Jack Dean Ward

Jack D. Ward, 88, of St. Joseph, passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2017, at Lakeland Medical Center – St. Joseph.  A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 11 AM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Pastor Thomas Bird officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 10 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Jack was born April 5, 1928 in St. Joseph to Frank & Mary (Morrison) Ward. He graduated from St Joseph High School in 1947 where he excelled in basketball, football and baseball. He was a part of the 1946 state basketball championship team. He continued to play for various sports teams throughout college and was invited to try out for the Chicago Cardinals pro football team. He coached for local football teams for 29 years was inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1993 and was also inducted into St Joseph Bears Athletic Hall of Fame. Jack proudly served his country in the Naval Reserves aboard the battleship New Jersey and heavy cruiser Albany. After returning home, Jack worked for Whirlpool Corporation for 37 years, retiring as manager of human resources. On October 27, 1951 he married the love of his life, Lois Hoehne at St Peters UCC. They enjoyed 63 wonderful years of marriage.   Jack loved life and always lived it to it’s fullest. He was a proud sports fan of Notre Dame, the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Cubs. He was an avid reader and had a fantastic memory and was quite a storyteller. More than anything Jack loved spending time with family. He was an incredible man who will be dearly missed by all.  Jack is survived by his three sons: Kevin (Ellen), Keith (Deb) and Kerry Ward; 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He was very proud of all of them as they brought great joy into his life. Jack was preceded in death by his parents; wife and siblings.