"We are very sorry for your loss as a family. We felt Glen handled several situations we had dealing with theft, properly and fairly. We were proud to have such a man as sherrif. "
In loving memory of
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.
Tributes
"Connie and family - So sorry to hear about Glen. He was a wonderful man who will be missed. He was a strong pillar of the community and a dedicated family man. Even though we have been gone from Windom for several years - we still talk about Glen. He was a good and positive influence on us."
"Our deepest sympathy to the family. Glen was a
special man."
"You are in our thoughts & prayers during this difficult time."
"To the Ward family, we are so sorry to hear of Glens passing. You are in our thoughts & prayers during this difficult time."
"Connie and family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. Windom has lost a very special man. He will never be forgotten nor will his smile. Please know how much he was loved. We hope this helps you in the difficult days ahead when everyone goes back to everyday life. "
"Connie & family: Glen and I were friends before he knew you or you had a family. We went local rodeoing and those memories are wonderful. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. I am sure that time will make it easier but there will be a LARGE hole in everyone's life who knew Glen. He was a great guy."
"May God bless you all in the days to come! We will deeply miss you Glen!!"
"Dear Connie and family-Glen was always a man that everyone could and did respect! As so many have already said,he always had a smile and it was genuine! I've never heard anyone say anything bad about Glen. He was definitely a man of integrity that has left a legacy that will live on forever! And the wonderful,caring,kind,man that he was,shows in his family!! It was and is very obvious that there's so much love there! Dan and I have always admired Glen and the very special family that you all are! May God bless you all with peace and comfort in knowing that Glen is with our precious Jesus!! With much love and hugs!!! Dan &Linda"
"To all of Glen's family - What a guy! We really enjoyed his company at the old Truck Stop for coffee and Jack Slade's in the last year or so. He lived a good life and enjoyed visiting with everyone about the past. When my grandson Logan asked me to make him a wooden gun, who did I turn to, but Glen. He said come out to the wood shop and we will find something. He got out his 357 and traced a pattern and cut one out in walnut. I worked many hours to make it look real, but Glen did the hard part. My grandson will have that forever! Thanks to Glen! Sorry we could not be at the funeral, as we are gone for a week. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Ward family and we sure have lost a good friend and a great down to earth person. You are all in our thoughts and prayers ! Take Care and God Bless! John and Ruth Berge"
"Glen was a great Sheriff, always fair, and helped alot of people"
" Ward Family: Sorry to hear of Glen's passing. It has been many years since I have seen him. But he has always been in my thoughts. He had the best demeanor for being the sheriff of cottonwood county. He will be truly missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad time. Brenda "
"Glen was one of those who had that good ol` fashion common sense. It may have been those bare back broncs and bulls that gave him some of that, years ago. And I`m sure that alot of it came from his parents, too. But it was Glen that carried it forward and it`s that attribute that those who knew him will reflect upon. Along with his great character, his wit and humor, he was endeared to everyone that knew him. Connie, for you and your family, our prayers are that your present sorrow will soon turn into wonderful memories. Glen was a great man and we are proud that he will always be a part of Cottonwood County history."
"My families thoughts and prayers are with The Ward family during this sad time. Rest in Peace Glen."
"Connie and family, our deepest sympathies, may the you feel the supporting hand of God in your hour of darkness. Glen was the best of mankind, I go to know him when we watching our kids play hockey years ago, and was fortunate enough to be able to call him a friend for many years after that. We had him cut a firplace mantel, shelves, bale rack boards, and countless fence boards for my elk ranch. I always thought that as a sheriff, Glen had the ability to control a situation, but left that situation with confidence for those around him and a smile for those that neeed it the most. I believe anyone can talk about setting an example and tell people to do what I do, but the footsteps of our paths often show who was going in the right direction. Glen Ward showed many people the right direction, his footsteps of life have demonstrated that."
"To the Ward family.My sincere sympathies go out to your entire family. Glen was one of those rare people who always made you feel at ease.Whenever you saw him he would have a smile on his face and would stop and talk as long as you liked.He will be greatly missed."
