Obituaries : Dennis Irwin Wood

Dennis Irwin Wood, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and distinguished aviator, passed away peacefully December 1st, 2024 at the age of 74 of Glioblastoma, a brain tumor. Born on April 3, 1950 in Vinton, IA. Dennis lived a life filled with service, adventure, humor, and deep devotion to his family and friends.

Dennis served during the Vietnam War as a helicopter pilot, earning respect and admiration for his bravery. In the remaining years of his 20-year Army career, Dennis continued to fly rotor-wing and fixed-wing aircraft, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer IV. After his military service, Dennis pursued a career in commercial aviation, flying transcontinental flights for TWA. He later found his true passion as a EMS helicopter pilot, flying for Air Methods, where he touched countless lives. His dedication to helping others took him for a time to Port Au Prince, Haiti, where he provided critical EMS services to those most in need.

In addition to his aviation career, Dennis also worked as a licensed realtor, serving clients in Cedar Rapids and Delhi with integrity and dedication.

Known for his larger-than-life personality, Dennis had a penchant for practical jokes and pranks, keeping those around him laughing and on their toes. His mischievous sense of humor was legendary and a testament to his fun-loving spirit.

Dennis made connections and friends wherever he went, both in his professional and personal life. He spent 30 wonderful years living on Lake Delhi, where he enjoyed boating, raising his beloved Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and savoring a great cocktail, a cold Heineken, or Fosters beer.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Muriel; his son, Kristopher (Shannon) Wood; his grandchildren, Breonna Hobbs and Oliver Wood; and his great-grandchildren, Sophia and Willow. His brother, Dick Wood, brother-in-law Gene McMeans, and Bob (Tami) Mahood; sister-in-law Lisa (Tim) Burgess; and many nieces and nephews also mourn his passing. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eunice and Leland, and his sister, Marlene McMeans; sister-in-law, Cathy Froning.

Dennis will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his love for family, his hilarious pranks, and the lasting connections he made throughout his life. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. His legacy of love, laughter, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

"Duke 44 over and out"