Dale H. Wood

Ewing — Dale Henry Wood, 84, of rural Ewing, died Monday, Oct. 9, 2023 at his home in Ewing.

Visitation was held Friday, Oct. 13, 2023 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Chambers. Rev. Leif Hasskarl officiated.

Burial was in the Valley View Cemetery in rural Ewing.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Dale was born April 10, 1939, in Ainsworth to Charles “Henry” and Katherine “Fern” Wood. He was welcomed home by three older sisters that were extremely happy to have a new baby brother! 

Dale grew up on a ranch in rural Ewing. Dale attended Lone Tree Country School through eighth grade. (Sister Phyllis was his teacher for one year.) He graduated from Chambers Public School in 1956. He was involved in football, baseball, basketball, Boy Scouts and 4-H. At a young age, Dale helped his father and learned the love of ranching. Henry had a love for raising registered Hereford cattle and passed on this knowledge and gentleness towards cattle to Dale. After graduation, Dale baled hay for Bill Held. He boxed for the Golden Gloves for two seasons with Burwell and Ewing teams. 

Dale met the love of his life Janice Leree Micanek, of Lynch, at a dance in 1959. They were married on Oct. 1, 1961 at Christ Lutheran Church in Lynch and began their 62 years of life together side by side on the Wood Ranch. This union was blessed with Michael Henry and Michelle Leree. 

Dale was a member of Bethany Presbyterian Church and was baptized on Oct. 10, 1948. He joined St. Paul Lutheran Church on April 10, 1964, and joined the voter's assembly where he served as an elder, youth group leader and in other capacities over the years. 

Dale enjoyed flying, hunting, tractor pulls, reloading and welding. 

He served on the Holt Co. Fair Board for 17 years and was a long-time McClure Township chairman. He was the Chambers Blue Streak girls' softball coach for many years. Unknown to most, he knew nothing about softball rules, so he bought a rule book and read it cover to cover. He always kept it in his back pocket just in case it was needed during games. 

Many special friendships and memories were made and treasured over all the years. 

Dale and Jan loved attending all their children's high school and college activities. As grandchildren came along, they continued to be their biggest supporters too. No ball game was too far… even Billings, MT was the destination to watch Zach and Nick. Of course, a trip to DQ after the ball game was a special treat! 

His life was built on faith and thankfulness to God, as well as a deep love for his family. 

Dale is survived by his wife Jan; two children Mike (Deeann) Wood and Michelle (Bob) Haburchak; 10 grandchildren Zachary (Jayde) Haburchak, Nicholas, Ryann, Jacob and Jessica Haburchak, Layne Manzer, Mike Korth and Colby, Wacey and Jory Carson; seven great-grandchildren Hanley and Josie Haburchak, Brady (Ashley) Korth and Crayton, Camden, Chloe and Claira Carson; and many nieces, nephews and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents- in-laws Harold and Eleanor Micanek; three sisters and their husbands Katheryn (Wes) Howe, Patricia (Em) Smock and Phyllis (Harlan) Larson; one niece Vicki Femrite; one nephew Charles Howe; and two grandchildren Jerad Manzer and Joy Korth.