Obituary of Benjamin Wood

Benjamin "Ben" Edward Wood Sr. July 8, 1935 - September 23, 2010 Benjamin Wood was born in Monroe, on July 8, 1935. He was one of eight children born from the union of the late Roscoe Kemp and the late Rosella (Fix) Wood. He married the former Norma Klatt at St. John the Baptist in Monroe on July 21, 1956. Ben served his country honorably as a member of the United States Army from 1954-1957. He worked as a mechanic for the Sears for some eighteen years. He later worked for Frank's Nursery in Carleton as a truck driver retiring in 1999. Ben was a member of the Petersburg Lower Light Church where he served as a greeter and a Potato Peeler. He had served the residents of Monroe as a reserve police officer for many years. He was a lifetime member and funeral ritual team member for VFW Post 1138. Ben enjoyed sitting out in the garage and completing jig saw and word puzzles. He enjoyed traveling and was looking forward to a January Aruban Cruise. He had a special place in his heart for his grandpuppy: Tyson. Benjamin "Ben" Wood Sr. age 75 of Temperance passed from this life into eternal glory at 7:00pm, Thursday, September 23, 2010 surrounded by his loving family, and under the care of Erie-West Hospice. His passing was preceded by his parents; daughter Jean Marie Stinson; brother: Charles; and two brothers-in-law: Jimmy Emery and Harold Klatt. He leaves his wife Norma of Temperance; four children: Ben Jr. (Verna Jean) and Richard (Sherry) both of Monroe, Johnny (Trisha) of Ida and Janice Ann Ybarra of Temperance; a son-in-law: Al Dombrowski of Hillsdale; six siblings: Fred (Ann) of Monroe, Karen (Jimmy) Martin of Fort Myers, FL, Jeanette Klatt, Yvonne Lambert, and Paulette Emery all of Monroe, and Rita (Scott) Larrow of Carleton; twenty-five grandchildren; and fourteen great grandchildren. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm, Monday, September 27, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 where members of the Monroe VFW Post 1138 with provide Veterans Honors at 6:30pm. He will lie in state from 10:00am until a Celebration of His Life at 11:00am, Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at the Petersburg Lower Light Church, 302 East Elm Avenue. The Rev. David Voss and the Rev. David Linville will co-officiate. Memorials are suggested to Petersburg Lower Light Church, Monroe VFW, or to Erie-West Hospice. Online words of inspiration and comfort at www.merklefuneralservice.com; Life Stories page.