John "Jack" L Ward

John (Jack) Laverne Ward 74, of Grand Island, Nebraska passed away on May 27, 2020 at his home after a lengthy illness. Per his wishes, cremation has been chosen and no services are scheduled at this time. Apfel funeral home of Grand Island, NE. is serving the family.



John was born in 1945 in Kearney, Nebraska to Helen (Rose) and John W. Ward. John was raised and received his education in several communities in Nebraska (following the path of the various country schools near the communities where his mother taught). He graduated from Arcadia, NE high school and then served 4 years in the US Navy. John moved to Fremont, NE and worked at the greenhouse there (he studied Horticulture in Lincoln, NE.) He then moved to St. Libory, NE to join his family, living there for several years, during this time he began working at (Plant Island Greenhouse) just North of Grand Island. Later on John worked at (Earl May) then retired from (K-Mart) and at this time was living in Grand Island, NE.



John enjoyed working with flowering plants and especially liked succulents. One of his favorite pastimes was to get together every week with his three brothers Leonard, Leon and Mike Ward, and cousin Rick Deaton to play cards and socialize.



Those remaining to cherish his memory are his sister, Jonette (Ward) Hesnault; niece, Dawn Hesnault; nephews: Dion Hesnault, Jeff and Mike Ward; aunts and uncles: Bonnie (Ward) Taylor, Judy (Hettrich) Rose and Jim Rose, Madelene Rose; cousin, Donna (Deaton-Tompkins) and Rick Deaton; special friend, Linda Melisker, and numerous cousins.



His parents, brothers: Larry Haumont, Gary, Mikel (Mike), twins Leonard and Leon Ward; and niece, Lynnette (Lynn) Hesnault, preceded John in death.