John Ward (1954 – 2012)

John M. Ward age 57 a resident of Pleasant Prairie, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at his home.

John was born on July 16, 1954 to Mayford (Cotton) and Magrath (Quillen) Ward in Blount County, TN. He moved to Trevor, WI as a toddler and was educated in the schools of Kenosha County. On May 26, 1996, John married his beloved wife and soul mate, Barbara Yelden, in Zion IL. They met at a time when it was right for both of them and had truly the best relationship anyone could have. They always hoped that everyone they knew would be able to find a match like they had.

He was employed as a welder/fabricator for many years at various machine shops. Most recently he was a licensed massage therapist. In addition, John was a certified flight instructor for ultra light planes and was a certified licensed jump master for parachuting and enjoyed fishing and camping. His latest venture was beekeeping and was very successful for his first year. He would sit and watch them and their unique habit for hours. All of his life he was rescuing and nursing various animals from baby birds, to squirrels and raccoons and Canadian geese. He also loved his Harley Davidson and they had enjoyed traveling the backroads together on it.

John is survived by his father, Mayford “Cotton” Ward of Kenosha, his wife Barbara of Pleasant Prairie, two sons Daniel Hughes (Jocelyn May) of Pleasant Prairie, and Daniel Ward (Krista Heinzen) of Beach Park IL and two daughters Vickie Hughes of Pleasant Prairie and Melissa Ward of Pleasant Prairie. He is also survived by five grandchildren Devon Leedom, Nicholas Leedom, Jackson Ward, Jacob Ward and Jocelyn Ward and two sisters, Barbara Las of Rockford IL and Shelly (Junior) Saldivar of Gurnee IL. John is further survived by his four loving pugs Harley Belle, Lil’ Dude Davidson, Harley Davidson Special Edition (Shorty), and Lil’ Miss Maisy.

John was preceded in death by his mother.

An open house to celebrate his life will be on Sunday, February 12, 2012 starting at 1:00 p.m. at his home, 4344 123rd Street, Pleasant Prairie, WI. Family may be contacted at 262-697-1338.