Kenneth E. Wood

Kenneth E. Wood, 88, died peacefully on Aug. 11, 2025, after suffering with Lewy body disease. He was born Dec. 7, 1936, in Centralia, Ill., and raised in nearby Eldorado. He received a degree in mining engineering at University of Illinois and an MBA in economics from University of Chicago.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, at Woodland Shores Baptist Church, 3555 Shawnee Road, Bridgman, MI 49106, with a luncheon to follow. Friends may meet with the family at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be given to Woodland Shores Baptist Church Missions Committee. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com.

Kenneth's career was in sales and marketing at various corporations. He developed the Tapcon screw while at ITW. His retirement years were spent in Dunewood in Bridgman with his wife, Sarah, where they enjoyed beach life and beautiful sunsets.

He dedicated his retirement years to charity. He was a hospice volunteer, making more than 900 visits to patients. He was a math tutor, served as a spiritual advisor for Southwest Medical Centers and drove cancer patients to clinics in Chicago and Battle Creek. In 2009, he received the Citizen of Service Award from the Bridgman Lions Club.

A turning point in Kenneth's life was a mission trip to Kenya. He served on the missions committee at church and the Bridgman Library Board. He was active in the Republican party, receiving the Volunteer of the Year award from U.S. Rep. Fred Upton.

He loved riding his bike, dancing the rumba and jitterbug, listening to gospel music, camping in national parks, and reading about economics and history.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Sarah (McCollum); daughter, Laura (Brian Hengels), grandson, Alex of Henderson, Nev.; son, Michael (Carol) of Elmhurst, Ill., and brother-in-law, Richard (Kay) McCollum of Spring Park, Minn.

Preceding him in death is his father, Earl, his mother, Hanna (Goulding) and brother, Jerry.

Arrangements are entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Highway, Bridgman.