Paula "Nan" Wood

Paula Nanette “Nan” Wood, age 65, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away at home, surrounded by her family, on September 8th, 2026.

Born on November 12, 1960, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Nan was the eldest daughter of Thomas and Thurza Cameron.

Nan held an eclectic assortment of jobs throughout her life. She did everything from dealing poker and working security to managing a Hallmark store, a pretzel shop, a juice company, and a drug-testing company. She eventually found her home at Schaal Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling, where she worked for 12 years and formed friendships that became family. Over the years, the Schaal family became an important and deeply cherished part of the entire Wood family.

Nan’s greatest accomplishment and deepest joy was her family. She met Blaine, her husband of 37 years, while managing the Hallmark store. On their first date, Blaine asked if she wanted to put her arms around him and ride off into the sunset. And so they did. They were inseparable from that moment on and built a beautiful life together, raising one son, three daughters, and welcoming four grandchildren, with another on the way. The countless pranks, endless laughter, and treasured memories they shared will live on in the hearts of her family forever.

Nan will be remembered for her love, warmth, wonderful sense of humor, and, of course, her cooking. She had a way of lighting up every room she entered, making people laugh, and making everyone feel welcome. She loved spending time with her family and loving on her puppies whenever she had the chance. Becoming a grandmother brought her a special kind of happiness, and she treasured every moment she spent with her grandchildren.

Nan is survived by her loving husband, Blaine; her children, Jeremy, Kristian (Matt), Mallorie (Tyler), and Bailey (Zach); her grandchildren, Addison, Wesley, Barrett, Avery, Baby Boals; her mother, Thurza; her sister, Dawn (Gil); and her brother, Jeff. She was preceded in death by her sister, Tracy, and her father, Thomas Cameron.

A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 11th, 2026, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. A celebration of Nan’s beautiful life will follow at Schaal Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Nan’s memory by making a contribution to the Raptor Resource Project in Decorah, which maintains the eagle nests and cameras she loved; helping some puppies in need; or simply paying it forward with an act of kindness.

Nan’s kindness, laughter, love, and strength will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.