Donald Gerard Wood

Donald Gerard Wood, Sr. “Don”, was born June 1,1961 in Omaha, Nebraska to Donald R. “Don” and Barbara L. “Kay” (Kaskie) Wood. Don grew up in Omaha, and attended Cathedral grade school until his family moved to Western Nebraska around his 2nd grade year. He graduated from Republican Valley High School in Indianola, Nebraska in 1979. Following his graduation, Don attended McCook Community College, then transferred to UNL in Lincoln where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1985. As a young boy, Don enjoyed motorcycling and spending time with his friends. He was active in football, wrestling and baseball in high school. Don married Dianne Iler on January 9, 1988 at St. Margaret Mary’s Catholic Church in Omaha, and to this union, two children were born; KaLynn and Don Jr. The family made their home in Omaha, before living in Houston, Texas for a few years, and then returning to Omaha. Don held many varied jobs in his life. Prior to obtaining his degree, he worked as a farm hand, on the railroad, and as a parking garage attendant. After college, Don worked as a computer engineer for Enron, First Data, and CSG, before becoming an independent contractor for Mutual of Omaha. He was later hired as a full time employee for Mutual. But the most satisfying of jobs was caring for his kids full-time after being diagnosed with MSA. In addition to his work, Don was active with St. Pat’s as an athletic coach, was a Boy Scout Parent Leader, and took part in an investment club. Don was a very entertaining and funny man who loved taking risks. Prior to his marriage and having children, Don took pride in the purchase of a new red Porsche 944 in 1986, and caring for his basset hound, Cincinnati, who came to the couple after the wedding. For the first 8 years of marriage, Don played racquetball and traveled frequently with Dianne to such places as Hawaii, Cancun, and Caribbean cruises. Don was a proud new parent, and enjoyed coaching the kids in soccer and baseball. He liked to watch Don Jr. play middle school travel hockey, and was there for his first goal. He beamed with pride when KaLynn participated in the Marine Corps Marathon in DC. And he cherished the two week train trip the four of them took through the Western U.S. Don will be remembered as a smart, logical, athletic, energetic, man who had a lifelong love for the Huskers. He was fortunate enough to travel to see them play in the Rose Bowl and took his kids to see them play in the Pacific Life Bowl. Prior to his illness, he liked to go camping. Don was also a fan of the Cincinnati Reds, the music of Rush and Boston, and the “Rocky” movies (in the last 2 weeks, he and Dianne watched them all). He liked dinner at Spaghetti Works, especially lasagna or spaghetti, and drinking a cold Budweiser. To friends, he was known as “Woody”, and to family, he was “Doctor Don” or simply “the Doctor”. He would often be heard saying, “My friends….”. Don’s family would like you to most remember his kindness and friendship to everyone, and his dedication to his family and his religion. Don died suddenly on January 7, 2016 at the age of 54 years, 7 months and 6 days. He was preceded in death by his parents Don & Barbara “Kay” Wood, brother William Wood, and sister Sharon Budke. Don is survived by his wife Dianne, children; KaLynn and Don Jr. all of Elkhorn, siblings; Bernie Wood of McCook, NE, Kathy & Bill Kiefer of Omaha, Annette Wood of Independence, CA, Marty & Brenda Wood of Omaha, Jay Wood of Indianola, NE, Buck & Thauna Wood of Minden, NE, Theresa & Lonnie Brooks of Indianola, NE, Terry & Nubia Wood of Omaha, Kevin & Pam Wood of North Platte, NE, Paul & Julie Wood of Omaha, David & Katie Wood of Omaha, brother-in-law Kevin Budke of North Platte, NE, parents-in-law Bob & Rosemarie Iler of Carroll, IA, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Donald G. Wood, Sr. “Don”, age 54, of Elkhorn, died 1/7/16. Preceded in death by parents Don & Barbara Wood, brother William Wood, and sister Sharon Budke. Survived by wife Dianne, children; KaLynn and Don Jr. all of Elkhorn, siblings; Bernie Wood of McCook, NE, Kathy & Bill Kiefer of Omaha, Annette Wood of Independence, CA, Marty & Brenda Wood of Omaha, Jay Wood of Indianola, NE, Buck & Thauna Wood of Minden, NE, Theresa & Lonnie Brooks of Indianola, NE, Terry & Nubia Wood of Omaha, Kevin & Pam Wood of North Platte, NE, Paul & Julie Wood of Omaha, David & Katie Wood of Omaha, brother-in-law Kevin Budke of North Platte, NE, parents-in-law Bob & Rosemarie Iler of Carroll, IA, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Memorial Mass Wednesday 10 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Elkhorn. Visitation Tuesday from 5-7 PM with a Wake service at 7 PM all at the church. Inurnment at the Resurrection Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Creighton Prep, Duchesne Academy or St. Pat’s School.

Donald Gerard Wood

June 1, 1961 - January 7, 2016