Mike Wood

Michael I. “Mike” Wood, age 76, of Washington, Iowa, passed away Sunday, April 4, 2021 at the University of Iowa Hospital. A memorial visitation to celebrate Mike’s life will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 11, 2021 at the Marr Park Conservation Center where food and fellowship can be enjoyed with the family. A eulogy and time of sharing will begin at 2:00 p.m. Mask usage and social distancing is encouraged. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the Ainsworth Fire Department, Ainsworth Opera House and the Marr Park Conservation Center. The Jones & Eden Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent for Mike’s family through the web at www.jonesfh.com Mike was born December 27, 1944 in Washington, Iowa, the son of Earl R. and Wanda (Murphy) Wood. He graduated from Ainsworth High School in 1963. Mike was united in marriage to Barbara Burgess on February 3, 1968 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Riverside, IA. Beginning in the 8th grade, Mike worked in the family business, Earl R. Wood & Sons Construction. In 1973, he joined Farm & Home Mutual Insurance Association as a claims adjuster and inspector. In 1980, he purchased Lord Insurance Agency in Ainsworth which became Wood Insurance Agency. Mike served as President of the Board of Directors of Farm & Home Mutual from 1999-2021. Mike was a master carpenter who enjoyed renovating and landscaping his home with his wife Barbara. He was also an avid nature lover and national park enthusiast, taking many road trips across the United States from Maine to Seattle. Mike had an appreciation for classic cars and spent his free time restoring and cruising in his cars and Harley Davidson. In later life he enjoyed classic Western movies, continued to expand his knowledge of world and American history and had an appreciation for music from opera to classic country. Mike leaves behind treasured friendships and memories of his classmates from the Ainsworth high school class of 1963, whom he remained in contact with throughout his life. A highlight of those years was his exceptional football career during high school. Mike’s primary joy and love of life was his family. He enjoyed country life near Ainsworth with his young family. As his daughters got older, he enjoyed taking road trips to go visit them on the West Coast. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Wood of Washington, IA; daughter, Nancy S. “Suzanne” Wood and husband Christopher M. Sumouske of Washington, IA; daughter, Elizabeth Anne Wood Crockett and husband Brendan of San Francisco, CA; 2 grandchildren: Claire Cecilia and William Michael Crockett; brother, Jim Wood and wife Cathy of Washington, IA; brother, Tim Wood and wife Maria of Washington, IA; sister, Nancy White of Washington, IA; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings: Jean Hall and husband Harold; Joan Seuppel and husband Leo, Jr.; Frank Wood; Jeanette Bergman and husband Don; Jane Wood Johnson; and Mary Putman and husband Bill.

Mike Wood

December 27, 1944 - April 4, 2021