RAPID CITY, Mich. - Ronald Russell Wood, almost 92 years old, of Rapid City, Mich., passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025. Ron was born to Spencer and Ruth (Ellison) Case just minutes before his twin brother, Don, on May 31, 1933, in Detroit, Mich. Ron was adopted by E. Russell and Viola Wood and grew up in Kalkaska, Mich.

From a young age, Ron’s love of music was evident. Alongside his brother, Don, and classmates, Dale Lantzer and Don Sherman, they formed a quartet that has been harmonizing together for over 80 years-a testament to enduring friendship and shared passion.

Following high school, Ron joined the U.S. Navy and spent two years serving our country and traveling the world on the USS Pocono. In 1959, Ron married Janet Sanders and together then ventured up to Houghton, Mich., where his first daughter, Rhonda, was born and he graduated from Michigan Tech with a degree in Civil Engineering. Ron was hired by the federal government as a bridge engineer, working in Williamsburg, Va., where he welcomed his next two daughters, Donna and Sandy. The family spent time in Indianapolis, Ind., and then Cross Plains, Wis., where Ron retired from federal service.

While the Wood family was living in Cross Plains, Ron took on his next career challenge as a beef farmer. Around a decade later, Ron and Jan decided to move back home to Northern Michigan and settled on Elk Lake. The next 40 years were filled with a few different jobs for Ron, including construction and building inspection.

Ron’s hobbies were as diverse as his talents: woodworking, bird watching, photography, and motorcycle trips. He continued singing with “the Boys,” volunteered at the Kalkaska Church of Christ, and found great joy in sharing the beauty and blessing of his lakefront home with friends and family.

Ron was preceded in death by his mothers, Ruth and Grace; fathers, Spencer and E. Russell; sister, Vivian Wells; and son, Charles Wood (previous marriage). He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Janet; his brother, Don (Charlene) Wood; and daughters. Rhonda (Jeff) Jankowski, Donna (Donn) Schroeder and Sandy Wood. He is also survived by his four granddaughters, six grandsons, and a multitude of great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Kalkaska Church of Christ, 1725 W. Kalkaska Road, Kalkaska, Mich., at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 6, 2025. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

Donations may be made to Kalkaska Church of Christ. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

Middleton, WI 53562

(608) 831-676

Ronald R. Wood

May 31, 1933 - May 21, 2025

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