Kelly Phillip Wood

Kelly Phillip Wood, 66, of Des Moines, IA, passed away at home on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Kelly was born in Fort Dodge, IA on November 29, 1959, to Richard and Phyllis Wood. He was raised in Fort Dodge, IA until the family moved to Corning, Iowa in 1970. He went to Corning High School where he participated in many sports and clubs, graduating in 1978. Kelly had a deep love for sports and was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Kansas City Chiefs. He found joy in cooking, reading, and music, but he especially cherished time spent around those that he loved. He worked at the High Life Lounge, where he adored his coworkers, and also spent time working at Principal Park whenever he could-anything to stay close to the field.

Kelly was a light in every room he entered and truly the life of the party. He had a gift for making friends wherever he went, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Although Kelly's life on this earth ended before he was able to mend old wounds, he would be honored to know that in his death they are working towards healing.

Kelly is survived by his sons, Jared Wood and Isaac Dunblazier-Wood; his siblings, Crystal Spirek and her husband Craig, Dixon Wood and his wife Martha, Melody Porter and her husband Larry, and Wendy Hultman and her husband Mark. He is also survived by his bonus daughter for a time, Kaylee Reed and her husband Andrew; his grandsons, Quintin, Elijah, Vesley, and Atom; and his granddaughter, Annabel, along with many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Phyllis Wood; his siblings, Kathleen Wood, Joseph Wood, and Deborah Boswell; and his beloved cat, Murphy.

A private family burial will be held on April 10th followed by a public luncheon to begin at 12pm at Olde Boston Restaurant and Pub in Fort Dodge. A Celebration of Life will be held on April 12th at 4:00 PM at High Life Lounge in Des Moines. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite team's jersey or shirt in honor of Kelly's love for sports.