Richard H. “Dick” Ward, age 89 of Darlington, WI, passed away Friday, January 24, 2025 at the New Glarus Home in New Glarus, WI. He was born February 4, 1935, in Darlington the son of Rex and Frances Ward. Dick’s mother passed away from childbirth complications, so he was raised by Rex and Richard’s grandmother, Clara Ward. Dick was born and raised in the Darlington area, where he attended the Van Matre Country School and graduated from Darlington High School in 1953. In October of 1957, Dick enlisted into the United States Army where he served as a member of the Signal Corp in Okinawa, Japan during the Vietnam war Era. He received a sharpshooter (rifle) citation and a good conduct medal before being honorably discharged in 1959. Dick was united in marriage to Victoria Miller on June 14, 1964, in Monroe, WI. He spent most of his working years farming in Wiota Township while raising his family. After he retired from farming, he and Vicki moved into the city of Darlington, and he began working at Lands End for a few years. His final job was as a groundskeeper at the Darlington Country Club, a job he took great pride in.
Dick is survived by his children: Christine (Jeff) Stauffacher of Monroe, WI, Elizabeth Suchomel of Lancaster, WI, and Richard (Joan) Ward of Menomonee Falls, WI; his grandchildren: Rebecca (Andrew) Jablonski of Monroe, Abigail Ward and Lucas Ward, both of Menomonee Falls; one great-grandson: Emmett Jablonski; and a sister-in-law: Maribeth Lindstrand of Beloit, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife Vicki in 2023.
Dick was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ in Darlington and served on the Church Council for several years. He was also a former member of the  Darlington FFA and 4-H. He and Vicki were members of Pistols and Petticoats Square Dance Club during the 70’s in Platteville, WI. Dick enjoyed keeping himself busy by keeping up with his children and grandchildren’s activities and spending time with them. He always made sure they knew how proud he was of them. Dick followed his favorite sports teams, the Brewers, Badgers, and Packers, the best he could. After retiring from the farm, Dick and Vicki began traveling throughout the country together, making many memories throughout their later years.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 12:00 P.M. at Immanuel United Church of Christ (339 E. Louisa Street, Darlington) with Rev. Mary Gafner officiating. Burial will be in Union Grove Cemetery where military graveside rites will be accorded by Bates-O’Brien-Howe-Wiegel-Roelli American Legion Post #214 of Darlington. A visitation will be held Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services at Immanuel United Church of Christ. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Dick’s name.