"Our Sympathy to all the family on the loss of your loving husband and father. He had such a big heart for all the community and he was a joy to know. May God comfort you at this time."
"I am so sorry to hear about Glen's passing. I will always remember his kindness and smiles when i was growing up accross the street. My love and prayer to his family."
"Eric, Connie, and the rest of the Ward family. If there was a monetary value on the number of people that Glen had helped and befriended in his life. He was the richest man that I have known. The Windom/Cottonwood County area has lost a legend in the term Minnesota nice. May the Lord comfort you at this time."
"there just doesnt seem to be enough wonderful words to discribe Glen, what a guy one that was admired by the community and beyond Peace be with his family"
"As we continue our journey thru the Valley of Life - we should feel more secure in that journey as the Lord has called another Guardian Angel to the fold. Sadly missed by all - Always to be remembered"
"Glen was a very kind and generous Cousin to me. I appreciate the times he visited my mother Bernice and came to her funeral. He cut up some lumber at his mill for me and I have it here and will always remember his humor and personality as he told me that it was a cousin's discount and would not let me argue with him about is. My kids enjoyed meeting him and when our family took a vacation out west we also stayed with Gene and had a wonderful time. He will be remembered and missed. I know what you are going through as we lost our son Ben one year ago and my mother the year before that, it is very hard but I pray that God gives you peace through this difficult time. Sincerely Leon and Cheryl Larson"
"Glen was a feeling person. With a big heart. Who didnt like Glen? "
"Our prayers and sympathy in your loss of Glen. He was always a day brightner when he came into the office. Cherish all special times and memories you had with him. We especially think of Allie in losing a very special grandpa. He will be missed by many."
"The lord has gained another angel to look out for us just like the did on earth.What a great man,we will all miss you. "
"Our prayers are with Glen's family. He will be greatly missed by the many lives he impacted."
"Eric and family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers in this difficult time, remember that smile and that you have many friends here to help you get through this, your dad was a GREAT man and will truely be missed by many. "
"Our heart-felt thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with you all. We feel extremely blessed, and honored to say we knew Glen. We feel equally blessed to know you members of his family. His legacy lives on through all of you without a doubt. Be proud of that! "
"Glen had so many and varied talents that he used to benefit family and community. Such a good person! He will be greatly missed by all. "
"What a fine hard working gentleman Glen was. Always ready to help others. I so enjoyed working with him when he sawed lumber for me. We are surrounded by the results of that work and enjoy it daily. Our sympathies go out to all of you."
"Jay, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. Your dad will be greatly missed in Windom."
"There are no words to add any more or say anything else here....everyone else has said it so well. I know we'll all miss Glen's smile and his gentle, caring nature. Praying for peace to you all... "
"To Connie and all the family; My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will miss Glen very much, as he was the best boss anyone could have, but even more he was a great friend even after working with me for 18 years he still called me friend."
"Ward Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time. Glen was a great man and always seemed to have a smile on his face for everyone he ever came in contact with. He will be missed by many in this community. You have our deepest sympathy. "
"Connie & family: A real survivor! Worked with and knew Glen for over 30 years in the community, always with admiration, appreciation, & many smiles too. We have a treasured piece of black walnut furniture he cut and prepared to be built. And some walnut yet to be made into keepsake furniture for our sons, priceless! Rita, a survivor, sends special hugs as one who was diagnosed the same week as Glen. With heartfelt love, Rita & Bill Schmidt"
"RIP GLEN!!!!"
"Ward Family: Our deepest sympathy to you all. Glen was definetly one of kind and will be missed VERY much. Heaven must of needed one heck of a man...and now they have Glen ;-( "
"I can't help but smile thrugh the tears as I remember all of the precious memories shared with our families. They will change but they won't end. We know how hard Glen tried to make sure that Connie would be able to manage when he was gone and how he cherished her and his family. We know that coming to celebrate our fiftieth anniversary this past summer was too big of a trip for him but that was just Glen being Glen, living life and loving being with people. The many years of his stories and big smile seem to be a thread shared by many. Let them be happpy memories for you, Connie, and the boys with their families. You know we are there in spirit and that our hearts are heavy with the loss and yet full for having Glen in our lives. We send hugs and a prayer for your peace. Love Ya! "
"I remember living in Jackson Co. with a windom address. If we needed help Glen was always there for us. He was a true friend and a great man.We will truely miss the smile he always had and what a great sheriff he was,He was the last of the great ones!!!"
