Obituary of Michael Duane Ward

    Michael Duane “Mike” Ward, son of Pastor Kermit D. and Patricia J. (Pryor) Ward, was born December 13, 1953, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He spent his early years in Hawaii, but received his education through various school systems around the United States as the family relocated from time to time due to his father’s pastoral career. While living in Wheeling, Illinois, he landed his first paper route. The family moved back to Hawaii in the early 60s.

    Following graduation from high school, Mike began working as a drywall taper in Hawaii. He continued with his trade, moving to the Midwest in the mid-70s. On June 30, 1984, he was united in marriage to Melanie C. Dolphin in Greenville, Iowa, living and working in Omaha, Nebraska, Downey, California and Boise, Idaho, and eventually starting his own drywall taping business in Hartley, Iowa, retiring in 2011.

    During his construction years, Mike’s days were usually scheduled and busy, but he could always dial in and listen to his favorite rock ‘n’ roll tunes from the 60s and 70s. He had a penchant for motorcycles and fast cars and enjoyed taking long rides on his sport touring bike.

    On Saturday, December 30, 2023, Mike passed from this life at Ava’s Hospice House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was 70 years of age. Preceding him were his parents, Pastor K.D. and Patricia Ward; a brother, Joel “Joey” Ward; father-in-law, Jack Dolphin; sister-in-law, Jacque Dolphin; several aunts and uncles; and his grandparents.

    Keeping his memory close at heart are his wife, Melanie Ward of Hartley, Iowa; his children: Zachary and his wife, Kim Ward of Omaha, Nebraska, Aaron and his wife, Carman Ward of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Theresa Ward of Waukee, Iowa; six grandchildren; sisters: Leah and her husband, Walt Figaro of Atascadero, California, and Becky and her husband, Michael Beem of Spokane, Washington; as well as other relatives and friends.