Nolan Xavier Wood

Nolan Xavier Wood, a vibrant and beloved young man, passed away on December 13, 2025, in Fort Collins, Colorado at the age of 19. Born on March 17, 2006, in Winfield, Illinois, Nolan grew up surrounded by a loving family that included his parents, Dana M. Wood and Martin D. Wood, and his sister, Loren Nicole Wood. He was a cherished grandson to his maternal grandparents, the late Deborah J. Gaffey, Thomas M. Gaffey, and the late Mary Jane Gaffey, as well as his paternal grandparents, the late Mary Anne Wood and the late Edward O. Wood III.

Nolan's extended family was a source of joy and support throughout his life. He was a fun-loving cousin and nephew to many on both sides of his family, including his aunts, uncles, and cousins: Daneen Van Hyning and Chuck Van Hyning, Eden Van Hyning and Ella Van Hyning; Edward O. Wood IV and Marlene Wood, Jason Wood and Chelsey Wood; Leo J. Wood and Antoinette Wood, Catherine and Scott Helfinstine, Vincina Helfinstine, Theresa and Frank Ciacchi, Francesca Ciacchi, Leo J. Wood II and Kimberly Wood, Leo J. Wood III, Connor Wood and Milana Wood; Mary Jane Peronto and Claude Peranto, Daniel and Laura Kemeny, Myla Kemeny and Brayden Kemeny; John P. Wood Sr. and Jan Wood, John P. Wood Jr., Rory and Lilly Wood, Casey Wood; Margaret G. Wood, Veronica and Carl Lemmerman, Griffin Lemmerman and Zoey Lemmerman; Michael F. Wood and Michelle Barry, Payton Barry-Wood; Anne Marie Frey and David Frey, Abigael L. Frey and Logan Neidert, Shannon E. Frey, and Elizabeth G. Frey.

Nolan was a proud graduate of Yorkville High School's Class of 2024, where he excelled academically and graduated with honors. His passion for learning and innovation led him to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University. Nolan's zest for life was evident in his many hobbies and interests. He was an avid weightlifter, snowboarder, skier, hiker, fisherman, and auto mechanic. He found joy in playing football, watching movies, mountain biking, and riding bikes with friends and family all over Yorkville. He had a special place in his heart for riding his grandfather's tricycle and making his friends and loved ones laugh. He was also known for his role as the fun older cousin, especially to Ella and all his first cousins once removed.

Nolan was a young man who took great pride in working hard and giving his best to everything he did. He truly loved his jobs—whether during the school year at H & E or during summers and school breaks at Anchor Mechanical. At H & E, he enjoyed operating the equipment used to manufacture and package tomato cages, taking satisfaction in seeing the results of his efforts. At Anchor Mechanical, he was known as one of the “shop kids,” making deliveries throughout the Chicagoland area, loading trucks, and helping keep the shop running smoothly.  Nolan cherished the time he spent at work and the people he worked alongside. He was always eager to share stories about his day, the tasks he took on, and the many individuals who made an impact on him. His enthusiasm, dedication, and genuine love for the work he did will be remembered by all who knew him.

During his time at Yorkville High School, Nolan was an active member of the Cross Country team, Foxes Football Team, Track team, and served as the Head Rowdy. He also honed his skills in auto mechanics through the IVVC program. His college years were equally dynamic, as he was a member and participated in the Snowriders Club, CSU Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Club, and The Outdoors Club.

Nolan's accomplishments were many and varied. He was a skilled climber, having conquered Longs Peak, Gray's Peak, Torrey's Peak, Lumpy Ridge Trail, and Mount Bierstadt. He shared memorable biking adventures with his father, traveling from Yorkville to Wisconsin. He took pride in his black belt in Taekwondo. Nolan's personal best 2-mile run time was an impressive 11 minutes and 5 seconds.

Travel was another of Nolan's passions, and he explored many corners of the world, including Ireland, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, and the Caribbean. He enjoyed cruises, trips to Hawaii, Switzerland, the Florida East Coast, Disney, the Grand Canyon, Washington D.C., Park City Utah, and Wyoming.

Nolan's untimely departure leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him. His infectious laughter, boundless energy, and kind spirit will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with him. Nolan has a wonderful soul and had a love for everyone he met.  Nolan Xavier Wood's legacy is one of love, adventure, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. He will be remembered not just for the things he achieved but for the warmth and joy he brought into the lives of others. Nolan would save money and make donations to the Mercy Home For Boys and Girls, and in lieu of flowers, you may do the same in Nolan's memory by clicking here.

Visitation Friday, December 26, 2025 from 3:00-8:00 p.m. at Bauman Family Funeral Home 5600 U.S. Route 34, Oswego, IL. 60543. Friends are asked to gather Saturday, December 27, 2025 at St. Patrick Parish 406 S. Walnut St. Yorkville, IL. 60560 for the funeral mass to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be private. 

To view the funeral mass by livestream, please follow this link: https://vimeo.com/event/5600792/2bf822095e

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nolan Xavier Wood, please visit our floral store.