CHAMPION, Ward 1908-1980

CHAMPION, SHAW, COONRADT

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 9/30/2009 at 11:11:57

Ward Champion [1908-1980]

Funeral services for Ward Champion, 71, of St. Ansgar, who died at the St. Ansgar Good Samaritan Center February 17, were held February 21 at the St. Ansgar United Methodist church with the Rev. Bruce Wittern officiating.

Ward Champion was born August 13, 1908 in Osage, the son of Ben and Katherine (Coonradt) Champion. He was baptized at the Methodist church in Osage, and attended high school in Osage where he was a member of the football team for four years. He later became a member of the Masonic Lodge in Osage.

Mr. Champion was married to Helen Shaw August 5, 1930, and two sons were born to them. The Champions moved to St. Ansgar in 1944 where he was proprietor of the St. Ansgar (John Deere) Implement business. Prior to that he had been employed by the John Deere Co. since 1934. He retired in 1971.

Mr. Champion was very active in community affairs, serving on the City Council for several years, and he was a former Mayor of St. Ansgar. He also served on the St. Ansgar Volunteer fire department for ten years.

He is survived by his wife, Helen; by two sons, Russell of Plainview, Minnesota and Delmer of Monmouth, Illinois; by two brothers, Bill Champion of Burt and Edward Champion of Marshall, Missouri; also seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Kathryn.

Masonic rites were held at the Osage cemetery, and burial was in the Osage cemetery with Rev. Wittern in charge of the committal services.

[ St. Ansgar Enterprise, 28 FEB 1980]