John Ward Sr.

Jack was born in Proctor on October 31, 1926 to Larsh and Eva (Brayden) Ward Sr. At the age of 16 he went to work for the DM & IR Railroad as a clerk. After graduating from Proctor High School Jack enlisted in the US Navy and served his country in WWII. After the war he returned to Proctor and his job with the railroad. Soon after his return, Jack married Janice Elizabeth Schlender on September 17, 1949. Throughout the years Jack was active in many areas of the community. He was a longtime member of St. Rose Catholic Church, past commander of the American Legion Lind Gordon Berg Post, VFW Post 137 and was also named Hoghead Honorary Rail in 2009. He coached and volunteered with youth sports and also played softball. He was Santa Claus to many children and was lovingly labeled the “Miracle on 5th St.” Due to health conditions, Jack retired from Labor Relations with the DM&IR in 1983. Jack dearly loved his family and found great enjoyment in the annual “Ward Walleye Safari.” He also enjoyed wintering with his wife Janice in Lake Havasu, AZ. Jack will be remembered for his sense of humor, compassion and generosity. He will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents Eva and Larsh Sr.; siblings, Donald, Alice, and Larsh Jr. and in-laws Frank and Nonie Schlender; 2 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Jack is survived by wife Janice; children, John (Sally) Jr. of Brainerd, Mary (Roger) McLaren of Hudson, WI, Mick (Carol) of Proctor, Lisa (Rick) Jobin of Rosemount, Joe (Rachel) of Proctor, Kris (Steve) Fremling of Proctor; 20 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; brothers, Dave Ward of Scottsdale, AZ and Tom (Beryl) Ward of Duluth as well as many other family members and friends.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on Friday, April 1, 2011 at Bell Brothers Funeral Home 601 N. 56th Ave. W. and again one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am with a Rosary beginning at 9:30 am on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at St. Rose Catholic Church, 3 Sixth Ave. Proctor, MN with Fr. Joel Hastings presiding. Interment will be held in Oneota Cemetery. Please leave a memory or words of support for the family at www.bellbrothersfuneralhome.com Arrangements under the direction of Bell Brothers Funeral Home 624-5745