It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John G. Ward, who passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the age of 90, where he was surrounded by his loving family.

Born on April 6, 1936, John was the son of John and Irma (Fassbender) Ward. He was a graduate of Bradford High School, where he was an active athlete, participating in both varsity football and track.

John proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Airman First Class. His military service was a source of great pride throughout his life, and his deep love for his country never wavered.

On August 25, 1956, John was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Rose. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. This year, they celebrated an extraordinary milestone of 70 years of marriage, a testament to their enduring love and devotion to one another.

Following his military career, he was employed by the FAA working for Midway and Mitchell Field. He also worked as a mechanic with his father-in-law while working at FAA. After this he was employed at Drake's gas station. John was employed as an electronics technician through the National Weather Service. John also received a certificate in Electrical Engineering.  Before he retired and after he retired, he continued to work at his own lawn care business called John's Lawncare.

John enjoyed an active life and had many interests, including deer hunting, fishing, bowling, and playing darts. He participated in bowling and dart leagues, was involved with the Bowmen's Association, and enjoyed playing baseball for the city.

John was also quite the handyman and could fix just about anything, especially the things Rose managed to break! His willingness to lend a helping hand, along with his sense of humor, made him someone his family could always count on.

Above all, John was a devoted family man who found his greatest happiness in spending time with those he loved. He especially treasured his grandchildren and proudly took on the role of family taxi driver, making sure they got wherever they needed to go. Whether he was offering a helping hand, sharing a laugh, or simply enjoying time together, John created countless memories that his family will hold dear for years to come.

John will be dearly missed by his beloved wife of 70 years, Rose; his brother, Vernon (Anne) Ward; his children, John A. (Laurie) Ward, Michael W. Ward, Karen (Jerry) Martin, Janet Gontscharow, Beth (Peter) Bessette, Christopher (Elke) Ward, Joanne (Jamie) Hinrichs, Laurel (Ted) Ostergaard, Heather Ward, Jennifer (Josh) Grube, and Carolyn (Alex) Weiher; his grandchildren, John M. Ward, Rebecca Millay, Thomas Ward, Michael W. Ward Jr., Christina Martin, Sandra Homan, Corin Chovan, Michael F. Martin, Marshell Gontscharow, Mark A. Gontscharow, Tim Gontscharow, Stephanie Wills, Steven Bessette, Amber Johnson, Kevin Bessette, Tatjana Ward, Dillon Ward, John A. Onan, Jared Onan, Jolene Fonk, Laurna Reetz, Jake Ostergaard, DJ "Don" Ostergaard, Jakob Grube, Bradon Grube, Jora Grube, Matthew Weiher, Austin Weiher, and Kylee Weiher; along with their spouses, 50 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild, and many cherished cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Jerome Fassbender; his son-in-law, Mark P. Gontscharow; and his granddaughter, Samantha Gontscharow.