Obituary of Joseph Norman Ward

Joseph “Joe” Norman Ward passed away on December 17, 2020. He was surrounded by those that loved him as he peacefully slipped away into the loving arms the Lord. Joseph Ward was born September 21, 1940 in Bay City, MI. Joe was the fifth of eleven children of the late Joseph and Velma (Smith) Ward. After graduating from St. Joseph’s High School in 1960, he enlisted in the US Army Reserve, where he served from 1964 – 1969. He attended Delta College and was employed at Dow Chemical Company. He is survived by his siblings, Colleen (Clarence “CJ”) Uhlmann, Judy (Michael) Tokai, Eve (James) Aumend and Candy Wachowiak and Bill Ward. Joe shared a special relationship with sisters Colleen and Eve whom he saw and talked to every day. Joe is also survived by many nieces and nephews; dearest to his heart, were Douglas Uhlmann, Rich (Emily Ramsay) Uhlmann, Beth Ann (Todd) Bender and Rebecca (Paul) May; as well as great-nephews, Jeffrey, Hayden and Hunter May, whom he loved to spend time making memories with. In addition to his parents Joe was preceded in death by his partner Danny; siblings, Patricia LaBrenz, James Ward, Lawrence Ward, Joann Easterbrook, & Velma Koch; and brother-in-law, James Aumend. At Joe’s request there will be no funeral, he felt if you didn’t spend time with him while he was alive, there’s no reason to come because he’s gone. There will be a private burial and celebration of Joe’s life with those he spent his last years with. Joe’s sisters would like to express their gratitude to his thoughtful neighbors who were there for him when he needed them. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cremation Society of Mid-Michigan.