Wayne Thomas Ward, age 82 of Hills, Minnesota, died unexpectedly, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Visitation was Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m., with the family present at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills, Minnesota.
Funeral service was at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills, with Pastor Lori Bonkoski officiating.
Burial followed in the church cemetery.
Jurrens Funeral Home of Hills was in charge of services.
Wayne Thomas Ward was born March 4, 1942, in Luverne, Minnesota, the son of Charles and Inez (Lein) Ward. He was raised in the Hills area, where he attended high school.
Wayne married Janice Hiney on Aug. 16, 1959, at Palisades Lutheran Church near Valley Springs, South Dakota. Together, they made Hills their home for their entire married life.
Wayne began his career at Chuck’s Champion Gas Station, owned by his father, before moving on to John Morrell in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In April 1988, he took on the role of city maintenance man for Hills, a position he held with pride until his retirement in 2010.
Wayne had a deep love for his work and the community he served, and even after retirement, he was always ready to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed assisting Keith Elbers with auctions, was an avid collector of all things John Deere, and had a knack for repairing lawn mowers and snowblowers for anyone who needed it.
Wayne enjoyed his time spent with his beloved dog, Lulu, taking golf cart rides around town. Above all, he cherished the life he shared with Janice and found joy in the moments spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his two children, Steve (wife Paula) Ward of Brandon, South Dakota, and Wendy (husband Tim) Buss of Hills, Minnesota; sister Josephine Eisenbraun of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and many other extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Inez Ward; wife of 57 years, Janice Ward; son David Ward; and grandchild Cody Miller.
