In loving memory of

Jack Ward
August 10, 1937 - December 27, 2017

Jack Dean Ward, age 80 of Colfax, passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2017, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at the Colfax Mingo High School Auditorium. Burial with military rites will be held at Colfax Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Friday, December 29, 2017, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Coburn Funeral Home in Colfax. Memorials may be directed to the Colfax Fire Department or Emergency Unit. Condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfneralhomes.com
Jack Ward was born on August 10, 1937, to Edward "Butch" Ward and Mildred (Butler) Ward in Colfax, Iowa. In 1961, he was united in marriage to Maryann Marie Stier. He lived his entire life in Colfax, building and remodeling hundreds of homes throughout central Iowa. He was able to build and fix just about anything and took great pride in his work.
He began his construction career with Miller construction in Colfax. He was then inducted into the U.S. Army and served in Korea in the 11th engineering battalion. Throughout the 1960's and mid 1970's, Jack worked for Jacobsen Construction in Mitchellville. After leaving Jacobsen Construction, he partnered with Shorty Eatwell and continued building. In the early 1980's, construction turned downward, but instead of giving up, and thanks to Kenny Hanke, Jack embraced a brand new career working maintenance for the Colfax-Mingo School District. This career path would turn out to be one of the best things that ever happened to him. Jack loved being around kids, teaching and joking with them.
Jack entered the Kingdom of Heaven on December 27, 2017, after several hard fought health battles. Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Maryann; son, Erin; and Sandy Enright as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his mother and father.

Tributes

Rich Reed wrote on Jan 3, 2018:

"Condolences from Rich Reed & family"

Patricia Stier Grooms wrote on Dec 29, 2017:

"Aunt Mary and Erin I am so sorry for your loss, thinking of you both and sending prayers your way. "

Patricia Stier Grooms wrote on Dec 29, 2017:

"Aunt Mary and Erin I am so sorry for your loss, thinking of you both and sending prayers your way. "

Patricia Stier Grooms wrote on Dec 29, 2017:

"Aunt Mary and Erin I am so sorry for your loss, thinking of you both and sending prayers your way. "

Harold and Rosalie Bissell wrote on Dec 29, 2017:

"Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Jack, Thoughts and prayers go out to Mary and Erin, May God bless you now and later, Jack was a good brother-in-law"

Kay Boucher Hale wrote on Dec 29, 2017:

"So sorry to read of Jack's passing in this mornings paper. Our sympathy to you Maryann and Erin."

Roger Yohe wrote on Dec 28, 2017:

"Condolences from the Yohe Family."

mary poulter wrote on Dec 28, 2017:

"Maryann & Erin: What a great man Jack was! So fun, so kind, so interesting! He was such a good worker--the school was lucky to have him. We were so sorry to hear of his passing. Mary & Bryan Poulter"

Margaret peterson wrote on Dec 28, 2017:

"So sorry to hear about jack he was a wonderful man"

Dan Gregg wrote on Dec 28, 2017:

"Maryann, we are so sorry for your loss! "

Karen Gunsaulus wrote on Dec 28, 2017:

"Erin, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad recently. My thought and prayers are with you at this difficult time."

Kevin Wallace wrote on Dec 28, 2017:

"I worked with Jack for a few years at the school in the mid 90's and have to say there was never a dull moment working with Jack!! I really enjoyed working beside him at school. He always had a coffee in one hand and tools in the other. We all lost a good hard working man! You will never be forgotten Jack!! "

Brian Wilson wrote on Dec 28, 2017:

"Erin:. Sorry for the loss of your dad. He was a good man, and always very proud of your many accomplishments. - Brian Wilson"

Bert Deaton wrote on Dec 28, 2017:

"Worked withJack at the school for many years. There wasn't anything Jack couldn't build or repair! Never cost the school for tools as he always used his own.Jack was always willing to help someone. Heaven just gained a super nice angel. So grateful to have known you my friend!"