William Arthur Ward Sr., 86, of Burlington, died Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
William was born May 9, 1938 in Burlington, the son of John and Clara Kamphefner Ward. William served his country through the United States Air Force and served overseas in Okinawa where he picked up enough Japanese to hold a decent conversation. When he returned home he worked several jobs throughout his career, with his most recent position working as a pest control employee at Coppes Pest Control in Burlington.
William was an excellent family man and great father. He loved music and could play harmonica, tuba, guitar and enjoyed singing in the church choir. He enjoyed bowling and being part of his bowling league. He liked playing frisbee golf with his family. He was a diehard Bears fan and enjoyed watching as many games as he could. William enjoyed joking with his family and they had many inside jokes between them. His wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were his world, and his legacy will continue on through all of them.
William's family include his wife of 59 years, Marilyn; sons, William (Jane) Ward Jr. and Kevin (Sue) Ward; grandchildren, Robert Shirley, Justin (Elizabeth) Ward, Becky (Anthony) Ward, Jennifer (Dillan) Hervey, Jeremy Ward and Adam Ward; and six great-grandchildren. Sadly, William is preceded in death by his parents, John and Clara; and his sister, Gerry Weiler.
William's family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m., on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025 at Prugh Funeral Service (3940 Division Street, Burlington).
The funeral service for Mr. Ward will be 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 6, 2025 at Bethany Lutheran Church with Rev. DaMisha McFarland-Pollock officiating. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions for William are suggested to either Bethany Lutheran Church or the Burlington VFW Post 10102.