"Connie and Family, You have my deepest sympathy with the passing of your wonderful husband. He was a great person to know. I still chuckle at the performance he gave at Sheriff Peters' retirement. The memories he made for everyone he came in contact with will live on. "
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of loss. Glen was always such a friend to so many of us. We will miss him. He showed his courage and strength in holding onto life because he was a man who loved life and loved his family and his friends. May he find eternal peace in God's loving arms."
"We are overwhelmed by all of your kindness and we appreciate you taking the time to offer condolences through this fantastic website, phone calls, hugs and visits. We know that Glen would be very glad to hear from all of you, and I am sure that he appreciates the heartfelt consolation and help you are giving us all in his absence. The beautiful human being you all knew was the same beautiful man we were privileged and honored to call husband, father, brother, grandpa, great-grandpa, and uncle. Your tributes are living proof of something that he always knew and practiced: That one or two small acts of kindness always matter and always have a profound impact. He was our hero. We are very sad. And he will be abundantly missed. Thank you again for your extreme kindness. Peace and blessings from our family to yours. "
"Susan and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Glen. Our sympathies to the family"
"Connie and family, I also remember Glen with a smile. He always had a story and a word of encouragement. May you be encouraged by the memories shared of this wonderful man and may you feel the sharing of your loss by many folks in Cottonwood County. "
"Glens faimly Very sorry to hear about your loss, the thing about Glen when he talk about something he walked the talk. He touched alot of people lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with all you."
"Jane and I offer our sympathy to you Connie, Eric, Jay, and family of Glen. Many years of friendship, and memories of a caring individual, be it a clown, and bull rider at rodeos, sheriff, and a true, true friend."
"Wally & family - You should be very proud of your dad. He was not only a huge asset to the community but most of all a great guy ( the apple doesn't fall far from the tree ). We'll always have the memories of hockey tournaments and the stories that he could tell. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers!"
"Connie and family, So sorry to hear of Glen's passing. He was a great man and I enjoyed seeing him when I worked for the County Attorney. He always had time for a story and a smile. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Uncle Glen you will be missed. Love you"
"my deepest sympathy to Glen's family"
"Eric and Jay, your fathers unerring sense of fairness in performing his duties as sheriff will always be remembered by many from my generation. Cottonwood County has lost a good man and many people have lost a great friend."
"Glen and Bill Litfin drove in a nasty blizzard in March of 1985 to Jeffers to get my daughter who had appendicitis and me and take us to the Windom hospital. Glen was so gracious and caring and stopped by to check on Angie in the days that followed. He touched everyone who knew him and will be missed."
"Connie and family, Glen was a kind and caring man, always ready to lend a helping hand. He always brought with him a smile and a story to make the day brighter. He will be missed."
"To the Ward family. Glen was a humble man who never judged. He not only served his community as Sheriff with honor, dignity and fairness, but that is how he lived his life. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him."
"To the Ward family. Our thoughts & prays are with you all. Glen will truly be missed. Blessed be the memory of Glen Ward. "
"We have all lost with Glens passing, and are all richer for the opportunity to have known him. It is amazing the way his stature was able to contain such a giant of a caring person."
"Our deepest sympathy to the family of Glenn. He was great man and always friendly. He is resting in peace and no more pain. Soon we will all be able to be with our families up there. You are in our prayers. Stan and Clara Johnson "
"Our prayers are with you during this difficult time."
"Connie, Jay, Eric,and the Ward Family, Glen was one of the best law Men in the whole area plus he was a GREAT GUY With a positive attitude until the end. it is sad when another good Guy is gone from Windom but I bet they are all having a great time in Heaven with none of them in pain any longer.Agod will take care of you as you take care of each other. All is well with thy soul. God Bless in the days to come."
