Wayne Wood Obituary

Wayne W. Wood

January 21, 1930 - July 20, 2025

Wayne W. Wood, age 95, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Rock Haven. He was born in Janesville, Wis., on January 21, 1930, the son of Archie and Eva (Danks) Wood. He married Alice Van Brocklin in Janesville, on November 23, 1950, and they were blessed with six sons. Alice preceded Wayne in death on December 31, 2021.

A lifelong Janesville resident, Wayne worked on the assembly line at General Motors for 23 years. Wayne was elected to the Janesville City Council in 1972, and served as President from 1974 until he joined the Wisconsin Legislature. Wayne was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in the April 1976 special election and served 29 years before his retirement in 2005. Once elected, Wayne served as a full-time legislator. During Wayne's tenure in the legislature, he served on countless committees and subcommittees and was a well-respected representative from both sides of the aisle. He will be especially remembered for his thorough preparation for legislation being considered by the State Legislature, legislators knew Wayne read every bill before voting.

Wayne served on boards for Crown College in Saint Paul, Minn., the Rock County Christian Schools (as a founding board member), the State Vocational Technical and Adult Education Board, Rock County Senior 4-H Council, Sinnissippi Counsel Boy Scouts of America, and many church boards. Wayne taught Sunday School for years and served as a local 4-H leader. Wayne was also a member of the UAW.

Wayne is survived by five sons, David Wood, Dale (Linda) Wood, John (Karen) Wood, James (Lesa Rae) Wood, and Bill Wood; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a brother, Gene Wood; and son, Daniel Wood.

The family would like to thank all of the staff of Rock Haven and Agrace Hospice for the wonderful care they provided our father. A special thanks goes to Dale and Linda Wood who provided the most exceptional care for our parents that one could ever hope for, they maintained a loving, laughter filled home for our parents for five years.

A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Schneider Funeral Home. Mr. Wood will be eternally resting at Milton Lawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions are preferred to Agrace Hospice. SCHNEIDER FUNERAL DIRECTORS is assisting the family. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com.