Gary Lee Wood

Dr. Gary Lee Wood, "Doc", aged 79, passed away at his home on Thursday, November 13, 2025, with his children by his side. Dr. Wood had been diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer in January and had an extensive surgery March 13. He had been in remission, started treatment for safe measures until he got very sick again and had been hospitalized. They had found the cancer had metastasized and "Doc" chose to transition ThedaCare Hospice. Dr. Wood had been on hospice his last remaining months and everyone made the end of his life fulfilling. You all helped his family, especially him, in more ways than you all will ever know, thank you. God Bless You.

Gary Lee Wood was 2nd born twin to Marion (Frohrib) and Melvin "Bud" Wood on July 4th, 1946, a surprise BANG! He is preceded in death by his parents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. He is survived by his loving wife Pauline "Barnie" Wood, his children Emory and Kristi, Grandchildren: BreeAnn Wood, Mercedes Bennett, Maxwell Bennett IV, Anna Henry, Gage and Ember Wood, twin Gregory (Lori) Wood, older brother Ronald (Karen) Wood, and cousins.

Dr. Wood graduated from high school at Oshkosh North and furthered his education with a degree in Dentistry from Marquette University in 1970. With a love of the outdoors, Dr. Wood went into the Public Health Service with the thoughts of the Last Frontier on his mind, Alaska! His mom was opposed but he told her "Maybe I’ll bring back an Eskimo wife!" (And that he did!) He worked in Public Health for 5 loving years in Alaska, flying from village to village in his Super Cub Plane, giving Natives their smiles back! While in Alaska, Gary met Pauline "Barnie" Henry and they married in Alaska on June 29, 1974. They moved to Wisconsin and he practiced Dentistry in Wautoma, founding Waushara Dental Associates.

Doc was avid outdoorsman, who loved hunting, fishing (esp. salmon), and cutting wood. Anytime the man could be outdoors, he was! He loved going to Door County, made many trips to Canada, and owned a cabin on the Menominee River in Northern Wisconsin that he truly loved. He would tell you the best years of his life were spent in Alaska and he had many stories to tell! He was a gifted storyteller and if you were lucky enough to hear one, it would leave a lifelong impact!

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to his best friend since the 6th grade, Thomas Anderson, from Oshkosh Wisconsin, for being by his side through his whole entire life. You don't know how much of a blessing you've been!

Since Opening Day is Saturday, Dr. Wood's service will be Friday, November 21st, from 3-5:30PM at Leikness Funeral Home with a Prayer Service at 530PM. Dr. Gary Wood was a veteran for his service in Public Health and will be having a full military service to follow. Luncheon to follow at Crossroads Family Church, 640 S Water St, Wautoma, WI.

"Doc" would NEVER allow his funeral on Opening Day sorry for any inconvenience, or convenience!

A memorial will be established in his name in the future, preferably to a Cleft Foundation.