Don R. Ward

Donald Robert Ward, age 71 of Hudson, died peacefully on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Don was born on April 16, 1944 in Minot, North Dakota; the son of Francis and Dorothy (Letcher) Ward. He was raised in Hudson where he enjoyed playing along the St. Croix River and in Lakefront Park. Don attended St. Patrick’s School and Hudson High School. He was united in marriage to Lynn Catura in 1964. Their twenty year union was blessed with three children; Robert, Shawn, and Kristen. Don worked for the McGough Construction Company for over 30 years. Don was united in marriage to Janice Gilbertson on December 2, 2000 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Don was a true outdoorsman. He enjoyed trapping and fishing along the St. Croix River, hunting trips to Siren, WI, and going for walks in the woods. For more than 20 years Don had gone salmon fishing in Kewaunee. He enjoyed traveling with Jan; always driving if it was possible. Don loved to spend time with his grandchildren. He always had a Diet Coke and extra with him. He was one of the original riders of the “Frost Your Nuts” motorcycle run at the D & L Bar in North Hudson as a get together with his friends. Don was a diehard Packer fan and never missed watching a game.

Don will live on in the hearts of his wife Janice; his children, Rob (Darci) Ward, Shawn Ward, Kristen (Von Jackson) Ward, Nicki (Ryan) Berwald, Kris (Thomas) Maulsby, and Danielle (Matt) Johnson; 12 grandchildren; siblings, Nancy (Gary) Stinnett, and Joel (Rose Ann) Becker; sister-in-law Bobbie Gilbertson; nieces and nephews; traveling partners, Dick & Birdie Masanz, and Gary & Patty Anderson. He is preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Cecilia Gilbertson, his grandson Brenden Peterson; and former in-laws, Bob and June Catura.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1500 Vine St., Hudson. Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2015 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson, WI, and one hour prior to the Mass on Tuesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

GREEN BAY ALL THE WAY!