Oscar Ward

Oscar Ward, age 86, of Kohler died peacefully in his home on January 26, surrounded by his loving family. Oscar was born on September 19, 1928 in Soperton, Wisconsin, the first of six children of Alfred and Elsie (Price) Ward. After living in different parts of the country, including several years at Fort Meade, SD, his family settled in Milwaukee when Oscar was 9. He graduated from West Division High School in Milwaukee in 1947. During high school, he attained the rank of Eagle Scout and was an accomplished musician, being named to Milwaukee's all-city band. He continued his education through coursework at Milwaukee Area Technical College and Marquette University. He married Louise Mae Lemmermann on September 1, 1951. They lived in Milwaukee and Menomonee Falls before moving to Kohler in 1966. Oscar had a 48-year career in the food store business, starting at age 15 when he began working 8-hour days while still attending high school. He trained as an apprentice meatcutter and later moved to meat sales and management. In 1951, he was drafted and served proudly in the U.S. Army as a Veterinary Corps meat inspector at Camp McCoy and Fort Sheridan. He later worked as a salesman for Swift & Co. and as a meat merchandiser for Roundy's before accepting the position of Director of Meat Operations for Piggly Wiggly stores in 1966. He retired from Piggly Wiggly in 1992 as the Vice President for Meat and Deli Operations. After retirement, he worked part-time as a starter/ranger at Blackwolf Run for many years. Oscar was very active in the community. Before moving to Kohler, he served on the school boards of Willow Springs Grade School in Lannon, Wis. and Hamilton High School in Sussex, Wis. After moving to Kohler, he was elected to the Kohler School Board, serving for 11 years including several years as President. He was elected to the Kohler Village Board in 1995 and served for 13 years, including 8 years as President of the Village Board from 1997-2005. He also was a member of the Kohler Police Athletic League and an officer in the Kohler Kiwanis. Oscar had boundless energy and many interests, including boating, golf, Badger and Packer football, community service, working in his yard, and helping his neighbors. He especially loved travelling across the country to visit his children and grandchildren. Oscar leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Louise; his children Michael (Kathryn Farinholt) Ward of Baltimore, MD, Christine (Mike Dietrich) Ward Giordani of Stockton, CA, Jonathan Ward of New Delhi, India, and David (John Bailey) Ward of Seattle, WA; eight grandchildren, Jennifer (Lee Gumienny) Howell and Thomas (Sarah Wellington) Howell, Benjamin (Samantha Winslow) Ward, Christopher and Andrew Ward, and Sonja, Alexandra, and Celeste Giordani; his sister Connie (Bill) Klingler, brother Eddie (Judy) Ward, and sister-in-law Phyllis Ward; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Candace Ward Howell; his parents; and his brothers Alfred and John Ward and sister Joyce Lewis. An open house celebrating Oscar's life will be held on Saturday, February 7 between 1:00 - 4:00 pm at Blackwolf Run in Kohler, open to all friends, family, and community members. Parking assistance will be available. A memorial fund has been established in Oscar's name for the Kohler School Foundation. For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home (920-467-3431) is assisting the Ward Family with arrangements.

Visitation

Saturday, February 7, 2015 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Blackwolf Run
1111 West Riverside Drive Kohler 53044, United States