William Leo Ward

W. Leo Ward (Leo) died peacefully with family by his side on Tuesday, December 26, 2023.

Leo was born January 18, 1951, grew up in Anoka, and graduated from Anoka High School in 1970. He inherited his father’s big Irish personality: He was talkative, outgoing, and friendly. Leo never met anyone he didn't like. Sometimes he would tell others he took too many “talking pills” as he would often launch his friendly, outgoing personality on whoever crossed his path. Leo was as original as they come. He loved Minnesota and he could make friends in an instant.

Leo was an avid sports fan, but professional wrestling was his true passion. He loved attending wrestling matches at the old St. Paul Civic Center and enthusiastically watched matches on TV since the 1960s. Leo was a master of rock music; he could name a tune and the artist after only a few notes. His memory for music, musicians, old TV shows and actors was unmatched by anyone in the family.

Leo was a long-time resident of both St. Paul and Minneapolis, but he will return to his original home in Anoka for his final resting place.

Leo is survived by his mother, Bernice Ward, and a large and fiercely devoted family. Leo will be profoundly missed by his brothers and sisters, Charlie Ward, Tim Ward and his former wife Lisa, Erin Ward and her husband, Richard, Terry Ward and his wife Jan, and Cathy (Ward) Kramer and her husband Tom. Leo deeply loved, and was loved by, his eleven nieces and nephews and their spouses, Brian Ward, Derek Ward, Ryan Ward, Kelly Roskam and her husband Kyle, Lauren Rabaey and her husband Alex, Allison Ward, Kevin and his wife Kelsey, Hannah, Patrick Kramer and his wife Emily, Charlie Kramer and his partner Tatiana Vasquez, and Coleman Kramer. Leo especially doted on the youngest members of his close-knit family, his great nephews and nieces, Alton Kramer, Sage Gonzales, Layla Kramer, Finley, Evie, and Juliette Roskam, and Joseph Rabaey. Leo’s father, Charles F. Ward, passed away in 1999. Together, Charles and Bernice created a family with a uniquely strong bond and Leo will never be forgotten.

Leo’s final days were filled with support and love from not only his family, but also from the gentle and compassionate staff at Our Lady of Peace hospice in St. Paul, and his caregiver and friend Pat Nash. Leo’s family will be forever grateful for their kindness.

memorial service

Memorial Mass

January 4, 2024

St. Stephen's Catholic Church 525 Jackson St, Anoka, MN 55303, USA

Visitation begins at 10:00 A.M.

Burial of the cremains will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Anoka

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services

memorial service

Celebration of Life

January 4, 2024

American Legion Edward B. Cutter Post 102 400 W Main St, Anoka, MN 55303, USA

Celebration of Life immediately following the interment at Calvary Cemetery

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services