Dana Lorentz Wood

Dana Lorentz Wood (72), of Colorado Springs, CO, made his journey on February 5, 2026, peacefully at his home, with his wife, daughter, and four-legged companion Iris, by his side.

Dana was born in 1953 in Brooklyn, NY to Dick and Laila Wood, and grew up in Colorado Springs (Widefield High School,1971). He is survived by his cherished life partner/wife of 50 years, Juanita Wood (to whom he always was and always will be, her everything), his daughter, Heather Wood (to whom he will always be, sweet Papa), his three grandsons, Tusweca Taoniye, Omaka Nawicakincinji, and Wiconi Wakan El Najin (to whom he will always be, the best and wisest Lala), and his beloved siblings Randi (Scott) Madsen, Mia (Steve) Wilkie, Stian (Pam) Wood, Kaia (Roy) Sailor, Jarle (Mary) Wood; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends. At the age of 17, Dana traveled on a working ship to visit Norway (to meet relatives and greet the homelands of his ancestors). He also visited Ireland and worked briefly in Greenland. After graduating high school, Dana attended the Colorado College for two years, after which he started his family, and worked as a carpenter/woodworker, perfecting his craft until retirement and beyond. Dana retired from the Colorado Springs Utilities Cabinet Shop in 2013.

Dana was an exquisite woodworker and a fine cabinet builder. He was a sailor, a musician, a man of wit and existential contemplation with a non-linear lens. Dana held deep reverence for poetry, music, the art of boat-making, the skill of sailing, and human adventure. He loved to cook and bake good bread in the tandoori oven that he built with the help of his grandsons. Dana loved to spend his time in his backyard gardening with Juanita and building with his grandsons. He enjoyed following his favorite boat makers and sailors on YouTube. Dana was a steadfast “Trekkie” through and through. He loved hikes with Iris and the family, and he took joy in seeking out the best pho in town to savor with his beautiful wooden chopsticks that he delighted in making and gifting.

Dana gave of himself in all ways that he could with every ounce of his being with every minute that he had. Dana extended himself to others in a humble, respectful, and empathetic way. Dana was a good relative to all and will be greatly missed. “Live long and prosper”

A Celebration of Dana’s Life will be held from 1-3pm on March 21, 2026, at the event room at Storybook Brewing, which was his favorite place to visit with his dear friends.