Joe D. Wood

Manton - Joe D. Wood, longtime resident of the Wexford County area, passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday, August 25, 2025. He was 68.

Joe was born on December 29, 1956, in Ogden, Utah and was raised in Cadillac by his parents Michael and Donna (Wood) Blackmer.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army in the late 70's. Joe had a long career as a mechanic starting with McDaniel's service station in Manton and eventually owning and running Joe's Garage.  He also spent nearly 20 years working at Michigan Rubber before his eventual retirement. On July 7, 2007, Joe entered into marriage with the former Nancy L. Fuzi in Louisiana.

As a younger man Joe loved to hunt and fish.  He spent many hours in nature and visited several in-land lakes fishing Lake Cadillac, Lake Mitchell and Dayhuff Lake to name a few.  Joe had a passion for farming and enjoyed his time on the tractor.  He raised cows and pigs in addition to harvesting hay over the years.  Joe had a special place in his heart for Merritt Speedway, spending countless hours and evenings there, working, helping out, as well as cheering on the drivers racing the dirt track.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Wood of Manton; his seven children, Jody Lee (Vance) Winters, Robert "Bob" (Melissa) Wood, Jeremy (Jacquelin) Wood, Abby Wood, Bradley Wood, Clay Wood, and Dennis Wood all of Manton; twelve beloved grandchildren, Vance, Jacob, Leeann, Nathan, Emily, Chloe, Izaak, Annabelle, Natalie, Victor, Sophia, and Adeline; his four siblings, Cheryl Rowe, Steve (Joanne) Blackmer, Matt "Woody" (Kelly) Blackmer, and Mike Blackmer; his nieces and nephews as well as many other loving family members and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Following a private committal at Maple Hill Cemetery, the family will receive friends for a memorial gathering and luncheon to celebrate Joe's life on Friday, September 5, 2025 starting at 12 noon at Living Word Ministries Church, located on S. Michigan Avenue in Manton. Memorial contributions may be directed to Living Word Ministries.   Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.Hall-Holdship.com   The family is being served by the Hall-Holdship Funeral Home.  

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