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NORWAY -- "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."-- Irish Proverb
On Aug. 4, 2026, Fionn Daniel Wood left us unexpectedly, leaving a hole in his family's hearts that can never be restored.
Born Nov. 3, 2008, in Chicago, Fionn's life began as a tiny preemie in the NICU. But it was not long before he was thriving and you would never have known just how small he was when he started life.
From a young age, Fionn had endless curiosity and a wild imagination all his own. He was always discovering something new and had a habit of making up his own words that could leave everyone laughing.
He loved "Thomas the Train." He had every one of the trains and every kind of accessory that went with them. He also loved "E.T.," "Star Wars," Cub Scouts, fishing, camping, cooking, swimming and going on trips. He visited several states, as well as Mexico and Canada.
As he grew older, he developed a love for reading, movies, video games and music of all genres, and took a special interest in history. Music became a passion for him, and he enjoyed listening to and exploring many different genres.
Cooking, which he had always enjoyed, also became more of a passion as he grew older, and he became quite skilled at it.
He had a deep appreciation and knowledge of ecology and plants. Each year, he enjoyed creating and caring for a flower and plant garden outside, taking great pride in watching it grow and flourish.
He also had a love for animals and believed in doing what he could for all of God's creatures. The companionship they gave him meant more to Fionn than they probably ever knew.
He enjoyed politics and religion and was constantly studying and learning more about his relationship with God.
Fionn also deeply loved his family and friends and cherished the time he spent with them.
These are only a few of the many things he loved as his interests evolved and changed like the seasons. There was always something new to learn about, talk about or become fascinated with.
He was kind, caring, incredibly intelligent, and had a sense of humor that could leave you laughing until your stomach hurt. Quick-witted and endlessly curious, he could carry on a conversation about nearly anything, especially when it was something he felt strongly about.
Fionn cared deeply for the people around him, even during times when he may not have always known how to express it. Those who truly knew him understood the depth of his heart and the many layers that made him who he was. He had a unique way of leaving an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who loved him.
In June 2026, Fionn proudly reached an important milestone by completing his education, something he worked hard to accomplish.
Fionn leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will cherish the memories they shared with him. He is survived by his mom, Alice Werden of Norway; and his dad, Dan Wood of Ironwood. Being the only boy, he leaves behind his four sisters, Kim Werden (AJ Bettack) of Coloma, Wis., Tiffany Bivins of Jackson, Mich., Bethany Stevens of Norway, and Rachel (Isaiah) Bean of Jackson, Mich. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Walt and Kathy Werden of Norway; uncles Ed Werden of Norway, and Tim (Winnie) White of Lima, Ohio; aunt Janette Werden of Streamwood, Ill.; bonus aunt Karyn Peters of Streamwood, Ill.; nephews Noah, Malachi, and Arthur; nieces Madelyn, Aurora, Skye, and Genesis; and beloved cats, Vino and Peno. Ashley and her children, Dayjah and Tyler, also held a special place in his heart.
He will be remembered and missed by many great-aunts and great-uncles, cousins, and friends who will forever cherish the memories they made with him.
Fionn was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Robert and Ruth Wood; nephew Jeremiah Bean; godparents Terry and Kathy Poethkow; and beloved pets Peppy, Manny, Rusty, Baby, Spooky, Boots, and Sully.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a celebration of life honoring Fionn from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Hall-DeWinter American Legion Post 145, 621 Main St. in Norway. Please join us as we come together to share memories, stories, laughter and tears.
A memorial service will be held during this time from 1:30 to 2 p.m.
Please celebrate the life of Fionn and his 17 years with us.
"No farewell words were spoken, no time to say goodbye; you were gone before we knew it, and only God knows why." -- Unknown
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to: Great Lakes Recovery Center, c/o Foundation Department, 100 Malton Road, Negaunee, MI 49855; Memo: Fionn Wood-Adolescent Residential, or to your local Animal Shelter in the name of Fionn Wood.
Condolences to the family of Fionn may be expressed online at www.ortmanfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements were made with the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway.