George Wood, age 75, passed away on Monday, May 17, 2021, at the West River Regional Medical Center in Hettinger, ND.

Here's the story of the youngest of "my three sons": During a blizzard the doctor skated across the lake at Baker, MT, to deliver a baby boy.  George Grant Wood was born on January 23, 1946.  The proud parents Charles F. Wood and A. Laura (Ehman) Wood would welcome this little bundle of joy – along with two brothers Bruce and Dean.

Reeder, ND, would soon become home, being raised in the Reeder Depot where George's dad was the agent.  This little "Railroad Kid" would enjoy growing up with all the other town kids.  George's stories of those days were full of fun and mischief.  One of which George saw his mom baking cakes for his big brother's birthday party; George preceded to invite his classmates home for cake after school.  Needless to say, Mom would be rushing to prepare more cake! Yes, the two brothers had birthdays only two days apart.

Scouting, sports, hunting and fishing with his Dad, family and friends, high school basketball being a highlight of his schooling.  George attended all 12 years of school at Reeder, graduating from Reeder High School in 1964, being a member of the "Greatest Class Ever" so he'd say, of course with that smirky smile.

George married Barbara Jo (Bobbie Jo) Uhler and they soon called Minneapolis, MN, home.  George worked for Smith Bros. Garage and Parking Lots in downtown Minneapolis.  The Minneapolis Star Tribune lot being at the top of his list as the most interesting and fun times ever.  Plowing the mountains of snow in the evening or early morning hours for sure made the winter fun.

While living in Minneapolis two children were born, Wesley Grant and Wendy Sue.  Riding on Dad's motorcycle topped Wes' day.  Whatever the kids were involved in George was too!  Wesley's days of hockey and scouts to Wendy and her baton competitions kept them busy.  Camping and boating brought more than one good memory, even pitched a tent in a tornado George did!  He then said to go inside and hold the corners down!

1976 the family would journey back to North Dakota and there a new home was built in Bucyrus.  Small town living being a real blast for them!

George would become employed at Knife River Coal Company at Gascoyne, ND, and he always came home after days end with a smile and story to tell.  Wes once said, "Dad is work always fun?" and George replied, "Well it better be or it'd sure be boring."

Taking part in the school activities again came first.  He loved watching whatever the kids were in, be it sports, music concerts or plays.  We sometimes wondered who was having the most fun, he or the kids!  Teaching his Wendy how to take care of her car turned out to be a real adventure.  Their brake job wasn't quite up to par as they found out on the test drive – she gave her dad his first gray hairs! His comment – "Kids!"

A friendship with Roland Zimmerman would find George soon enjoying his off hours at RZ Motors as a part time car salesman.  Roland and George shared some great times and stories through the years.

Another move in 1989 to Gillette, WY, George became employed by Buckskin Mine.  It wasn't long and he settled in making many good friends.  Tom, your rides to and from work was priceless.  George often found his way to the local coffee shop in the morning each day.

The adventures continued with scuba diving and then a paraplane and of course another motorcycle and snowmobile.  The trails in the Big Horn Mountains proved interesting – never getting stuck or being cold.  Ha-ha!

The bug to travel fell right in there, they loved their Mexico trips.  The first one was for their 25 ^th wedding anniversary.  The motor home never sat still with George and Barbara.

A granddaughter, Indeah Hope, came into the picture and she instantly became his Princess, yet he wasn't too fond of her name and said he'd instead call her Jake!  Some 23 year laster he got his wish with a grandson-in-law named Jake.  Camping and fishing with Poppa, watching the car races, then naming the Capri Car the "Zoom Zoom" Car.

A summer home back in Bucyrus brought George and Barb to say they've come full circle!  Home Again!  George of course again found time for his 6 a.m. Coffee Crew at C & N Café.  That topped his day right up until his last week with us.

Barb, Wes, Wendy, Indeah and Jake Sturm are all going to miss the family rock.  George is also survived by brothers, Bruce (Shirley) Wood and Dean Wood and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding George in death are his parents, Charles F. Wood and A. Laura Ehman Wood, his grandparents; nephew, Bill Wood; sister-in-law, Kay Wood; George's in-laws, Joe and Fern Uhler, sister-in-law, Stephanie Uhler-Hack and brother –in-law, Terry Fowler.

A celebration of life will be held at the Bucyrus City Park on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.  Please bring a lawn chair.