Walter Rice Ward Jr., 93 of Harmony, Minn., died Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Harmony Place, where he resided for the last five years.
Walter was born on July 13, 1932, in Burr Oak, Iowa, to Walter Sr. and Margaret (Rice) Ward. He graduated from Canton High School in 1951. After graduation he joined the Army and served in Germany during the Korean War as a radio operator. At the end of his military service he traveled throughout Europe before returning to the U.S.
Upon returning from Europe, Walter and Carol Kiehne were married on October 10, 1954, at Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony, Minn. They lived in Burr Oak, Iowa, Newburg, Minn., Mabel, Minn., before moving to the Harmony/Canton area.
Walter was the past commander of the Mabel American Legion where he has been proudly a member for 72 years. Walter had also served as Canton Township Supervisor.
Walter was a lifelong farmer; he and Carol moved to rural Harmony and farmed. Other jobs included working for Bill Welch and Gehling Auction Company. He also spent many years driving the Amish to school, appointments and various things. Walter enjoyed trail riding with his horse, “going for coffee” and shaking dice at the Harmony House and drives in the country. He was always proud of whatever vehicle he was driving, whether it was a tractor, car, pickup, John Deere Gator or in his later years his electric cart.
He is survived by his children Gerri Ehler, Terri Peterson (Tom), Gary Ward (Jackie) and Kim Knutson (Kevin); seven grandchildren: Craig Ehler (Michele), Eric Ehler (Candace), Devin Ehler (Katelin), Joshua Peterson (Stephanie), Cole Knutson, Walker Ward, and Hannah Knutson; nine great-grandchildren: Tristan Ehler, Beatrice, Henry, Charlie and Ronan Ehler, Evelyn and Isabella Ehler, and Lily and Jack Walter Peterson.
Walter is proceeded in death by his wife Carol, daughter Lori Ann, parents Margaret and Walter Sr., brothers and their spouses Robert (Marleene), Jimmie (Valli), Earl (Carl Rudd), and nephew Durwin Ward.
A celebration of life will be on March 13, 2026, at the Mabel American Legion following a private family service and burial with military honors at Greenfield Cemetery in Harmony.
The family would like to thank the staff of Harmony Place and St. Croix Hospice for their care and friendship they gave Walter.
In lieu of memorials donation may be made to: Fillmore County Special Olympics, Lu Ommen, P.O. Box 367, Harmony, MN 55939; Semcac Preston – Food Distribution Center, 515 Washington St NW, Preston, MN 55965; Semcac – Meals on Wheels PO Box 549, Rushford, MN 55971
Pallbearers Craig Ehler, Eric Ehler, Devin Ehler Josh Peterson, Cole Knutson, Walker Ward, Nate Haugerud.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel.
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