Dodge City - Michael Joseph (Woogie/Woog) Werkowitch, born in Kansas City, MO to Stephen and Helen (Hauser), was the baby of the family with two older sisters, Stephanie (Stahl) and Jeannie (Worden). He attended school at St. Joseph in Shawnee, elementary through high school graduation. There are plenty of stories of "mean" nuns and the pranks he and his buddies would pull on them. He recalled his grandmother making him "pick his switch" when he misbehaved. At his first job, he worked as a "soda jerk" for Zarda Dairy, and carried his love of malts and milkshakes throughout his life.

Woog was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam war and went to Basic Training at Ft. Leonardwood, MO. Upon completing training, he was stationed in Ft. Collins, CO. When he finished his service with the Army, he went to work for his uncle, then father at the family business, Armour Hills Rug & Upholstery Cleaning in KCMO. He went on to own the business, while living in Shawnee with his wife, Penelope "Penny" (Cagwin).

Penny and Woog met on St. Patrick's Day, 1987, at the St. Joseph Knights of Columbus Hall, and starting dating.  They married later that year, on November 14 at the Lutheran Church in Shawnee, with the blessing of Penny's son, Caleb Cook. They celebrated their reception at the same place they met, and for years to come, the family would revisit the tradition of the Shawnee St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Woog helped raise Caleb and in 1989, the couple welcomed their first baby girl, Jamie, to their family. In 1991, they welcomed their second daughter, Julie.

Penny took him out of his comfort zone on too many occasions to count. His life with her and their family led him across the country in their 1993 Winnebago, as well as to the Lake of the Ozarks, and to the Country Club Plaza year after year on Thanksgiving to create the magical tradition of watching the light ceremony up close and personal.

All the dogs and horses were usually a Father's Day, birthday, etc. gift from Penny. He would end up selling his fishing boat for a Sea Doo, and eventually sell the Sea Doos and pontoon boat for the horses.

Woog enjoyed his annual fishing trip to Lake Taneycomo with his closest friends, where it has been alleged that they drank more beer than casted reels. He spent more than 20 years competing at the American Royal BBQ with the same tight-knit group under the evolving team name "Over 30 Boys," "Over 40 Boys," etc. He and the group eventually passed these traditions, love of fishing, and BBQ to their sons-in-law.

Woog and Penny bought their piece of paradise in Franklin County, KS, where they lived together until his beloved Penny passed away in 2019. When she parted, a large part of Woog died with her.

He was blessed to see Caleb and Julie get married and have children of their own. Toward the end of his life. Woog moved to Ft. Dodge, KS to be closest to the girls. He enjoyed his daily cigarettes, and seeing his daughters. Though he apologized for not having much to say (Penny did most of the talking), they appreciated watching his favorite classic movies with him.

He loved Penny, his family, his closest friends, the Kansas City Royals, classic movies, and good ol' rock n' roll and Motown music. He taught his family hard work, the comfort of traditions, and that quality of friends matters more than quantity. He was an introvert whose loving wife forced him into social situations, which he agreed to with a, "Yes, Dear," and he never failed to attract the life story of a stranger.

Woog passed away on December 18, 2024 with Jamie and Julie by his side. He is survived by his step-son Caleb Cook (Sarah Flentie), daughters Jamie (Trevor Stucky) and Julie (Layton Miller), grandsons Cody, Ty, and Oliver, sister Jeannie, brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends. He has been met by his wife and love, Penny, parents, Stephen and Helen, sister Stephanie, dear friend John, and many other aunts, uncles, and loved ones who went before him.

The family plans to have a private service at Ft. Dodge cemetery and a celebration of life for friends and family in Shawnee March 29, 2025. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.