Louis Robert Ward

Louis Robert Ward, 90, of Chatfield passed away May 9, 2016 at Mayo Clinic Hospital - St. Mary’s Campus in Rochester.

Louis was born January 27, 1926 in Rochester to William Patrick and Caroline (Williams) Ward. One of 8 children, Louis grew up in Chatfield.   He served in the Navy during WWII.  At the end of the war he returned to Chatfield and farmed.  He married the love of his life, Katherine (Kay) Gadient, in 1949.  They raised their 5 children in Chatfield.  Louis was a semi driver with some of his time being spent over the road and the remainder in the area.  He retired from his work in 1982.  He was a proud husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.  Louis enjoyed fishing, boating, and time spent at the cabin in Wabasha.  He was an avid reader and bird watcher.  He and Kay were longtime members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, delivering Meals on Wheels, and donating rides to elderly people for their medical appointments. In July 2013 Louis became a resident of the Chosen Valley Care Center.  He loved his family and each grandchild and great grandchild was a joy to him.

Louis is survived by his son-in-law, Jim Priebe of Rochester; sons  Dave (Marcia) of Eyota, and Don (Billie) of Fairbault; two daughters Rita (Patrick) Lawson, and  Maureen (Gary) Ruskell both of Chatfield; 14 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren; a brother, Jim Ward (Ruth) of Sioux Falls, SD, and a sister Margaret Tuohy (Ves) of Chatfield.

He was preceded in death by his wife Katherine “Kay” Gadient  Ward, his daughter, Jean Priebe (Jim), his brothers; John (Alice), Max (Marie), Joe (Lorraine), Leo (Mary Ann) and a sister, Mary Ward Lawler (Don).

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 14th, 2016, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Chatfield with Father William Thompson officiating. A time of visitation and sharing will be from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM on Friday at the Church.  A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 on Friday.  Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass on Saturday.  Rite of Committal will be in Calvary Cemetery in Chatfield.

Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield is assisting the family with arrangements.   To share a condolence with the family, please visit rileyfuneralhomes.com

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