Dean William Ward

Dean W. Ward, age 87, of Ladora, passed away Monday, January 16, 2023, at Compass Memorial Healthcare. Funeral service: 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 21, 2023, at the First Presbyterian Church, Marengo with Rev. Anni Thorn officiating. Burial will be at the Koszta Cemetery, Koszta. Visitation: 4-7 p.m., Friday, January 20, 2023, at the First Presbyterian Church, Marengo. A memorial fund has been established. Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo is assisting the family with arrangements.

Dean is survived by his loving wife Naomi of Ladora, a son Kenneth (Linda) Ward of Chelsea, a daughter Pauline (John) Curry of East Peoria, IL., two grandchildren Phillip (Jodi) Curry of Cedar Rapids and Nicholas Curry of Altoona; siblings Melvin (Jeanette) Ward of Blairstown, Dick (Patsy) Ward of Marengo, Esther Wilkinson of Chelsea, Orrin (Marilyn) Ward of Cedar Rapids, and Mary Bulten of Marengo.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law Ernie Wilkinson.

Dean William Ward was born January 31, 1935, in rural Ladora, the son of William Adolphus and Mabel Maria Kahler Ward. He attended Fairview Elementary and graduated from Iowa Valley High School with the class of 1954. Dean was united in marriage to Naomi Toot on August 31, 1958, at the First Presbyterian Church in Marengo. He was a 74-year member of the church and also served as a Deacon. Dean was a lifelong farmer and enjoyed taking care of his livestock. He drove the school bus for HLV Community School District for many years. Dean was a member of Iowa County 4-H, and an honorary member of the local FFA chapter. He was inducted into the Iowa County and State 4-H Hall of Fame. Dean enjoyed woodworking and helping Naomi in the garden.