Michael Ward

The memorial visitation for Michael James Ward, 67, of Barrington, will be held at 4 p.m. until the time of service at 6 p.m., Wednesday, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 200 N. Plum Grove Rd., Palatine, IL.
Born February 26, 1946, in Jackson MI to Charles and Theo Ward, Michael, Servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, Loving Husband and Father, and U.S. Veteran, passed away after a long battle with diabetes-related dementia and Alzheimer’s. A man who was always ready to lend a hand, he had a big heart for mentoring youths and gave true encouragement. Although an over-the-top extravert, he had the gift of patience, waiting for others to speak until the time was right. Master chortler, movie lover, and out-doors-man (by that I mean he would only stay in hotels), his favorite car was a fire engine red Dodge Caravan minivan, which he bragged about to everyone who knew him. His family expects a call from the CEO of J.M. Smucker Co, makers of Jif Peanut Butter. They will no doubt feel the loss as well via the drop in my Dad’s purchases. His collection of eyeglass straps should have been in the Guinness Book of World’s Records for quantity, variety, and tackiness, and locating the perfect pair of Minnetonka Moccasins was at the top of his bucket list, but he never quite marked it off. At his passing, he would no doubt have asked you to enjoy a grilled brat (preferably from Miesfeld’s in Sheboygan, Wisconsin) and a tall gin and tonic on the rocks in his honor. He is and will always be missed.
Michael is survived by his wife, Ellen, whom he married December 28, 1974 in Sheboygan, WI; children, Rachael (John) Weeks and Andrew (Laura) Ward; 8 grandchildren; 2 sisters and 1 brother.
Memorial donations may be made to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Cardiology Research Center, 3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104 or Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.

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