Howard Wood

Howard was born in Ishpeming on August 31, 1946, son of the late Howard Sr. and Lucille (Connors) Wood. He grew up in the National Mine area and graduated from National Mine High School with the class of 1964. Following graduation he enlisted in the United States Army where he served from February of 1965 until his honorable discharge in January of 1968. Shortly after returning home from the service, Howard married Diane Sullivan on June 28, 1969, they were married for 55 and a half years. Howard worked as a plant repairman at the Empire Mine, accumulating 33 years of service before his retirement.

Howard was a member of the Greenwood American Legion Post 114 where he previously served as commander, and the VFW Auxiliary in Negaunee. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, was an avid gardener, even winning a local award for having the best all around garden, and loved to cut firewood at camp. He also enjoyed rabbit hunting and running beagles.

Howard is survived by his wife- Diane (Sullivan) Wood, 3 children- Jeff (Kelly) Wood, Howard R. (Jamie Caliguri) Wood, Jodi Wood, sister- Beverly Lawrence, 5 grandchildren- Jeffrey (Brianna) Wood, Chelsea (Eric) Tarvainen, Cortney (Joe Beerman) Caliguri, Shana (Shay Thompson) Caliguri, Jack (Ireland Villalobos) Auston III, along with 7 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law- David Lawrence, brother and sister-in-law- Sulo and Margaret Ritola, and sister and brother-in-law- Sharon and Don Kangas.

Howard’s family will greet relatives and friends at the Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home on Friday March 7, 2025 from 2:00pm until 4:00pm. Military honors will be accorded at 4:00pm by the UP Honor Team and the Greenwood American Legion Post 114. A luncheon will follow at the Greenwood American Legion Post 114. Interment will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery.

Howard’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.