"To The Ward Family, My familes warmest and deepest regrets and wishes. No more suffering. GOD Bless You all "
"Connie and Family, We want to extend our sincere sympathy to you. We will always have special memories of Glen in our hearts. You were very lucky to have spent most of your life with such a special man. Cottonwood County was so fortunate to have Glen for their Sheriff. He was the "best"! I'm sure Glen is sharing his stories with everyone in Heaven and having a fabulous time! He will be missed greatly! God richly blessed you and your family with a wonderful man! May God give you a sense of peace knowing that Glen is home at last!"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! The Seberson Family"
"Uncle Glen is now at that big rodeo up there with my dad and Grandpa. Love you."
"Our community has lost a great asset. A true big hearted human being. One of the best in law enforcement that Cottonwood County has ever experienced. He was highly respected because he also gave much respect. I also, am very honored to have siding from his saw mill on my shed. Glen fought a brave battle and never seemed to let his illness get him down in public. That was the brave and humble part of Glen we all admire. Geof and I want to extend our deepest sympathies to you all. We have truly lost one of the best in a person you could ever meet! I know God has a special place in Heaven for our Glen, and may you find comfort in the promise that God has made for all of us when we all meet again with Glen. Blessed be all the wonderful memories we all have of Glen! "
"Glen was a great Sheriff and friend. He will be forever missed. "
"Glen was the best boss you could ever have. He was well respected and admired by many! He knew how to handle "outlaws", but yet treated them with respect and dignity. I had great admiration for him! His wisdom, courage, and that big smile made him one of a kind. He always had a positive attitude and made a person feel good! He will be missed greatly! I will never forget the great person, boss, and friend that he was! "
"Our prayers are with you during this difficult time."
"Blessed be the memory of a great man that served our community, He will be missed by many."
"Eric, Jay, I am so sorry to hear of your fathers passing. He was truley a loved man in the community. A man that will be missed. His suffering is over, he is in good hands. "
"Our thoughts and prayers are with your wonderful family for the loss of such a wonderful man!!"
"Our deepest sympathy for the Ward family. Sorry for your loss of Glen. He will always be remembered as one of the good guys!"
"To the Ward family, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of Glen. You are in our thoughts & prayers during this time."
"My thought and memories of Glen, Glen was a great man and one of the last of the true law enforcement officers, he did his best to try to help the youth of the county and I was one of those youths that needed his guidance from time to time and he was always there when I had some problems to help me get back on the right track, I will miss him greatly, my deepest sympathies to the Ward family, he will be missed by many."
"He will be greatly missed, he was a cornerstone of this community for many years."
"He will be missed"
"Glen was a cornerstone in our county,he will be missed"
"Thinking of you in these tuff days ahead. Cottonwood county was a lucky community to have such a great guy! Always a smile and a story! May your memories wash away your tears and bring a chuckle or two to get you through. Our deepest sympathies, Diann & Ciara Minion"
"He will be greatly missed"
"Glen was a GREAT man and will be missed by many. Hold tight to one another at this time"
"Ward family We are so very sadden at the lost of Glen. He was one of a kind. He always had the time to talk was always interested in how our family was doing. He gave a great fight but now he is looking down on you all with his big smile. He will always be there for you you just can't see him. Hold all the memories you have of Glen close to your heart."
"They don't come any better than Glen"
"Glen was a very special person to me. He worked with my mother at Passmore's in Westbrook. I lost my father when I was 9, and Glen was always there to keep me in line with my mother and be my special friend. His stint as a clown at rodoes was fun, and then for awhile he was part owner of the locker plant in Westbrook. He was so well liked and respected in all that he did. I am thankful that I saw him in September when he came to my cousin's visitation in Westbrook. We had such a nice visit. I hope he enjoyed looking at the scrapbooks that my cousin had kept of the saddle club. There were memories of himself, sister and father in them. Glen was one of a kind and they can't come any better than he. God Bless."
