John Franklin Wood

MADISON-John F. Wood, age 78, passed away at the UW Hospital in Madison on Saturday, July 22, 2017.  He was born on May 17, 1939, in Milwaukee, the son of Norbert Vincent Wood and Blanche (Betters) Wood.  John graduated from Stephenson High School in 1957 where he played quarterback and linebacker for the football team.  He worked hard on the family farm. John’s father passed away when he was just 18 and he missed him terribly; always talked about him and wished he could have spent more time with him.   He attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Mich., receiving a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. John taught in Wallace, Mich., Marquette, Mich. and Kewaunee, Wis., before moving to Madison in 1969. He taught sixth grade at Randall Elementary for two years and then 26 years at Cherokee Heights Middle School, 36 years total before retiring in 1997. John painted houses in the summer so his children could have music lessons, and his son Garth painted a long side him on a few of the homes.  John instilled the love of music in each of his four children.  He introduced them to Buddy Holly, Bob Dylan and John Denver at a very young age.  John gave Garth his guitar to play and enjoy.  His oldest three children, Matthew, Jennifer and Garth have fond memories of traveling to Maine and Nova Scotia in their VW van in the 70’s. John and Bonita enjoyed taking Matthew for car rides and Matthew brought much joy to both of them.  Matthew and John had a mutual affection for each other and Matthew would clap with excitement when his dad came into the room. On Oct. 12, 1996, John was united in marriage to Bonita Fleming by Supreme Court Justice, Shirley Abrahamson in her chambers in the Capitol building in Madison.  John was a man of few words but when he spoke people listened. God was important to him, and he prayed often for those he loved.  He was an avid reader and being a teacher he picked up everything within his sight that was readable, and he read it.  The 23rd Psalm and the Our Father were two of his favorite prayers. One of the many ways John showed his love for his family and friends was through his cooking.  John was an excellent cook. He could throw a delicious meal together in less than 30 minutes. He always had dinner waiting for Bonita after she returned home from work.  He made amazing homemade pizza, bread, and hot spicy chili that was to die for, as well as a mean breakfast!  In John and Bonita’s earlier years together at Adams St., John, “the master chef” would put on feast for the family including his mother, Blanche, his sisters and their families, Bonita’s mother, Bernie and her sister and brother-in-law, and John’s three oldest children. John loved animals and was a wonderful caregiver to his family’s five Shih-Tzu’s, Honey Bear, Katie, Mackie, Shanie, and Bugsy. He would walk all five dogs two times a day for many miles. John enjoyed running and once qualified for the Boston Marathon. He ran many races and marathons over the years and his daughter, Jennifer acquired a love for running from her dad. They would jog together when they had the time.  John and Bonita enjoyed going to the Badger football games together, including a trip to the Rose Bowl in 1999 and Bowl games in Florida. They also loved watching the Green Bay Packers on television.  John and Bonita loved traveling especially to North Carolina to visit Bonita’s cousin Roger, Charleston, South Carolina to visit his daughter, Jennifer, to the Gulf side of Florida to visit good friends, and Niagara Falls, Boston and Jennifer’s wedding in Cape Cod in 1999. In 2005, John and Bonita adopted Isabelle from Guatemala.  They spent a lot of time at their cabin in Big Bay, Mich., taking in the tranquility and peacefulness of their surroundings. John was a true Yooper! He liked to chop wood and stoke the fireplace.  One of Isabelle’s fondest memories was when John pulled her and Bonita behind the Cub Cadet on a sled during the winter.  Another highlight of being up at the cabin was an exclusive private tour of the Huron Mountain Club, where the wealthy family’s such as the Rockefellers and Vanderbilt’s owned homes.  John was so proud of Bonita for making the arrangements for the three of them to go on the tour.  He was also thrilled that Isabelle was able to attend Powell Township School with the many wonderful opportunities and field trips. John’s greatest joy was his children and he treasured the time he was able to spend time with each of them. John is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Bonita Fleming-Wood and their daughter, Isabelle who both cared for him during his 7 ½ year illness. Isabelle often played her violin for him which he thoroughly enjoyed. John always called her a “Master of the Violin”. He is further survived by his sons, Matthew and Garth Wood both of Madison; daughter, Jennifer Wood and her children, Camillo and Giovanni Peracchia all of Charleston, WV; sister, Kathy Hatton of Menominee, Mich.; brother-in-law, Walt Baker of Clinton, Mich; sister-in-law, Patricia Fleming of Madison; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved fur babies, Shih-Tzus, Maddie and Murphy; Havanese, Scottie; and cat, Smokie.  He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, JoAnn Baker. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Memorials may be gifted to Johns’ daughter’s Isabelle for her educational fund. A Limb Fallen A limb has fallen from our family tree. I keep hearing a voice That says, “Grieve not for me. ”Remember the best times, the laughter, the song. The good life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage, I am counting on you. Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest, Remembering all, how I truly was blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small, Go on with your life, Don’t just stare at the wall. “I miss you all dearly, So keep up your chin. Until the day comes We’re together again.” Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care 2950 Chapel Valley Road (608)442-5002