Obituary of Richard Ward

Richard E. Ward Age 67, of New Lenox, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, Sunday March 30, 2014. He was born November 24, 1946 to the late Irene (nee Hobday) and Harold Ward in Joliet and was a lifetime area resident, spending his last 25 years in New Lenox. Beloved husband of 26 years to Emily Ward; dear brother of Bonnie (Lawrence) Weis and Mary Ellen (late Walter) Dziurawiec; fond uncle of Dwayne (Jalayne) Weis, Danette Kostalik; Tony (Courtney) Dziurawiec and Amie (Bobby) Miller; proud great uncle of 4; fond nephew of Bernadine (late John) Ukovich, Rita (late Norm) Patterson, Eunice Ward; and cousin to many. Also survived by step-son Ed (Jennifer) Weiher; step-daughter Naudia (John Paul) Wawzenek; three step-grandchildren, Marie and Anita Weiher, and Evan Andrew Wawzenek; one sister-in-law, Anna Ostrowski and daughters. He was loved by many friends and neighbors. Preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Edward and Theresa Ward, Walter and Elizabeth Hobday; uncle, Lloyd (Theresa) Ward; aunts, Winifred (Martin) Decman, Lorraine (Valentine) Papesh, Verna (George) Papesh, Margaret (Henry) Craft and Gertrude (Gordon) Eames. Rich retired from IMTT of Lemont after over 39 years of service. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and was an avid NASCAR fan. Visitation for Richard E. Ward will be held Tuesday, April 1, 2014, from 3 - 8 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington), Joliet. Funeral services will begin Wednesday morning, 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Mt. Vernon Memorial Estates, Lemont. For information (815) 741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com