Hiram Gene Ward

Heaven gained another angel after the peaceful passing of Hiram “Gene” Ward.  On Friday, May 7, 2021 surrounded by family near Scranton, IA.

A memorial service will be held in Minnesota at a later date at the convenience of the family.

The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to St. Croix Hospice in Panora and may be mailed to: St. Croix Hospice – 613 E. Main St.  Panora, IA 50216.

The Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home of Scranton is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com

Gene was born to Hiram Chandler Ward and Hilda (Friesenborg) on May 14, 1940 in Iowa City, Iowa raised on a farm near Bemidji, Minnesota.

He attended Marshalltown High School and graduated in 1958.  He then went on to continue his education at William Penn University.  He became a minister and led his congregation at Friends Church in Hesper, Iowa.  A hard worker his entire life Gene had an early passion for electricity and became a Master Electrician.

When he was younger he built Hamm radios. He was a computer programmer and owned a computer shop in the 80’s.  At one point he had 13 computers in the house with the plans of turning them into a robot to carry his tools.  He loved taking his kids and grandchildren fishing for Sunfish.  He always had a passion for aeronautics, he took flying lessons and wanted to build his own “Experimental Aircraft”.  In the last few years he has enjoyed watching classic TV shows such as Baa Baa Black Sheep, Wonder Woman, Perry Mason, and The Andy Griffith Show. He also loved reading western novels and John Grisham books. Gene was known for his bright eyes, gentle heart, and mischievous smile.

Left to cherish his memory are his 6 children: Valori (Bruce) Chaffee, of Scranton, IA, Mark (Kristi) Ward, of Jefferson, IA, Rene’ (Robert) Chaplin of Melbourne, IA, Änna (Brian) Good, of Roscoe, IL, Nellee Huey, of St. Cloud, MN and Forest Ward of Hinckley, MN.  17 Grandchildren and 12 Great-Children, sister, Nellie Cameron of Bemidji, MN and many nieces and nephews.

Gene is rejoined in heaven with his parents, Hiram and Hilda, brothers, Harold, Alfred, Lynn, William and sister Vivian.

Gene’s family gives very special thank you to the very exceptional love and care of Connie, Melinda, Aimee, Mackenzie, SuAnn, Jessica, and Brother Elliot, of St. Croix Hospice.  The kindness and love that you gave to Gene will never be forgotten.

Gene’s obituary was lovingly written by his family.