- Born on: February 12, 1949
- Departed on: May 10, 2024
- Resided in: Cedar Falls , IA
Michael Arvene Ward
Michael Arvene Ward was born February 12, 1949, to Mildred and Cecil Ward in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Michael was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War but was immediately moved to the Marine Corp before going to basic training at Camp Lejuene, North Carolina. He won “his lottery” when he was sent to Oahu, Hawaii instead of Vietnam.
He earned his B.A. degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1986. Michael worked several jobs but his last was working for Nestle in Waverly, Iowa, retiring in 2010. In 1985, he met Susan Meyers. They were married on December 26, 1985, in Red Wing, Minnesota. Michael was a hard-core Yankee fan. He should have been a sports announcer. His booming loud voice and love of sports would have made for a great career. Unfortunately, his normal loud voice was taken by Parkinson’s disease which was diagnosed in 2012.
Michael loved to travel. His favorite places to vacation were Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada, Kauai, Hawaii, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and St. Petersburg, Florida. Michael loved animals and loved his pets dearly. His bulldog, Aaron, at the cottage was his last but also, he leaves behind Bailey and Anna. One of Michael’s most admirable traits was being extremely appreciative, as well as thoughtful. He was often writing notes of thanks too many and thanked people to the end.
He leaves behind his wife of 38 years, his nephew, Josh Ward of What Cheer, Iowa; his nephews, Forrest Stowe and Kent (Emily) Stowe, both of Waterloo, Iowa; a niece, Jennifer (Dennis) Cooper, of Des Moines, Iowa; a sister-in-law, Mary Gayle Stowe, of Gladbrook, Iowa; and a longtime friend, Linda Heimer, of Waterloo, Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Roger.
Michael passed away on Friday, May 10th at Thuesen Cottage at the Western Home. Special thanks to the entire staff at Thuesen Cottage for their excellent care during his nearly 2-year stay. Also, thanks to the Cedar Valley Hospice for their care and help during Michael’s last few weeks.
Per Michael’s wishes, no service is planned. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time.
Memorials can be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation, Cedar Bend Humane Society, or the University of Northern Iowa Dementia Simulation House.
