Wilhelm's Funeral Service Video Link

Wilhelm Herbert Wood, 97, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph's Nursing Home in New London, Wisconsin on March 22, 2026.

Bill was born on January 19, 1929, to Frank and Elizabeth (Wagner) Wood at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He was the youngest of 6 children ~ being 15 years younger than the sibling next to him. Bill grew up on a farm in Neillsville, Wisconsin. After his freshman year of high school he moved with his parents to Waupun, Wisconsin. He graduated from Waupun High School in 1947. He married Barbara Jean Hanson at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waupun on June 21, 1952.

After high school, Bill and his oldest brother, Walter, ran Super Ice Cream Shop in Waupun. Bill later went on to have a 42 year career in banking. Bill was in the Naval Reserves, spending a month each summer at Camp LeJeune in North Carolina.

Bill was a Mason and a Shriner. He enjoyed driving his mini Shriners car in many parades. Bill loved the Green Bay Packers and was a proud owner of 4 season tickets for over 70 years. He spent many days taking Sami, his white lab Pet Therapy Dog, to elementary schools and the library to read to the children. Bill enjoyed golfing, even making a hole in one at the Eagle River Golf Course. He was a member of the Snow Eagles Snowmobile Club. He enjoyed snowmobiling, traveling and a good Manhattan at the end of the day.

Bill retired from banking at the age of 62, at which time he and Barbara moved to their summer home on Long Lake in Eagle River, Wisconsin, where they attended Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. They enjoyed 30 years of their retirement days there.

Bill is survived by his two sons, Gregory (Sue) Wood of New London, WI and Gerald (Donna) Wood of Eagle River, WI; two grandchildren, Dustin Wood (Andrea) of Onalaska, WI and Briana (Mark) Joski of New Franken, WI; and four great grandchildren, Theya and Brekkin Wood, and Jace and Charlee Joski; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Frank and Elizabeth; his wife, Barbara in 2024; his in-laws, Norman and Elvira (Lee) Hanson; his siblings, Walter, Warren and Wilfred Wood, Ruth Rutter and Esther Heidemann, and his beloved white lab, Sami.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Borchard & Moder Funeral Home in Hortonville, Wisconsin, with Pastor Mark Tiefel officiating. Burial will be at Long Coulee Cemetery, Holmen, WI.

Bill leaves you with this… "When there is a will ~ there is a way ~ and I am Will!"