Jeffery Harlan Woolever

Jeffery Harlan Woolever, age 63, of Brodhead, Wisconsin, formerly of Durand and Winnebago, Illinois, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025. Jeffery was born on July 24, 1961 in Rockford, Illinois, the son of Leo and Donna Woolever.

Jeff attended Winnebago schools. In his younger years, he spent his days working on the family farm and participating in multiple horse events such as trail rides, speed shows, excelling in barrel racing and loved to train the "hard to ride" horses. This love of horses brought Jeff a lifetime of joy and friendships. Jeff was a member of many saddle clubs including NISWTRA, Rock'n Riders, and Rock River Riders to name a few, of which he held offices within these clubs. Jeff was an avid supporter of the National High School Rodeo Association and St. Jude's. He worked for Rockford Blacktop, JMI Masonry and most recently, he was self-employed as an owner-operator of his own semi-truck.

Jeff would give anyone the shirt off his back. His biggest joy in life was helping those who needed it, supporting youth in rodeo and spending time with his friends and family, and most of all being a father and grandfather. Jeff never met a stranger; everyone was his friend.

Jeff is survived by his three children, Cierra (Rudy) Evans of Durand, IL, Cole (Kallie) Woolever of Pecatonica, IL and Jennifer (Kevin) Black of Durand, IL; step-children, Jessica (Ryan) Reuterskiold of Janesville, WI and Jason (Kristy and their son Colter) Katzman of East Troy, WI; sister, Cheryl Woolever of Winnebago, IL; niece, Jackie (fiance, Nate Cunningham) Woolever of Lost Nation, IA; grand-niece, Hadley Knapper; grandchildren, Desiree Clankie, Vanessa Black, Austin Black and great-granddaughter, Kinsley Adams. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Donna Woolever, grandson Lucas Black and numerous aunts and uncles.

In the spirit of generosity and in lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude's, www.stjude.org or the National High School Rodeo Association, www.nhsra.com/connect-give-grow/, can be made in Jeff's name.

A luncheon will take place following the service at the American Legion, 403 Main St, Pecatonica, IL.