Donna R. Wood
Born: June 24th, 1927
Died: May 2nd, 2011
Obituary
Donna R. Wood, age 83, of Marathon, Iowa, and formerly of Laurens, Iowa, died May 2, 2011, at the Longhouse Residence Nursing Home at Spencer, Iowa. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 6, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Laurens. Visitation will take place Thursday, May 5, 2011, from 5-8:00 p.m. at the Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City, where the family will be present during that time. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City is in charge of the arrangements. Donna Rae Leah Houck, the daughter of Gregg and Leah (Wright) Houck, was born in Burlington, Iowa, on June 24, 1927. She lived her youth and received her education in Burlington, graduating from the Burlington High School. Donna continued her education at the Burlington Junior College. On March 31, 1948, Donna was united in marriage to Robert Wood, and this union was blessed with nine children; Gail, Robbin, Jane, Scott, Teresa, Tim, Joann, Andy, and Alyce. Many years of Donna and Bob's married lifetime was spent in Burlington, where she was a devoted wife, homemaker, and a supportive, nurturing, and patient mother to her children. In 1966, they moved to Laurens, Iowa, and later moved to Marathon in 1997. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Laurens, and had been a longtime participant in various bowling leagues. Donna will be remembered as an avid reader and kept her mind active by doing word puzzles. She also had a love for singing, and had sung in the school choir when she was younger. Her children lovingly referred to Donna as a "very wonderful mother". Her life will always be honored and cherished by her children; Gail (Rex) Heckert of Peterson, Iowa; Robbin (Ron) Nissen of Marathon, Iowa; Jane (Larry) Heckert of Hazleton, Iowa; Scott Wood of Burlington, Iowa; Teresa (Dennis) Fitzgerals of ‘clear Lake, Iowa; Tim (Sharon) Wood of Boone, Iowa; Joann Huegerich of Laurens, Iowa; Andy (Anne) Wood of Circle Pines, Minnesota; and Alyce (Neville) Buffin of Hazlet, New Jersey; 19 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters-in-law, Anne Houck of Virginia, Ginny Kluska of Indiana, and marilu (Gerry) Kuhl of Iowa; and brother, Gregg (Mary) Houck, Jr. of Illinois; nieces; nephews; other extended family; and her many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; one grandson; one niece; one nephew; her brother, Dean; and a brother-in-law Frank Kluska. May God bless the memory of Donna Rae Leah Wood.