Charles Wood 1945-1998

WOOD

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 10/10/2010 at 18:04:52

Grapevine
2 December 1998

Charles Wood, age 53, of Ticonic, Iowa, died at Burgess Memorial Hospital in Onawa, Iowa, on November 22, 1998, after suffering a long battle and struggle with cancer. He was born in Onawa on August 20, 1945 to Lyle and Ethel Wood, and had one sister, Barbara Larson. His childhood was spent in Smithland, Iowa.

In June 1963, he joined the US Navy. After boot camp and training in aviation electronics, he was stationed on the USS Ranger, an aircraft carrier deployed to the South China Sea. He Also served the following year on the USS Enterprise., the world’s first nuclear powered aircraft carrier. He was assigned to Fighter Squadron 92, and worked on the radar system for the F-4 aircraft. He often expressed that these were the best years of his youth adult life, as he so loved the sea.

He remained in California after being discharged from the Navy in September 1966. He worked for Cubic Corporation for five years before returning to his home state of Iowa. While in California he completed two years of college at La Mesa. He returned to Iowa in 1971 to regain his residency. Beginning in 1972 he attended the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. He completed a bachelor’s degree in sociology and social work. He began his first employment with Goodwill industries in Waterloo, Iowa, in the summer of 1974.

In 1976, he returned to Western Iowa with his daughter Stephanie and they were quite a pair. On September 17, 1976 he began working as a social worker with the Iowa Department of Human Services in Monona County. In June 1978 he married Jolene Marie Riemersma and continued to live in Onawa for several years. Two children were born to this union, Nicole Marie Wood (now 19) and Amanda Rachelle Wood (now 18). In 1983 he and Jolene purchased land in the Loess Hills, just south of Ticonic. They built their home and have continually lived there for 12 ½ years. He and his family loved the Loess Hills. He said, “I could not think of a more perfect place to live so peacefully”.

He recently obtained a license to practice Social Work from the Iowa State Board of Social Work Examiners. This achievement came after working 22 years as a social worker for the State of Iowa.

During his numerous years of social work in Monona County, he tried very hard to help children and families who were troubled with many issues. He worked earnestly to keep families together, preferring to work on their problems instead of sending the children away.

He is survived by his wife, Jolene of Ticonic, mother Ethel Wood of Onawa.

His oldest daughter, Stephanie Renee Wood Eickmeyer (now 31) resides in Sacramento, California with her husband Evan, who is an attorney. His and Jolene’s children continue their education as Nicole is a freshman at Morningside College in Sioux City and Amanda is finishing her senior year at Maple Valley High School and will attend college.

A prayer service will be held Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at First Christian Church, 722 15th Street, Onawa with Jeff Erlemier officiating.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 25, 1998 at the First Christian Church, Onaw3a, Iowa, with Pastor Randall Colfin and Pastor Larry Gordon officiating.

The pianist was Mrs. Steven Johnson and the Soloist, Mrs. Virginia Ferguson, sang the selection, “Amazing Grace” and “Because He Lives”.

Honorary Bearers were Bob Johnson, Zane Johnson, Steve Longlee, Don Riemersma, Lee Riemersma, Philip Trudeau, Burdett Wood Jr. and Don Woodward.

Casket Bearers were Craig Bell, Doug Hines, Gary LeFebure, Chidi Ojinnaka, Kevin Clausen, Steve Johnson, Bob McLaughlin and Myron Rozell.

Interment was in the Little Sioux Township Cemetery, Smithland, Iowa, with Pastor Gary Gordon officiating. Military Rites were by the Leslie F Seaton American Post #666, Smithland, Iowa. Dennis McCall Commander.