"Connie and family, Our hearts go out to you at this time of loss. May you find comfort in the memories you have and share them with each other. Glen was a great person to alot of people and will be missed. Always enjoyed his stories at the neighborhood picnics, and that big smile. Hugs4U Karen"
"It was an Honor to know such a wonderful man. God Bless you Glen."
"Connie & family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. We were so sorry to hear about Glen passing away. He was a good person and we heard it from many people. Stay strong and just remember all the good times you had together. Jim & Joyce "
"Our deepest sympathy to your family. Ken helped Glen saw many cedar poles during the years. He was a wonderful man and will be missed."
"Connie and family, me deepest sympathy, Glen was a great man, neighbor to my parents for over 30 years, driving up buckwheat ave will never be the same,but the memories of his big smile and wave will live on.God bless a great man and family."
"Ward family, You have our sincere sympathy at the loss of Glen, he was a wonderful man who will be missed. Every time we look at our fence we think of Glen who so gererously gave us his scraps to build it, and it is very special to us because of him.I,m sure the angels are rejoicing at Glens homecomming!! Dan and Kathy Beam"
"Glen was a great man, his memory will live on in the hearts and memories of everyone for forever!"
"Remember all of the good times. It helps you get through it and know that it will get better in time."
"Eric, Laura and Allie, So sorry for your loss! If there is anything we can do let us know! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!"
"God bless the Ward family."
"Eric, Laura & Allie, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Glen will truly be missed, but we need to remember that he's in a better place with God. Let us know if you need anything."
"Ward family; our deepest sympathy. Not only was Glen a good man; he was a friend to everyone.He will truly be missed. There is rejoicing at that big rodeo in the sky!"
"Our prayers are with you all."
"It is truely a sad day for Cottonwood County, his many friends, and loved ones. Glen's personality, work ethic,constant smile, and serious no nonsense nature when it came to Law enforement made him a favorite of all the Sheriff's that have ever served us. Many people like myself, consider his death as a great personal loss. You have my most sincere sympathy on his passing."
"My prayers are with you all at this very hard time. Glen was a great man and will be missed by all!!"
" Our sympathy to the Ward family. Glen was a gentleman. "
"We pray you find comfort and peace in all your memories of Glen. He was a great man and he can never be forgotten. "
"Blessed be the memory of Glen Ward. No more pain or suffering!"
"Our sympathies go out to you all. I had a talk with my girls about Allie's grandpa being in heaven with God. Morgan asked if he was holding God's hand. :) Glen is a wonderful man and will be missed by so many people. If there is anything we can do, please let us know. "
"Remember that it is not Goodbye, it is See you Later. God be with you during this difficult time."
"To the Ward Family, We offer our deepest sympathy, Glen was a good man, he fought the good fight and now has his reward in heaven, he will be missed."
"God bless the memory of Glen. Rest in peace."
"My sympathy goes out to you at this time. Glen was such a great man and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers."
"Sympathy to the family, no more suffering for Glen. He will be greatly missed. God bless the memory of Glen Ward."
"Ward Family - We are so sorry to hear of Glens passing. He was a good man who will be remembered by many for all he did for our community, and for being a kind and caring man. You are in our thoughts and prayers."
"Peace be with you all."
"So sorry to hear of Glen's passing. He did a lot of good for this community. He was well known ,loved and respected. You will be in our thoughts and prayers."
"Forever missed never forgotten"
"God's Peace to you all - -"
"God's Peace to you all - -"
"We're very sorry to hear of Glens passing. He was a good man and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with you all."
"To the Ward family, Stay strong, lean on each other for support, reflect on the memories. Glen will be missed, but not forgotten. Thinking of you at this time."
"Eric and Family~My deepest sympathy to you and your family in the loss of your dad/grandpa!! He is truly going to be missed!! He put up such a strong fight with his battle of cancer, but you know he is in a better place, no more suffering. I always enjoyed Glen coming into the shop, he always had a story or two to tell. He will be greatly missed. If there is anything I can do, please let me know."