Howard Lien Wood, age 96, of Rochester, MN, died peacefully on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at Samaritan Bethany Arbor Terrace in Rochester.
Howard was born on January 15, 1928, in Delavan, MN to Henry and Lillian (Lien) Wood. After graduation from high school, he joined the United States Navy and served at the San Diego, CA Naval Hospital. On June 12, 1946, he married Mary Jane Sweet of Winnebago, MN, and upon discharge from the Navy, moved to Mankato, MN. He worked as Plant Superintendent for Marigold Foods both in Mankato and Rochester until his retirement in 1991.
Howard was an avid golfer and bowler as well as an outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. Family fishing trips to northern MN were definite highlights for him. His gardening skills were legendary throughout his life and, after retirement, he raised and raced homing pigeons as a hobby. He was a devout and faithful member of Zumbro Lutheran Church.
He is preceded in death by his father, Henry Floyd Wood; mother, Lillian (Lien) Wood; his wife, Mary (Sweet) Wood; his brother, Henry Wood; his sister, Judith (Wood) Lair; and brother-in-laws Kenneth Way and Paul Juergens.
Howard is survived by his sisters Pauline (Kenneth) Way and Carol (Paul) Juergens; his children and spouses, son, Robert Wood and Lex (Waterston) Wood of North Mankato, MN, daughter, Betty (Wood) Groth and Brad Groth also of Mankato, daughter Jane (Wood) Frackenpohl and Dave Frackenpohl of Decatur, GA, and son, Paul Wood and Sara (McDonald) Wood of Spring Lake, MN. He is survived by ten grandchildren and their spouses; Christin (Matt) Colbert, DeSoto, MO; Joe (Tami) Wood, North Mankato, MN; Heather (Mike) Scherr, Waco, TX; Will (Avery) Groth, Tucker, GA; Erica (Lance) Tawzer, Pace, FL; Jessica Mink, Stillwater, OK; Shawna (Justin) Christensen, Parker, CO; Daniel (Megan) Wood, Highlands Ranch, CO; Chris (Paige) Aarvig, Thornton, CO; and Aubray Aarvig (MJ Ceron), Alcoron, Spain; as well as fifteen great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held for Howard at 11 a.m., on Monday, April 7, 2025, at the Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th Street SE, Rochester, MN, 55904 with Pastor Tim Rotman of Zumbro Lutheran Church officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the start of the service and a luncheon will follow at noon.
Online condolences may be left at mackenfuneralhome.com. Memorials can be made in Howard’s name to: Zumbro Lutheran Church, Samaritan Bethany Arbor Terrace, or Seasons Hospice.
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