Verna Fae Ward

Verna Fae Ward, a kind and loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away on July 8, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and generosity. Born on July 3, 1940, in Sisseton, SD, she spent her life spreading love and joy to those around her. 

Verna grew up on a farm in Roberts County near Lake Traverse. She graduated from Browns Valley, MN, and furthered her education by attending business college in Minneapolis. It was through a mutual friend that she met her beloved husband, Alden Ward, and on October 26, 1963, at the Methodist Church in Browns Valley, they embarked on a lifelong journey together. Two children, Eugene and Kyle, were born into their loving home. Together, they lived in Browns Valley, on a dairy farm near Sioux City, Iowa, Chaska, and Alexandria. 

Throughout her life, Verna wore different hats - as a pastry chef in a restaurant, a dedicated day care provider, and a frame operator for 20 years at United Telephone. Her retirement in 2000 allowed her more time for her passions, such as gardening, crafts, painting, and spending time with family and her grandkids. 

Verna's true gift was her ability to listen, offer advice, and show compassion to those in need. She had a caring and gentle demeanor that made everyone feel comforted in her presence. Her spirit touched the lives of many, leaving behind cherished memories and a profound impact on all those who knew her.

Verna is survived by her loving children, Eugene (Peggy) Ward of Pennock, and Kyle (Danita) Ward of Farwell; grandchildren, Devon (Ashley) Ward of Leaf Valley, and Adam Ward of Minot, ND; great grandchildren, Isabella Ward, Kaiden Ward, and Mateo Ward all of Leaf Valley; sisters, Genevieve Oest of Galesburg, IL, and Shirley (Jerry) Zacharias of Rapid City, SD; brother, Gerald (Tammy) Kallstrom of Breckinridge; sister-in-lw, Barbara Kallstrom of Sisseton,. SD; brother-in-law, Preston Fischer of Milbank, SD; nieces and nephews. 

Verna was preceded in death by her husband Alden Ward, her parents, a brother Lyle Kallstrom and a sister Carol Fischer.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2024, from 4-7 PM and continue one hour prior to the service at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.

A funeral service will take place on Friday, July 12, 2024, at 11 AM at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Amy VanValkenburg officiating. 

Interment will be in Wilmot Cemetery in Wilmot, South Dakota.