Obituary for Donald Ward | Helgeson Funeral Home, Roseau, MN
- Date Of Death: April 21, 2007
- State: Minnesota
Donald Everett Ward, 58, of Graceton, MN, passed away Saturday, April 21, 2007 at home with his wife by his side after a five year battle with cancer. Don was born to Ted Skrivseth, Sr. and Dora (Bixby) Battenberg on February 12, 1949 in Baudette, MN. As a youngster he moved to Myrtle Creek, Oregon and spent all his years of youth there. He graduated from South Umqua High School in Tri City, Oregon in 1967.
In 1968, Don joined the US Army and was enlisted for 9 A years. In his military time he was a crew chief on a slick helicopter which dropped troops and supplies in landing zones and also transported the wounded. Don was wounded in action which earned him a purple heart. Through the years he was stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington, Fort Carson, Colorado, Fort Hood, Texas, Korea and Vietnam in 1969-70.
Don was a truck driver for many years, driving for Marvin Windows on and off over a 10 year span, he also drove a short time for Norman Johnson. He was the owner and operator of his own truck for 3 years, until he became ill. He loved driving truck and being on the open road. Owning his own truck was the highlight for him as his wife could travel with him.
Don’s other interests included auction sales, garage sales, computers, body work, car repair and home remodeling. He loved his friends, his home and family and would help anyone in need. He had a great love for life and laughing.
Don married Lila (Walker) Knutson June 6, 1986 in Baudette, MN and they made their home in Graceton since then with the exception of a 3 year stretch in Oregon from 1990-93.
Don is survived by his spouse, Lila; his sons, Tony (Karin) Walker of Warroad, MN; Coleman (Barb) Ward of Albany, OR; his brothers, Karl (Amy) Ward of Lebanon, OR; John (Debbie) Ward of Roseburg, OR; Ted Skrivseth, Jr. of Tacoma, WA; his sister, Ann (Sid) Robinson of Redmond, OR; five grandsons, Robert Mellstrom, Anthony Walker, Darian Walker, Trenton Walker and Cameron Walker; father and mother in-law, Laurence and Betty Battles of Roosevelt, MN; sister in-laws, Peggy (Zalo) Bernard of Roosevelt, MN; Penny (Stan) Zook of Grand Ronde, OR; brother in-law, Wendall Walker of Helena, MT
He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, Gordon Ward; his brother, Arthur Ward; granddaughter, Marissa Walker; his brother in-law, Willis Walker; and his father and mother in-law, Floyd and Bertha Walker.