Earl Ward

Earl Thomas Ward, age 67, passed away at his home in Eau Claire on February 24 th,

2025. He was born on January 16, 1958 to Earl and Harriet (Haugen) Ward. Earl was

united in marriage to the love of his life, Beth on June 22, 1991. They lived in Eau

Claire, Bruce, and landed in Fennimore where they raised three daughters.

Earl was 16 when he first saw Todd Rundgren in concert, and immediately a life-long

obsession began. He would often drag his wife and daughters to concerts all over the

US, and gifted Todd Rundgren CD's to family. He even went as far as to get married on

Todd Rundgren's birthday so he would never forget his anniversary date.

After graduating high school, Earl attended Indian Head Technical College in Rice Lake,

WI earning his degree in 1994. He went on to work for the United States Government

as a USDA meat inspector until he retired in 2021. After his retirement, Earl and Beth

moved "home" to Eau Claire.

Earl fought his battle against bladder cancer for several long years. Despite spending

time in and out of the hospital, he never lost his sense of humor. He had a profound

ability to make others smile and his sense of humor will be missed. His kindness and

ability to chat with anyone often left his family waiting on him to finish up his

conversations with complete strangers. He was a man of immense humor and wisdom,

and cherished every moment spent with his loved ones.

Earl is survived by his loving wife, Beth; two children, Jenni (Zach) Fotzler and Ashley

(Kane) Edge; brother, Ron (Sue) Ward; seven grandchildren: Naomi McNeil, Mykala

(Derek) Handfelt, Brayden McNeil, Aubrey Edge, Ryker Fotzler, Tripp Edge, and Mack

Fotzler; two great grandchildren: Kayson Handfelt and Kaylee Handfelt, and several

special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Danny

Ward, and sister Suzie Shoemaker, and his cherished daughter, Sarah Walker.

A celebration of life will be held April 5 th from 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm at The VFW 1300

Starr Ave in Eau Claire, WI.