Gary John Wood, 74, passed away Sept 25, 2020 at home, surrounded by his loving family. Born June 12, 1946 to Charles and Helen (Smith) Wood in Seward, NE, where he lived his entire childhood. He had many jobs as a kid from bun runner to digging graves. He graduated from Seward High in 1964, then began working for Hughes Bros. about 10 months before starting his career at the CB&Q Railroad, now Burlington Northern Santa Fe.
He joined the Navy in Oct. of ’65 and served aboard the USS Sylvania (AFS2) a combat storeship during the Vietnam era until Nov. ’68.
Gary married Beverly Ann Wood on Nov. 8, ’69. They lived in Seward for a year, then moved to Lincoln where they have resided ever since.
Gary served positions of President and Vice Local Chairman for the United Brotherhood of Carmen Local 799 for about 12 years.
Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, cribbage, card games, watching videos, football, NASCAR, off-roading and showing cats. His proudest moment was producing and showing Grand Champion Hurrah Soaring Eagle, our CFA National Best of Breed Birman.
Gary was a friend to all, always had a kind word for anyone, a sharp wit,and a wonderful sense of humor. He had a long and hard return of Cancer that became unbearable and left us to join his Lord. He retired from the RR in ’06.
Preceded in death by; parents, brothers Bob & Don, sister in law Rosemary and brother in law George Wiruth.
Survivers; wife Beverly, sister Mary Lou Wiruth, nieces; Theresa & Kevin Aylward, Michelle & Michael Robinson, Katherine & Sean Stewart, nephew; Mike & Sue Wiruth, numerous great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews, brother in laws; Ronald & Becky Hulse, and Leonard Hulse from Utica and Duane Hulse & friend Jeanne, Tenn. and his beloved cat Echo.
In lieu of flowers & plants, memorials may be given to the family for future designation.
After the rosary on Thursday. a video will be shown of Gary’s life with a picture collage.
Funeral: 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2nd, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 3128 “S” St., Lincoln.
Visitation: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” St., Lincoln
Rosary: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. Oct. 1, at Wyuka. Family will be present from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
When attending service please abide by local and CDC covid-19 guidelines.
Funeral service live stream: www.facebook.com/sacredheartlincolnNE
I worked with Gary and Bev for many years at The Havelock Shops. He was a great person and there was never a dull moment. We also played a lot of cribbage during lunch time and sometimes all night after getting off work at midnight. He will be missed by all that knew him.