Ward, Nels O. - 1862-1928

WARD, BELL

Posted By: Linda Vander Linden-Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/24/2013 at 15:13:55

Hawarden Independent, June 28, 1928

Nels O. Ward, for thirty years a well known resident of this community, passed away at his home in this city at 10:15 Monday night following a long illness during which he suffered intensely. His health began to fail about four years ago but he remained on the farm until the spring of 1926, although badly crippled with rheumatism. Shortly after leaving the farm, Mr. & Mrs. Ward went to El Campo, Texas, in the hope that the change of climate might prove beneficial but the hoped for relief was not obtained and they returned to Hawarden a year ago. During the greater part of the past two years he was a hopeless invalid and it was necessary for him to use a wheel chair constantly. But during his long illness he never complained of his lot and managed to maintain a cheerful outlook on life. On Tuesday night of last week he suffered a stroke, his entire left side being paralyzed and a day or two later suffered a second stroke which left him in a state of coma and he lingered thus until death came and relieved him of his suffering.

Funeral services were held at 2 o'clock this afternoon at the Baptist church in this city, conducted by Rev. J. E. Bruner, the pastor, and interment was made in the Big Springs cemetery.

Nels O. Ward was born in Heisingland, Sweden, on Christmas morning, 1862, so was past 65 years of age. He came to America in 1888 and located in Clay County, SD, where he resided for a time. On Nov. 18, 1897, he was united in marriage with Miss Agnes Bell at Big Springs. They resided at Big Springs for two years following their marriage when Mr. Ward purchased a farm, three miles west of Hawarden in Union County, where they continued to make their home until a little over two years ago when Mr. Ward sold the place and retired due to his failing health. They went to El Campo, Texas, in the spring of 1926, but returned to Hawarden a year later and have since made their home in this city.

Mr. Ward was a true Christian gentleman and his faith was never better exemplified than during his long and painful illness. He was honored and revered by countless friends and neighbors, who while mourning his departure, are comforted in the knowledge that his suffering is at an end. He was a long a member of the Baptist church and served as deacon in the local church for many years.

Besides his widow he is survived by one adopted son, Clarence Ward of Detroit, Mich. He also leaves one brother, Peter Ward of Big Springs, and one brother and one sister in Sweden.

His son, Clarence Ward, and Mrs. John Howden, a cousin of Mrs. Ward's arrived Wednesday from Detroit to attend the funeral.