William Wood (1923 – 2005)

William ?Bill? Robert Wood was born in Kokomo Indiana on August 10, 1923. He was one of Norma Weaver Wood Fisher?s five children and his father was Cyril Wood. He died on December 3, 2005.

He attended Franklin Junior High School and Washington Park High School in Racine. He entered the US Navy in June 1943 and served his country until January 1946. After training as aviation machinist mate, he was stationed at the US Airfield, St. Simons Island GA.

He entered the University of WI Extension as a student in 1946 and on May 7, 1947 he married Helen Poulsen at Atonement Lutheran Church in Racine. They then moved to Badger Village, Sauk County and attended the University of WI Madison.

In the 1960?s he was owner of Golf and Garden Equipment CO. in Elm Grove WI. He was vice president of Poulsen Machine Co. (Racine) in the 1970?s and ended his work years in the 1980?sas a machine shop instructor at Gateway Technical College.

Bill was a former member and Sunday school teacher at Atonement Lutheran Church in the 1960?s. He was also a longtime member of the WI Historical Society and a former member of the German Club of Racine. Bill was also a collaborator with research staff and advisors in ?Grandparenting in the 80?s Project? at UW Parkside.

Bill was a loving husband father and grandfather. He was strongly committed to his family, Wisconsin, nature, walks, reading, eradicating dandelions, crappie fishing and his special place Frank Lake in Vilas County.

He is survived by his wife Helen; children Kathryn (Michael) Funke, Peter (Condace), Patrick (Lisa), Sally, Daniel (Debbie) Wood; six grandchildren; Nicole, Kyle, Katharine, Carmen, Brian and Miranda Wood. He is further survived by special dogs Daisy and Charlie Rose and kid brother Jack and sister Patty as well as many other relatives and friends.

Private inurnment services will be held at Southern WI veterans Cemetery in Union Grove.

A memorial service will be held on Friday December 9, 2005 at Bradford Community Unitarian Universalist Church in Kenosha at 11:00AM. (5810-8th Avenue)

In lieu of flowers, memorials to WI State Historical Society, Hospice Alliance or Girls and Boys Town of Boys Town Nebraska or Bradford Unitarian Church would be appreciated.

The family would like to thank Hospice Alliance as well as the staff of Washington Manor Nursing Home for their compassionate care.