Gerald “Jay” Wood, son of Donald R. Wood and Barbara L. Wood, was born on January 20, 1956, in Omaha, NE. Jay passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends at his home in Indianola, NE on March 10, 2023.
Jay grew up in Indianola and received his formal education at Republican Valley School where he was involved in football, wrestling, and many other "extra" activities. He graduated with the class of 1974. Following high school, Jay entered the workforce as an employee of Sughroue Construction where he learned many valuable life lessons. Later, he became a Master Electrician and spent many years with D & T Electric and then Tim Bradley.
Jay loved to travel, fish, and play cards, especially when they were done with family and friends. He cherished his Friday evening suppers and Sunday morning coffee. He enjoyed helping others and spent his "free weekends" by assisting anyone with unfinished projects. He was a meticulous craftsman and lived by the motto, "measure twice and cut once." However, if you asked him to assess the work he responded one of two ways; "High Plains Perfection" or "good enough for who it's for."
Jay was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Barbara Wood, brothers William and Don Wood, sister Sharon Budke, and niece Victoria Livermont. His surviving family includes Bernie Wood; Kathy(Bill) Kiefer; Annette Wood; Marty(Brenda) Wood; Kevin Budke; Buck (Thauna) Wood; Theresa (Lonnie) Brooks; Dianne Wood; Terry (Nubia) Wood; Kevin (Pam) Wood; Paul (Julie) Wood; David (Katie) Wood; and 30 nieces and nephews.
Memorials in lieu of flowers are suggested to The McCook Optimist Club and will be used to help fund the annual Father’s Day fishing tournament for children at Red Willow Lake.
Recitation of the Rosary will be March 18th at 10:30 AM at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Indianola, with Memorial Mass following at 11:00 AM
There will also be a celebration of life on March 18th at 6:00 pm at the Indianola Community Building. The family will provide Rocket Pizza and beverages at 7:00 pm.
All are invited to attend one or both services. The family would love to hear and share memories of Jay.