Greta, We love and miss you, however we feel you among us every day. Thank you for all your help up there. We knew you would be wearing angel wings up there and watching over each and every one of us. I am truly glad to have met you and your daughter Kat. She is one special lady and I am so honor to have her in my life. Keep those wings a flapping and the sun a shining (even if it above the clouds).
Greta Jane Wood
May 27, 1926 – February 20, 2009
Greta Wood was born on May 27th 1926 and went to be with the Lord on February 20, 2009. Greta died peacefully at the Country Manor in the vigilant presence of her daughter Kathleen Mehr.
Greta was born in Nebraska City to Merritt and Gretchen Whitten. Greta grew up in Nebraska with her step brother E.M. and attended the University of Omaha where she earned a BA in Political Science and Education she later earned her Master’s degree in Art.
In 1950 Greta married William Morton and had her first two children: Mary Alice (Pluth) of Ely, MN and Kathleen Ann (Mehr) of St. Cloud, MN. In 1959, Greta and her daughters moved to Harbor City, California where Greta met and married Daniel McAllen Wood and had son, Daniel McAllen Wood II of Eastlake, OH.
Dan & Greta moved their family to Babbitt, MN in 1966 where Greta was a professor at Vermilion Junior College in Ely and then transferred to the Ely School system to teach art in the grade school and Jr. High where she was dearly loved. Greta was very active in the art community including participation with Art Educators of Minnesota as an officer; she also created the Voyager Vision, a Home Business Enterprise in Babbitt to help displaced miners develop their craft/trade into home businesses. Greta developed an art curriculum for K-Nine called “Ishy and the Culture Vulture” that clearly expressed her sense of humor and wonder and appreciation of the beauty in nature and art.
Greta is survived by her children Mary & James Pluth; Kathy & Kevin Mehr and Dan & Beth Wood; grandchildren: Merritt Hansen; Zach Mehr; Greg, Alisha (Ladd) and William Pluth; and great-grandchildren: Lucas, Amelia, Alex and Madison.
Greta was a loving, generous & caring woman who was passionate about life. She cared deeply for her students and easily extended the branches of her family tree to wrap around all who wanted or needed shelter and love. In addition to her children Greta leaves behind too many “adopted” children to mention by name.
We will continue to celebrate Greta’s life for the length of our own but, for now, the family will host a celebration in recognition of Greta’s relief from pain and suffering as well as her reunion with her Heavenly Father between 5-10 PM on Friday February 27th at the Kelly Inn in St. Cloud.
Guestbook
We had the pleasure of knowing Greta when she lived in Ely and Babbitt.
She was a wonderful person a trusted confidant and a true friend.
Her glass never ‘less than half full’ in spite of her life’s trials and tribulations.
We celebrate her final peace, and extend our sincere condolences to her loved ones.
Butch and Lucy
I enjoyed helping Greta oh so long ago when she lived at Care Free Living in St Cloud. She was the one person who made my day, always a joy to be around.May God Bless all of her children and extended family.
Kathy, Kevin and your whole family: I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. I could always hear in your voices how much you loved and admired your mom. I only got to meet her once or so, but the love you had for her radiated whenever you spoke of her. Know that love between a mom and child continues forever across many lives and time(I know!). Love and peace to you both and your family at this time of transition… Lisa Nicholson
My deepest sympathy to Dan and his family
To the Family, May each of you find comfort in knowing that God is “near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” (Psalm 34;18) He has promised to soon “swallow up death forever…and wipe the tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25;8) Take care,
Kathy & Kevin, Dan & Beth, Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Tom, Sue, Jake, and Jessica
I am very sorry for the loss of your mother. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Your mom was “My Greta”. And yes, I cried when she was moved, and when she passed away. Thank you Kathy for calling and letting me know. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for letting me be there with you.
Hello, I just wanted to say how sorry I was to hear about Greta’s passing.She was a roommate of my mother in law Agnes Heins who also died on Feb 12. Although I didn’t know her well, I thought she was a very nice lady and so easy to talk to. You all have my sympathy.
Dan:
While I never had an opportunity to meet your mom, I remember the stories you would tell me of her life. I know the loss you feel and wish for you the peace that comes with knowing that your mother is no longer suffering. Please accept my condolences on behalf of myself, Gail, Selena and Matthew as well as the whole Ventura Clan.
Your Friend Always
Joe V
I am so sorry for your loss.
I never had the privilege to meet Greta, but through the loving stories that Beth has shared I know that she will missed. What a beautiful video tribute.
I had the privilege to know Greta for almost 20 years, (though we would both only admit to a few of those)! She was a smart and talented lady and loved life. I am honored to have known her and I thank the Creator that she is released from the bonds of this earth and is free of suffering. God bless her and her family and all those who knew,honored & and laughed with Greta. To her family I extend my sympathies and understanding that at times Greta could be challenging, but she was one hell of a strong woman and she loved you all! God bless you all & hold you tight during your grief. Greta lived her life well & left us all lessons & joys to learn from. She would want a celebration of life not a dirge of death! I salute you Greta and thank you for making my life better for having known you.
Bonnie Klitzke
So sorry to hear of Greta’s passing, you are in my prayers and may you find comfort in knowing that she is now at peace.
Dan and Beth;
A beautiful tribute to your Mom’s life. it appears she wasd loved by many. I am praying for your peace and comfort during what be a most difficult time.
Carla
Greta was a remarkable woman and she leaves a legacy of art and imagination that will live on through generations. My heart goes out to all of the members of her family who mourn her loss.
Services
Schedule Details
We will continue to celebrate Greta’s life for the length of our own but, for now, the family will host a celebration in recognition of Greta’s relief from pain and suffering as well as her reunion with her Heavenly Father between 5-10 PM on Friday February 27th at the Kelly Inn in St. Cloud.