William Ward

WARD - Mr. William "Bill" Ward, aged 94, of Wyoming, went to be with the Lord, Monday, October 31, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents, Neal and Willow (Graves) Ward, his wife, Elizabeth M. Ward and his sister, Dorothy. Surviving are his son, William "Bill" (Kathy) Ward; brothers, Bob (Terri) Ward, Don Ward and his late wife, Shirley; Sisters-in-law, Bertha Achtyes and Peggy Zylstra; many nieces and nephews. Bill proudly served in the US Army during WWII. He missed getting to go overseas, but still wanted to remain in the Army and serve his country. In March of 1946, Bill met the love of his life, Elizabeth. They were married on August 31, 1946 and celebrated 68 years of marriage. Not long after returning home from the Army Bill began working at General Motors Fisher Body Stamping Plant # 1, where he retired after 40 years of service. Many will remember Bill walking to and from work, during their lunch break he looked forward to playing Set-Back with his co-workers. Together, Bill and Elizabeth took many trips, enjoyed lots of adventure and they enjoyed many long Sunday drives. Bill was a family man and known for his good nature, sense of humor, tricks for laugher, and his willingness to help others. He became involved in the deaf community through his son's school and many clubs. Bill was an avid sports fan and loved bowling, roller skating (including competitions), golfing, hockey, basketball, sledding in the winter, playing softball with his Church team, and especially attending college football games with his son. He also enjoyed Auto Racing, and had the exciting opportunity one race season to be a driver. In his younger years, he also enjoyed hunting. Bill loved adventure and often visited parks and fairs where he would go on all the various rides. Not only did Bill love his family and sports, but he also had a great love for animals, especially dogs! He had a special way with animals, feeding both squirrels and birds. Bill will also be remembered for his involvement and love for his church, Community Christian Reformed. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 4, 2016 at Stegenga Funeral Chapel - Wyoming, 3131 S. Division Ave., with Pastor David Struyk officiating. Interment Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. The family will greet relatives and friends Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service. To share a memory or photo and to sign the family's guest book, please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Community CRC, 150 Burt SE, Wyoming. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of William I. Ward please visit our Sympathy Store.