GARNER — Hazel J. Wood, 95, passed away October 2, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Inurnment will take place at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel. There will be no visitation.
Hazel was born May 3, 1931, in Kanawha to Elmer and Arlene Severson Zeigler. She attended country school and graduated from Kanawha High School in 1949 before continuing her education at Britt Junior College.
After graduation, Hazel was selected by the college to work at the Hancock County Courthouse in Garner, beginning a long connection to public service in the county.
On August 27, 1953, Hazel married Eugene Wood at the Kanawha Methodist Church. The couple lived in Britt until 1983, when they moved to Garner.
Hazel later worked as coordinator for Hancock County Home Health Care and remained in that position until her retirement.
Outside of work, she enjoyed reading, sewing, gardening and baking.
Hazel was a member of Garner United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and the Garner VFW Auxiliary.
She is survived by her children, Peggy Jean Wood Nelson of Owatonna, Minnesota, Steve Wood of Garner and Bob and Tracy Wood of Marseilles, Illinois; six grandchildren, Emily, Rachel, Elizabeth, Alyah, Heather and Caitlyn; nine great-grandchildren; sisters Mardell Meyer of Belmond and Joan and Charles Boeck of Denison; brother David Zeigler of Clarion; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene, on February 23, 2011; her parents; and brothers Lyle, James, Wayne and Merlin Zeigler.
Additional information and condolences for the family are available through Cataldo Funeral Home.
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