Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Wood, Donald Milton May 26, 2003
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Marilyn Ransom mlnransom@chartermi.net May 12, 2010, 8:30 pm

The Ionia Sentinel-Standard, date unknown
Donald Milton Wood, 59, of L’Anse, went to meet his Lord Monday, May 26, 2003, 
in Grand Rapids after a sudden illness.  He was born in Ionia January 29, 1944 
the son of the late Harry and Lena (Repphun) Wood.

He graduated from Ionia High School in 1962.  After graduation he entered the 
Army and was a trumpet player with the 74th Army Band until his honorable 
discharge.  On August 21, 1965 he married high school sweetheart Marilyn 
Nobis.  She preceded him in death in 2002.  While working in the Ionia prison 
system he attended Michigan State University receiving his Bachelors Degree in 
Criminal Justice.  He later moved to Munising working at the Cusino Prison 
Work Camp.  In 1979 he moved to L’Anse as the Camp Supervisor of the Baraga 
Prison Camp until its closure.  He continued as Camp Supervisor at Camp Kitwin 
in Painesdale until his retirement.

Don enjoyed hunting, deer and turkey, watching and feeding the birds that came 
to his feeder, and gardening.  He already had part of his vegetable garden 
planted.  He was an avid reader, reading at least two newspapers a day and 
enjoyed working at his computer, often sending jokes and pick-me-up messages 
to his friends and family.  Don taught square dancing for many years and was a 
Certified General Caller for the International Association of Square Dance 
Callers.  He was still active on the square dance circuit at the time of his 
death.  He enjoyed listening to and playing music.  Don was a member of the 
L’Anse United Methodist Church and taught Sunday School to many young people.  
He was a Certified Lay Speaker and a past member of the church choir.  He was 
an active fund raiser for the Bay Cliff Health Camp in Big Bay, one of his 
many charities.  He raised dogs for Leader Dogs for the Blind, in the past as 
well.  Don was active in he Emmaus, Chrysalis and Keryx communities of the 
Upper Peninsula where he was known as Mr. Agape.  He had served on their 
boards and was a current Chrysalis board member and a board member elect for 
Keryx.  He was involved in Fire-Up every spring in Marquette, sometimes 
loading the car with kids as well.  He enjoyed helping out with Big 
Brothers/Big Sisters of the Cooper Country and was past member of the Cooper 
Country Chorale.  He had conducted programs in the past for the Baraga County 
4H Club.  He loved activities that involved children of all ages.  Don was 
always doing for others, often without their knowledge.  He will be sorely 
missed in this community.

Don is survived by his son, AO2 2nd Class Petty Officer James (Gigi) Wood of 
San Diego, California; daughter, Melissa Kagabitang of Greenville; 
grandchildren, David Kagabitang and Gerald and Stephanie Himmelsbach; his 
sister, Mary (Edward) Ackerson of Ionia; and brother, Robert (Linda) Wood of 
Twin Lake.  He was preceded in death by his brother Harry, and sister Lena May.

A celebration of Don’s life will take place 11 a.m. Friday from the Reid 
Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse with Rev. Tom Anderson and Rev. Gary 
Sasinowski officiating.  The family will receive friends Thursday at the Reid 
Funeral Service and Chapel from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the 
service on Friday.  Baraga County Area Veterans, under the direction of the 
Baraga American Legion Post 444 will conduct military honors for Don on 
Thursday evening at 7 p.m.

Memorials in Don’s honor may be directed to the Bay Cliff Health Camp.  
Envelopes will be available at the funeral chapel following the service.  
Friends are invited to join the family for luncheon and fellowship in the 
Harrington Gathering Room, located at the funeral home.  The Reid Funeral 
Service and Chapel, L’Anse is assisting the family with arrangements.  


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