Stephen Wood

Stephen Louis Wood, husband, father, brother and friend, died Friday, July 1, 2016, at the age of 75. Steve was a proud Montanan, hailing from the Stacey community, south of Miles City. Born to Agnes Mae (Gold) and Eugene Wood, Steve grew up on the family ranch. Nicknamed “Soupbone” by his grandfather, Jack Gold, Steve attended South Stacey country school. Athletics were a lifelong passion, beginning at Custer County High School where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. Stephen attended the University of Montana in Missoula on a football scholarship, relishing his time as a cornerback for the Grizzly Grid Great. “Up with Montana, boys!” Stephen was a natural teacher and coach. His coaching career began in Kellogg, Idaho and eventually took him to Chester, Montana, where Steve coached football and wrestling. He founded and built the Coyotes' high school wrestling program, culminating with a state wrestling championship in 1974. That year, Steve was voted Montana Wrestling Coach of the Year. Later in life, Steve would return to coaching in Savage, Montana, leading the eight-man football team. In total, Steve taught high school History, Government, and Social Studies. In 1974, Steve married fellow teacher, Jan Wingenbach. Their 41 years together consisted of many adventures, including raising four children, multiple moves across Montana, and the pursuit of higher education. As he got older, time spent with his grandchildren became a cherished blessing that Steve never took for granted. Steve returned to ranching in 1976 and after several years in Stacey, eventually moved closer to Miles City in 1985. Like his father and grandfather, Stephen was a member of the American Hereford Association. Other endeavors would eventually take Jan and Steve to Minnesota, Helena, and finally Billings. Steve was a longtime member of the Montana Officials Association, refereeing high school basketball, football and wrestling. In the course of his officiating career, Steve gleefully recalled being spit on, hit with a purse, and booed on multiple occasions. Quick with a joke, Steve was a gregarious and energetic individual, both as a prankster and a storyteller. Hobbies included gardening, pickling, canning his own salsa, and making wooden benches and tables. He loved Montana history, but especially despised anything resembling science fiction. Steve enjoyed country western music and was often found on the dance floor. He was fond of milkshakes, colorful knock knock jokes and betting high in 500. Always a competitor, he was a loyal and lifelong fan of the Dodgers and the Dallas Cowboys. Steve was graced with both a youthful spirit and a militant work ethic. He persevered through any setback with his usual wit and humor. One of his greatest gifts was his ability to draw out anyone's life story. No one was a stranger when chatting with Steve Wood. His smile, his fortitude, and his unique charm will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him. Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Agnes Mae and Eugene Wood, and his sister, Blanche Wood. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jan, of Billings; sons Bridgier (Allison), of Boise, Idaho, and Colin, of Portland Oregon; daughters Hannah (John) Donohue of Portland, Oregon, and Meghan (Matt) Cardoza of Boise, Idaho; sister Helen Jeanne Jones (Walt) of Cottonwood, Arizona and his twin sister Sandra Wood of Volborg, Montana; and 10 grandchildren, Morgan and Ian Wood, Addison, Elysse and Ilana Cardoza, all of Boise, Idaho, as well as Lucy and Aidan Wood, Clara, Jack and Charlotte Donohue, all from Portland, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Vincent DePaul in Billings, Montana. Friends and family are invited to share stories and memories at a Vigil on Tuesday, July 5th, 6pm, St. Patrick Co-Cathedral in Billings, Montana. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon on Wednesday, July 6th, St. Patrick Co-Cathedral, with a luncheon to follow. Friends and family are welcome to the graveside service at the Custer County Cemetary, Miles City, Montana, 11:30am, Thursday, July 7, with a luncheon to follow at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall.