Robert E. Ward Estelline, South Dakota Mass Of Christian Burial 10:30 A.M., Monday, February 19, 2007 St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church Estelline, South Dakota Fr. Brian Simon, Celebrant Scripture Service 7:00 P.M., Sunday, February 18, 2007 St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church Visitation 4PM to 7PM Sunday at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church Burial St. Marys Catholic Cemetery, Bryant, South Dakota Robert E. Ward, son of Edward and Dagmar (Andersen) Ward, was born September 14, 1928 at Bryant, South Dakota. He grew up in Bryant and attended elementary school there and also attended Cadet School in Minneapolis. He returned to Bryant High School where he graduated in 1946. Bob served in the U.S. Army from September 19, 1946 to February 28, 1948 and was united in marriage to Jackie F. Braun on November 5, 1951. On January 9, 1952, Bob and Speck Fennig opened Wards Store in Estelline and he continued to operate the store until his retirement. Bob died on Friday, February 16, 2007 at the Estelline Nursing and Care Center at the age of 78 years, 5 months and 2 days. He was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church where he served on the building committee. He also served as a Hamlin County Commissioner for 16 years, served on the First Planning District Development Commission, was also a president of the Estelline Commercial Club and a life member of the Estelline American Legion. Bob enjoyed fishing, racing and horses but his biggest love in life was his grandchildren. Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Jackie of Estelline; one daughter, Gayle Stroschein and her husband Gregg of Elk Point, SD; five sons, James Ward and his wife Jennie of Mankato, MN, Michael Ward and his wife Patti of Estelline, Joe Ward and his wife Charlie of Sioux Falls, Shon Ward and his wife Kim of Estelline, Scott Ward and his wife Connie of Watertown, SD; 15 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; two sisters, Barbara Doherty of Brookings, SD, Carolyn DiPonio and her husband Michael of Grayling, MI; and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and approximately 250,000 walleye. Memorials may be directed to the Estelline Nursing and Care Center.