Dennis Wood, age 66, of Elmwood, Wisconsin, died peacefully Monday, August 26, 2024 with his wife Sandy by his side.
Dennis was born on February 11, 1958 to Vince and Althea (Erickson) Wood. The fourth of six children, Dennis spent his childhood on the family farm. From the moment he could crawl, Dennis was pulling pots and pans from his mother’s cupboards to beat on with any tool he could find. By the age of 6 years old, Dennis finally got his first real drum for $9.99!
As Dennis grew, he was cheerful and never afraid to be bold. When many teens were following the crowd, he wore checkered pants, silver painted boots, or whatever he chose. He always said he was a trend setter, not a follower. Dennis was passionate about many things, and good at most. He collected stamps, excelled in athletics, became a very skilled carpenter, and kept playing the drums, his specialty. So much so that when the school district’s band bought a new trap set, they were known as Dennis’ drums.
Dennis graduated from Spring Valley High School with the Class of 1976, but not before meeting the love of his life, Sandy. Sandy was his first and only sweetheart. Dennis often remarked, “Life just isn’t fun without Sandy”. The two were married December 26, 1981.
Dennis and Sandy bought a farm just down the road from his parents’ farm. While their new home didn’t look like much at first, through the years Dennis and Sandy created their own little piece of heaven. Together they raised three children in this home: Jon, Becky & Laura. Dennis started milking cows at his farm in 1991 and continued milking until 2015.
Dennis shared his creative genius in many ways over the years, it’s impossible to list them all. He played drums in multiple bands: SAC, Country Gentleman, The Original Replicas, Pierce County Ecumenical Choir, The El Paso Marching Band and was involved in many pit bands and plays at the Stagehands Theater. The El Paso Marching Band was born when Dennis and two longtime friends combined their love of music, and shenanigans. After 37 years, the band still continues today. He played music all his life; if he didn’t have a ‘reason’ to play, he made music anyway. Living was reason enough.
Dennis was a family man and a father to many. He always had time to visit and a smile to share; his laughter lit up a room. Dennis was a man who loved a little bit of unpredictability; he had a good idea every 5 minutes! We used to tease him about making friends everywhere he went – but that’s why his life was so rich in friends. He leaves a legacy of tenderness, love and joy that will be felt for many years to come.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Tom.
He is survived by his wife Sandy; children: Jon (Bridget) Wood, Becky (Nate) Leland; and Laura Wood (Tyler Larson); grandchildren: Cora, Annabelle, Hunter, Graydon, Mable, Riley, Magnolia, Lucille; siblings: Cherrie, Steven (Dawn), Renee (Joe), Ed (Barb), sister-in-law Ann.
Pallbearers are: Jon Wood, Nate Leland, Tyler Larson, Jason Wood, Eric Wood and Isaac Nellessen.
Visitation was Friday, August 30, 2024 from 4-8 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Spring Valley. Funeral was Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 11 a.m. at St. John’s. Burial in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, El Paso Township, Wisconsin.
