Helen L. Wood, 96, Park Falls, died on Friday September 14, 2012 at Flambeau Hospital. She was born on January 1, 1916 in Fairchild, WI, daughter of Gustave and Laura (Hoffman) Kottke .  Her love of life was evident from the moment the 2 lb. 8 oz baby was born in this Fairchild home. Her incubator was a cardboard box on a chair behind the family wood stove. She overcame rheumatic fever as a child and grew into a strong and loving woman. She married William S. Wood on October 14, 1940 in Fairchild. Helen & her family moved to Park Falls in 1967 when her husband, Bill, accepted a position as the Area Forest Ranger for Price and surrounding counties. Helen is a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Butternut and was active in the Ladies Aide. In the fall of 2009, Helen moved from her private residence to the Park Manor; she resided there until her death. 
 
Helen was known to her family and friends as a caretaker and friend to many. She was not only the loving mother to five daughters, but also to over 50 foster children.  Her love and caring were returned by the staffs of Park Manor, Flambeau Hospital and Flambeau Home Health and Hospice. Helen’s family thanks these caregivers for providing comfort in her final days.
 
She is survived by three daughters: Denise (Bob) Andrews Jr., Necedah; Joan (Tim) Senn, Bloomington; and Michelle (Dave) Strange, Mauston; nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
 
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bill; two daughters, Nila Wood and Carolyn Bremer; and her brother, Lawrence Kottke and one granddaughter.
 
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday September 18, 2012 at 10:00am from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Butternut. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will follow at 3:00pm at Fairchild Cemetery, Fairchild.
 
Arrangements are being made through the Novitzke Funeral Home, Park Falls.