Yorkville HS Football Alum Nolan Wood, 19, Passed Away, Leaving His Parents, Dana and Martin, Heartbroken
Nolan was a young man who embraced every opportunity, building a life rich in experience, friendship, and quiet accomplishment.
December 18, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 18, 2026
Nolan Wood, a proud graduate of Yorkville High School, passed away at the age of 19 on December 13, 2026, in Fort Collins.
He was an avid weightlifter, snowboarder, skier, and also loved playing football.
Nolan Wood was a proud 2026 honors graduate of Yorkville High School who found equal joy in academic achievement, outdoor adventure, and hard work.
During high school, he was an active member of the Cross Country team, Foxes Football Team, Track team, and served as the Head Rowdy.
He honed his skills in auto mechanics through the IVVC program, and his passion for learning and innovation led him to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University.
Nolan’s dedication extended to his work. He took pride in operating machinery to create tangible products during the school year at H & E.
Similarly, he was a dependable shop kid at Anchor Mechanical, making deliveries and ensuring the shop ran smoothly.
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Yorkville HS Graduate Nolan Wood Remembered for Adventure, Work Ethic, and Kindness
Nolan Xavier Wood, the son of Dana M. Wood and Martin D. Wood, was born on March 17, 2006, in Winfield, Illinois.
His parents raised him in a close-knit family alongside his sister, Loren Nicole Wood.
Sadly, Nolan passed away at the age of 19 in Fort Collins, Colorado.
His life was brief but defined an extraordinary spirit of adventure, a profound work ethic, and a deep love for his family and friends.
He approached every endeavor with passion and determination, whether scaling a mountain peak, earning his black belt in Taekwondo, or simply sharing laughter on a bike ride through his hometown.
He was an avid outdoorsman who found peace in Nature. He climbed Longs Peak, Gray’s Peak, and Mount Bierstadt.
Likewise, he cherished biking adventures with his father and was often found riding with friends or whimsically cruising on his grandfather’s tricycle.
Nolan explored the world with curiosity and collected memories and stories wherever he went. He took immense pride in his work, eagerly sharing stories of his day and the people he met with his family.
His greatest legacy is the warmth and light he brought to others.
He was the beloved grandson of Thomas M. Gaffey and the late Deborah J. Gaffey, Mary Jane Gaffey, Edward O. Wood III, and Mary Anne Wood.
He held a special place in the hearts of his extensive family, including his aunts, uncles, cousins, and especially his younger cousins, for whom he was the fun, cherished older cousin.
Nolan is survived by his heartbroken parents, Martin and Dana; his devoted sister, Loren; his grandfather, Thomas Gaffey; and a vast network of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
He will be remembered for the love he gave freely, the adventures he pursued bravely, and the indelible mark of kindness he left on every life.
The Wood family will receive a visitation from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 26, 2026, at Bauman Family Funeral Home, 5600 U.S. Route 34, Oswego, IL.
Similarly, a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 27, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Parish, 406 S. Walnut St., Yorkville, IL. Interment will be private.
Rest In Peace, Nolan Xavier Wood.
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Ashish Maharjan, author at Players Bio, has been covering news with a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling. A writer with a passion for capturing the essence of athletic competition.
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