Raymond "Ray" S. Wood, age 86 of Rochester passed away peacefully at his home on September 21, 2012 where he resided with his daughter Teresa Wood in Rochester, MN.

Raymond was born on June 17, 1926 in LaCrosse, WI to Raymond L. and Charlotte Wood. He grew up in LaPorte, Indiana. Ray worked as a truck driver since the age of 17. On April 14, 1956, he married Nancy JoAnne Nielson of Rochester, MN. The couple moved to Rochester in 1957 where he became a mechanic, and owned his own garage on East Center Street in Rochester. He then became a full-time mechanic for Wonder Bread (Nestle Purina) until his retirement. Ray "adopted" many friends into his own family throughout his life. He loved gemology, making jewelry, learning about the world, traveling, watching professional wrestling, and trips to the casino.

He is survived by four children, eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, a brother David "James" (Brenda) Wood of New York, a sister Arlene (Tom) Snyder of LaPorte, IN.

He is preceded in death by his wife Nancy "JoAnne", a brother William, and a sister AnnaMarie Moore.

A funeral service for Ray is planned for 11:00AM Thursday, September 27, 2012 at River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home (1119 11 ½ Street SE Rochester, MN 55904) Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service. Burial will be at St. Bridget's Cemetery in Simpson, MN.

Memorials are preferred to the family.

Macken Funeral Home is handling the arrangements and online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com