Glen Ward
March 28, 1941 - January 17, 2010

Glen R. Ward was born in Westbrook, Minnesota to the late Raymond Lewis and Agnes (Larson) Ward. He received his early education at Double Lake Country School #58 before attending Westbrook Public Schools. Before graduating from Westbrook High School in 1959, Glen spent three years participating in rodeos in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Iowa, mostly bare backs and bulls. He qualified for Nationals three years, but participated only the last time in Montana. After high school, Glen worked on a dairy farm in Michigan and also broke and trained horses there. He then returned to Westbrook and went to work at Passmore Meat and Grocery. He then bought a locker plant across the street from Passmore's with Joe Villa before working construction for Jack Riddell. All the while, he continued to participate in rodeos and also began clowning (bullfighting) and eventually participating in the PRCA as a professional.

In May 1964, Glen was united in marriage to Judy Soleta. Judy passed away in August of that same year due to injuries received in a car accident. On November 24, 1967, Glen was united in marriage to Connie M. Bergendahl in Slayton, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with three children, Steve, Jay and Eric. Glen started dispatching in the mid 1960's for Sheriff Jim Ryan and put in part-time hours with the Westbrook Police Department. In 1969, he became a deputy for Cottonwood County until 1979 when he was elected as Sheriff. He held that position until his retirement on January 4, 1999: A total of thirty years of dedicated law enforcement service. He loved his work and all of the people he came into contact with. He said, "It boiled down to being able to help people and the challenge of solving problems."

After retiring, Glen continued to live in Windom and was able to enjoy his logging business (Ward's Woods) with his portable sawmill until early fall of 2009.

Glen was diagnosed with cancer in 2000 and fought the disease courageously until passing away on Sunday afternoon, January 17, 2010, at the age of 68.

Glen was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Windom where he was an elder, trustee, usher and mentor. He also served his community as a member of the Cottonwood County Historical Society for seven years; member of the Mason's; member of the Westbrook Fire Department; served a term as Chairman of the 5th District of the Minnesota State Sheriff's Assn. Glen was also honored as a Mayor's Medal of Honor recipient in 1998 for the "Good Neighbor" award.

Glen had many enjoyments in life which included his logging business, wood shop, fishing, ballroom dancing, traveling, and most of all, his family whom he loved and cared for very much.

Glen was once quoted as saying, "I've always enjoyed talking to people of all ages. Kids, in particular, are completely honest and so much history and wisdom are in older people."

His devoted family includes his wife, Connie; three children, Steven (Belinda) Ward of Keller, TX; Jay (Kathryn) Ward of Minneapolis; Eric (Laura) Ward of Windom; four grandchildren, Matthew Ward, Joshua Ward, Rachel Ward Johnston, and Allie Ward; one step-grandson Derek (Ashley) Bingham, three great-grandchildren, Elijah Ward, Kayden Johnston, Evan Ward and step-greatgranddaughter Allison Bingham; four siblings, Sharon (Waverly) Engeswick of Storden; Kearn (Mary) Ward of Forest Lake; Karen Bose of Slayton; Jene (Melva) Ward of Pavilion, WY; one aunt, Emma Eisland of Vancouver, WA; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Glen was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Judy, and a brother-in-law Gary Bose.

Blessed be the memory of Glen R. Ward.

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