Walter Rice Ward Jr., 93 of Harmony MN died Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at Harmony Place where he resided for the last 5 years.
Walter was born on July 13, 1932 in Burr Oak, IA 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 10th, 1954 at Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony MN. They lived in Burr Oak, IA, Newburg, MN Mabel, MN 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, 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 4 - 6 p.m. on Friday, 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
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