Mark Paul Wood

Mark was born on October 25, 1953 in Litchfield, MN to Willard and Marjorie Wood. He attended Litchfield High School, class of 1971, where he was involved in several activities and sports, which included: football, baseball, and audio/visual club. He went on to attend Willmar Junior College where he played two years of baseball and proceeded to finish his undergraduate degree at Mankato State University in 1975. In 1980, Mark graduated from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, MN with his Juris Doctor.

Mark had an extensive legal and professional career, including: being admitted to Minnesota Courts and United States District Court, District of Minnesota, serving two terms as an Eighth Judicial District Board of Professional Responsibility Investigator, Meeker County Examiner of Titles, Meeker County Law Library Board Member, Litchfield City Attorney, Trustee of the Louis Roberg Endowment Trust, and Owner/Partner of Private Law Practice Wood & Rue PLLP where he was overjoyed to have his daughter, Emily, join the firm.

As an active member of the Litchfield community some of his services include: Litchfield Kiwanis Member, founding board member of the Litchfield Public Schools Foundation, founding member of Litchfield Industries, founding member of Litchfield Development Corporation, Litchfield Chamber of Commerce, Ecumen of Litchfield Advisory Board, lifelong member of Litchfield Church of God and serving as longtime treasurer, Meeker Memorial Hospital Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and Lake Washington Lake Improvement Association.

While he had many professional and service accomplishments his true joy and priority in life was his family. Mark loved to say he was always surrounded by women, starting with growing up alongside three sisters. After practicing law in St. Paul he returned to his beloved home town of Litchfield. He then met Lynn Olson and together they built their family on Lake Washington. This is where they raised their three daughters Emily, Laura and Anna. Mark and Lynn encouraged their girls to have interests in all areas of life. This included exposing them to some of his favorite passions: lake life, Minnesota sports, and hunting. Mark adored his newest role as 'Papa' to his one-year-old granddaughter Amelia (daughter of Anna and Zach), and he was anxiously awaiting the arrival of their second child.

Our family, friends, and community are completely heartbroken by his unexpected passing. He is survived by his loving wife Lynn of 34 years, three daughters: Emily (CJ), Laura (Justin), and Anna (Zach), granddaughter Amelia, three sisters: Joy (Gary), Merridee, and Gaye (Corky) and many nieces and nephews. Mark is preceded in death by his parents (Willard and Majorie Wood), parents-in-law (George Olson and Barbara Downs), Brothers-in-law (Jerry Harding and Craig Olson, Sr.), and nephew (Craig Olson, Jr.).

Visitation will be held at Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield on Friday, September 6th, 2024, from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at Litchfield Christian Church, 312 Marshall Avenue North in Litchfield on Saturday, September 7th, 2024, at 2:00 PM. Interment will be at the Lake Ripley Cemetery.

Memorials will be given to Litchfield Kiwanis, GAR Hall, and the Lake Washington Lake Improvement Association.