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Wood, Rev. Frederick 'Fritz' J.
The Rev. Frederick “Fritz” J. Wood was called to God's heavenly home April 23, 2013. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 27, at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 3275 N. Center Point Rd., Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids.
Fritz was born Aug. 13, 1936, in Marshfield, Wis. He was baptized into the Christian faith on Aug. 30, 1936, and reaffirmed his baptismal vow at his confirmation April 30, 1950. He graduated from Marshfield Public High School in 1954. In 1965, he married the love of his life, Darlene Mews, of Windom, Minn., while a student at the University of Wisconsin, Marshfield Center. He graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, Ill., and was ordained into the Holy Ministry in 1971. He served his vicarage at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Saginaw, Mich., and returned as pastor. During his time in Saginaw, Fritz and Darlene were blessed with two children, Timothy and Kristin.
In 1979, Fritz was installed as pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mason City, Iowa, where he served the church, the district and the Lord for 22 years. He retired from the Holy Ministry in August 2001 and relocated to Hiawatha, where they joined King of Kings Lutheran Church.
The two parishes he served left him with many friends and he had fond memories of sharing God's Word and fellowship with them. Fritz will be remembered for his service to the Lord, the Lutheran Church and his community; his love for his family and friends; and his humor and warm heart.
Those who will honor his memory include his loving wife, Darlene; his children, Timothy Wood, Iowa City, and Kristin Wood, St. Louis Park, Minn.; and many special family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Foster and Emma Wood; and two brothers, Foster Jr. and Raymond Wood.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke's Hospice or King of Kings Lutheran Church.
Online condolences may be directed to www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.
Published April 25, 2013 in The Gazette
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