Obituaries

James E. Ward, age 98, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, under the care of hospice in Eau Claire. He was the youngest born to the late Melvin and Gertrude (Gay) Ward on August 15, 1927, in Mondovi.

He attended Mondovi High School and spent his working years at Land O Lakes, ASC in Alma, did commercial barn spraying and retired from Uniroyal after 35 years. In retirement he continued to keep busy with projects, enjoyed woodworking and painted many houses in the Eau Claire area.

On September 20, 1946, he married Norma E. Gifford of Mondovi, WI, to this union six children were born, all who survive him; Ken (Mimi) of Virginia Beach, VA; David (Marianne Neidermyer) of Eau Claire; Jane Schultz (Jim) of Mondovi; Janet Loomis (David) of Eleva, Joanne Roehrich (David Talbot) of Big Lake, MN, and Mark Ward of Thorp, WI. They later divorced. Jim later married Evelyn Lahner and after her death married Janice Johnson. That union lasted 20 years until her death.

In Jim’s younger years he enjoyed softball, bowling, dartball and loved of all types of dancing. In his later years he played smear at Ole’s Southside Tavern every Thursday. He also enjoyed playing bingo and going to the casino along with good food and ice cream.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Gertrude (Gay) Ward, wives Evelyn and Janice along with a special friend Vivian Van Fleet, brothers and sisters-in-laws: Robert (Lila) Ward, Malcom (Stella) Ward, sisters and brothers-in-laws, Evelyn (Bud) Walker, Betty (Ike) Kolb, Meridith (Rex) Amundson, Edith (Bernie) Landerholm and Gwen (William) Heaser.

Survivors include his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and a dear companion Shirley Pichler.
A special thank you is extended to Grace Prairie Point, Grace River Pines and St. Croix Hospice for their care in the last few years. A huge thank you to Shirley, Janet, Susie, and Mary Jo who were a great help to Jim.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, February 27, 2026, at Smith Funeral Chapel, 2222 London Road, Eau Claire with visitation from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be at 2:00 pm at Rest Haven Cemetery. Friends and family are welcome to leave online condolences at www.smithfuneralec.com.

We would like to invite family and friends who are unable to attend James' Service, to join us virtually by clicking the link below.

https://vimeo.com/event/5762011