Dennis K. Ward

Dennis passed away Sunday afternoon, October 16, 2022. Dennis was born March 8, 1941 in Kalamazoo, MI as the son of Frank and Kathleen (McGinty) Ward. Dennis graduated from Saint Augustine High School in 1959 and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served in the Reserves as a Combat Engineer until an honorable discharge in 1965.  Dennis attended college at KVCC focusing on construction trades courses.  Later in life he had a strong interest in paralegal coursework.  Dennis retired from General Motors (GM) after 33 years of service as a General Laborer.  Many memories (shenanigans) with his friends have been shared while working together at GM.

Denny had a very strong devotion to his Catholic faith.  Denny enjoyed fishing, reading, golfing, and gardening. He was a natural handyman at every project and was willing to help others, whatever the need. Most of all, he treasured his family and friends the most. Denny loved to enjoy dinner with his siblings. He also spent much, maybe too much, time teaching his Grandson’s how to play cards in training for the annual Ward Card-O-Rama event.  He also enjoyed walks and riding bikes together at Fort Custer State Park, which may require taking a nap in consideration for his Grandson’s.  Denny was very proud of his Irish heritage, too. He enjoyed sports and was a loyal fan for Notre Dame football, Detroit Tiger’s baseball and the Detroit Lion’s football teams.  You could always plan to hear a game on and he could recall every historical statistic related to the teams. Dennis was a Little League Umpire and Coach; he coached and mentored several championship teams.  Dennis embraced the Notre Dame motto to “play like a champion” which encouraged him personally to persevere through his health challenges while being homebound for the past 7 years and his devoted wife, Anne provided 100% of his care.

On September 15, 1962 he was united in marriage to his loving wife of 60 years, Anne (Kloess), who survives. Also surviving are his children, Carolyn (Daniel) Sherman, Daniel (Karen) Ward, Colleen (Eric) Jackson; grandchildren, Ryan (Tara) Sherman, SSgt. Hayden (Danielle) Sherman, Harrison Sherman, Spencer Jackson, Amanda (Ben) Hoger, John (Ashley) Hackenberg; great-grandchildren, Callie Sherman, Sawyer Sherman and Jameson Hoger; sister, Kathleen Ward; and several nieces and nephews. Dennis was preceded in death by brothers and sister, Daniel, Patrick, Joan and Frank.

A Latin Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 pm on Friday, October 21st, 2022 at Saint Mary Catholic Church, 939 Charlotte Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49048. Friends may meet the family at 12 noon for visitation at the church with the Rosary being recited at 12:45 pm. Interment will follow the Latin Mass at Mt. Olivet Cemetery around 3:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Centrica Care Navigators.

To view Dennis’ personalized webpage please visit https://www.langelands.com