Richard Foulke Wood

Richard F. (Dick) Wood, 98, died peacefully Thursday, November 26 after a short illness.  

Dick was born December 3, 1916 in Waukegan, Illinois to Claire and Esther (Chapman) Wood. Dick lived in Mankato his entire life. He spent two years with the CCC’s at the Gooseberry Falls camp to help support his family during the Great Depression. Dick and Jeanne Pass were married in Mankato on May 26, 1942. He joined the U.S. Army in 1942. After graduating officer candidate school he was assigned to the 20th Armored Division and served in Germany and France during World War II. He was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism and was present at the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp. Dick joined the Army Reserve after the war and retired in 1962 at the rank of Major. In 1954 he started R.W. Electric Company, which he ran successfully for about 30 years. When he retired from the electrical business in 1985, he opened The Candy Jar & Gift Shop and began life anew as a candy maker. In his free time Dick enjoyed baking, candy making, reading and writing poetry, and family.  

Dick is survived by children, Randy (Rachel), Terry (Larry) Engelsrud, and Doug (Bev); grandchildren, Richard Wood, Russell Wood, Jessica Sylla, Brianne Vogt, Eric Engelsrud, Aaron Engelsrud, Brent Wood, and Curt Wood; and 18 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by wife, Jeanne; infant daughter; daughter-in-law, Sue Wood; parents; and sisters.  

Memorial Service, 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 4, First Congregational United Church of Christ, Mankato. Visitation one hour prior to service. Burial will be at Woodland Hills Memorial Park. Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Memorials preferred to First Congregational United Church of Christ, Mankato or Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato Hospice.