Jeanne Carol Wood (nee Koester)

Jeanne C. Wood, 88, of West Bend, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025. She was born on Dec. 6, 1936, in West Bend, to Erich and Viola (née Reichart) Koester. She married John O. Wood on June 25, 1960, at Immanuel United Church of Christ (UCC) in West Bend, Wisconsin. She graduated from West Bend High School in 1955, and received a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1959.

After years of being a stay-at-home mom, Jeanne put her love of sewing to work as the assistant manager at Jo-Ann Fabrics in Milwaukee. She was very involved in the music activities at Immanuel Reformed UCC in Milwaukee, Peace UCC in Kewaskum, and Cedar Community in West Bend. She also enjoyed bread baking and quilting and won several awards at the Wisconsin State Fair.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, John O. Wood; children Anne, Joan (Michael) Witte, and Karen (Ted) Ludolph; grandchildren Angela (Wesley) Mitchell, Jonathan Witte, Aaron (Katie) Ludolph, Rachael (Ross) Serena, and Megan Ludolph; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Erich and Viola Koester.

Jeanne’s family will greet family and friends on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at (5595 County Road Z, West Bend, WI) Cedar Community Theatre.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., at Cedar Community Theatre (5595 County Road Z, West Bend, WI) with Pastor Eric Kirkegaard officiating. Interment will follow at Cedar Community Memorial Garden.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Cedar Community Partners in Caring™ (checks payable to “Cedar Community” or online at cedarcommunity.org/give/). The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Cedar Community and Common Heart Hospice.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Jeanne’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book can be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.