Marian E. Wood

Marian Emery (McKibbin) Wood, age 97 of Westby died Saturday, November 24, 2007 Marian Emery (McKibbin) Wood, age 97 of Westby died Saturday, November 24, 2007 at Norseland Nursing Home in Westby. She was born July 8, 1910 to George Warren and Amalia (Rentz) McKibbin. She graduated from Viroqua High School in 1928, and attended the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse for a short time. She later graduated from the Marinello Beauty School in Washington D.C. Marian married Robert W. "Bob" Wood on August 30, 1930 in Caledonia, MN. They eloped and then returned to their jobs in Washington, D.C. Robert Wood preceded his wife in death on February 20, 1991. She worked as a beautician in Washington, D.C. for several years, and eventually became owner/operator of Woodburn Beauty Salon in Washington. She remained owner for eleven years. She and her husband owned homes in Falls Church, VA; and Fairfax, VA. Marian taught her self to type and took speedwriting courses. She worked at the Naval Torpedo Station, where she inspected parts of a torpedo. She later worked at the U.S. Army Research and Development Labs in Ft. Belvoir, VA, as a clerk/typist in the engineering department. Following Marian and Bobs return to Wisconsin, she worked as a clerk/typist at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. At one time they operated a dairy farm in Esofea, WI. Early in her marriage Marian enjoyed golfing. She later became an avid gardener and enjoyed baking, knitting, and her pets-dogs and cats-especially her last dog, Buffy! She loved to read and work cross-word puzzles. She made doll clothes and afghans and was an accomplished seamstress. She was a well-known for her cooking talents, often preparing special meals and sweet treats for friends, family and church events. She was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Esofea. Mrs. Wood is survived by one step-son: W. Roger (Betty) Wood of Vienna, VA; two grandchildren: Debbie (Rick) Balak of Virginia Beach, VA; and Randy Wood of Leesburg, VA; two great-grandchildren: Tyler and Meredith Balak; three nephews: Michael, George (Dianne), and John McKibbin, all of Esofea, WI; two nieces: Karen (Ron) Morris of Vandalia, MO; and Jane (Dave) Reschke of Chasseburg, WI; and several great nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Marian was preceded in death by her brother: Carlyle Rentz McKibbin and his wife, Katherine B. McKibbin; and other in-laws: Bentley and Mary Wood, Nick and Mary Wood, and Maude Gunnell. Also preceding her in death was one nephew: Rev. Wayne C. McKibbin. Memorials may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church. The Vosseteig funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.