Joann (Slechta) Cook Wood

Joann Faye (Slechta) Cook Wood was born on August 3, 1938, in Denison, Iowa, the eldest of three daughters born to Leonard and Lucille (Clausen) Slechta. She was baptized into the Christian faith and received her education in the Denison Community Schools, graduating with the Class of 1955.

In October of 1956, Joann married Lloyd “Spike” Cook. Prior to their marriage, she converted to the Catholic faith. Together they were blessed with seven children and made their home in Sac City. Joann devoted herself to raising her family and caring for their home, a role she truly loved. Being a homemaker brought her great joy and fulfillment. After many years together, Joann and Spike went their separate ways. In 1982, she married Wayne Wood.

Joann found enjoyment in sewing and crocheting and was an avid reader who continued reading until the end of her life. In her younger years, she loved cooking, baking, gardening, and preserving by canning produce for the winter months. She was known for her ability to prepare any wild game that found its way to the supper table. Her family will especially remember her delicious cinnamon rolls and chocolate chip cookies.

Above all else, Joann treasured her family. A loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she found her greatest happiness in spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Joann was known for her kind heart, gentle manners, and selfless spirit. She was always polite, thoughtful, and willing to put the needs of others before her own.

Joann passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026, at St. Anthony Hospital in Carroll, Iowa, at the age of 87 years, ten months and five days. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Mary Sue Cook; sisters: Janice Dieber and Judy Fast.

Joann is survived by her children: Michael (Kathy Jo) Cook of Carroll, Terry Cook (Sally) of Sac City, Rick (Wen) Cook of the Philippines, Kathy (Mark) Dettman of Rockledge, Florida, Cindy Rahn of Carroll and Nancy Carnes of Mena, Arkansas; grandchildren: Heather Dettman, Keith (Courtney) Cook, April (Jeramiah) Martin, Kyle (Randi) Cook, Cody Dettman, Ryan (Becky) Cook, Shawna (Dustin) Powell, Shanda (Dustin) Craig, Megan (Charles) Vigdal, Dustin Carnes, Ruford Cook and Reseda Cook; 21 great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Lloyd Dieber of Denison and Jack Fast of Mena, Arkansas; cousins: Lois and Betty; and other family members and friends.

Her funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., with visitation from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. all on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Interment will follow in the Oakland Cemetery. The family will direct memorials.