Darrell S. Ward, 71, of Eau Claire, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 27, 2017, at the Minneapolis VA Hospital Care System. He was born on January 31, 1946, in Eau Claire, a son to Beverly Rankin before being adopted and raised by Percy and Mary Ward. Darrell was a star football player at Regis High School before graduating in 1964. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy and served 3 years working as a signal man. He enjoyed traveling and his time spent in the service. Darrell married Renee George in Chippewa Falls on March 30, 1968. Together they raised three children. Darrell enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers, spending time with family, and socializing with friends. He was a member of the Elk's Lodge 402 for 46 years – serving as Head of the trustees for two terms, Elk of the year twice and officer of the year once, a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion. Darrell was a co-owner of Esser Glass for 23 years before retirement in 2001 and for the last 7 years, he owned the Sports Page Bar in Eau Claire. Darrell was known for his sense of humor, his generosity, and his willingness to help others. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. There are too many words to express the wonderful man he was. He is survived by his loving wife, Renee of 49 years; his children, Marnie (Jason) Schultz, Jason (Tawny Good) Ward, Adam (Joy Yealey) Ward; grandchildren, Brandon Berg, Kendall Ward, Alanna Schultz, Jade Schultz, Joshua Schultz; his traveling companion dog and best friend, Casey; biological mother Beverly Rankin; half-brothers and sisters, Allen (Bonnie) Sund, Susan (Bill) Jahnke, Edward Rankin, Mary (Gary) Anklam, Claudette (Wes) Weigans, Martha (Bob) Angell; brothers-in-law, Charlie (Gail) George, Robert (Jane) George, Timothy (Lisa Spalding) George, James Bilot, Kevin (Kathy) George; sisters-in-law, Kristie Carr, Barbara George, and Wendy (Rick) VanWald; nieces; nephews; other relatives and numerous friends. Darrell is preceded in death by his parents, Percy and Mary; sister-in-law, Cheryl Bilot; daughter-in-law, Francine Ward; and other family members. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 1, 2017, at the WEST CHAPEL location of Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 1405 N. Clairemont Ave. in Eau Claire. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2017, and again one hour prior to the service at the WEST CHAPEL. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Eau Claire.
Service Information
Public Viewing
Wednesday, May 31 2017
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home-WEST CHAPEL
1405 N. Clairemont Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703
Public Viewing
Thursday, June 1 2017
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home-WEST CHAPEL
1405 N. Clairemont Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703
Funeral Service
Thursday, June 1 2017
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home-WEST CHAPEL
1405 N. Clairemont Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703
