), Michelle and Eric Cornish, Amy and Matthew VanZetten (Greta and Ezra), Richard and Kristen Woolman (Brook and Kelsy), Meredith and Matt Duthler (Oliver, Simon, Lucy and Felix), Steve Woolman (Harper and Stevie), Katy Woolman, Tommy Woolman, Chris Woolman, and Cara Woolman (Hunter); Tammy Grewe; Natalie Woolman and Ryan Kapala; brothers Mike and Marcia Woolman and Gary and Dianne Woolman; sisters Linda and Len Price and Lori and Eugene Beach, sister-in-law Cheryl Woolman, brothers-in-law Rich and Michele Williams and Joe and Melanie Williams, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and others including his beloved black Labrador, Pattie. He was preceded in death by his brother Bill Woolman, niece Wendi Woolman, and nephew Billy Woolman.
The Woolman Family requests that in lieu of flowers donations in Dr. Woolman's memory be made to local animal shelters.
Arrangements are in care of the McWilliams Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Huron Shores Fellowship in Alpena. The funeral service will immediately follow at 1 p.m. including a light lunch afterwards. A private interment will be held at a later date. The funeral will be livestreamed on Huron Shores Fellowship Facebook page – www.facebook.com/hsfc.org