Jeannine Wood

Jeannine Kay Freeman Wood was the second daughter born to Arza Ross Freeman and Edna Jenness Moore Freeman on August 29, 1936, at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. She passed away at Southern Hills Specialty Care in Osceola, Iowa, on April 23, 2023, at the age of 86.

Jeannine lived in Des Moines until she was 10 years old, where she attended Casady Elementary School. In 1946, she and her family moved to a farm west of New Virginia, Iowa. She graduated from New Virginia High School in 1954 and continued her education at the University of Iowa and Drake University.

In 1957, Jeannine married Fred J. Wood. They had two children, Frederic (Rick) Ross and Cynthia (Cindy) Rae. Fred and Jeannine later divorced. Jeannine was a long-time resident of Osceola, since 1958.

Jeannine had a love for sports. In her youth she was a talented basketball player, well known for her hook shot, a forward on New Virginia’s Girls Basketball Team. She was a long-time bowler and enthusiastic bridge player, who at one time belonged to five different clubs. Jeannine was a skilled golfer, who enjoyed competing in and won several golf tournaments.

Jeannine had a lifelong love for animals. Growing up, she cared for farm animals on the Freeman land. She was an excellent owner of many beloved dogs and cats. In the mid-1970s, Jeannine tragically suffered a dog bite to her face and bravely endured extensive reconstructive surgeries.

Jeannine worked as a bookkeeper at Highway Lumber Company for many years. She enjoyed interacting with employees, builders, and customers, and kept a candy jar full for all!

After her long-time employment with Highway Lumber Company, Jeannine cared for residents at the Mosaic Foundation Assisted Living, in Osceola. The residents appreciated her wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed her home cooked meals.

Jeannine was preceded in death by her parents, Ross and Edna Freeman, her son, Rick Wood, her daughter, Cindy Wood, her sister, Joyce F. Baughman, and stepfather, Donald B. Warner. She is survived by her sisters Patricia Beardsley (Dan) of Springfield, VA, and Dolores (Dee) Marie Glafka of Ridgefield, WA, brother-in-law, Lonnie Baughman, of New Virginia, IA, her daughter-in-law, Sara

Wood of Osceola, IA, her granddaughters Jessica Wood Duffel of Oklahoma City, OK and Devin Wood of Genoa City, WI, and her great granddaughters Harper and Gwenevere. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

At Jeannine’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service.