Mr. Dale E. Ward's Obituary
Mr. Dale Erwin Ward, 76, of N. Muskegon, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, July 29, 2021. He was born in Muskegon on April 2, 1945, to Ralph and Edna (Chandler) Ward and was a lifelong resident. He had been employed at Shaw Walker/Knoll for 37 years before retiring in 2002. Dale was a member of Allen Avenue Christian Reformed Church for 45 years. He was the greatest inventor. He hand crafted board games for family and friends, and loved to play his favorite board game “Pegs and Jokers”. He and Anita played it every day. Dale loved his time deer hunting with his family on his property up north and camping. He enjoyed metal detecting and puttering in his yard but had to sit quite often because of his health problems. He was a role model to his sons to be great fathers and fix-it men, and he tried to make it to all of his grandkid’s sporting events. On August 27, 1976 Dale married Anita VanDyke. Survivors include his loving wife and best friend, Anita; children: Scott (Lisa) Hobby, Michelle (Joe Bryant) Hobby, Jason (Jaimi Shetterly) Ward; grandchildren: Tyler (Taylor) Hobby, Ryan (Kelly Thelen) Hobby, Kayla (Kyle Kolbe) Hobby, Taylor (Denny Clark) Ward, Katelyn Ward and Addison Ward; 5 great-grandchildren: Peyton, Rowan, Declan, Daisy and Daxon; brother: Richard (Sharon) Ward; sister-in-law: Carol Ward; brothers-in-law: Ron Schmuck and Don Garrett; former daughter-in-law: Jamie Ward; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his baby daughter: Amy Renee Ward on May 15, 1978; his parents and in-laws; brothers: Larry and Bob Ward; sisters: Delores Garrett and Arlene Schmuck. Per Dale's wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held. Contributions in memory of Mr. Ward may be made to the Muskegon Rescue Mission or Allen Avenue Christian Reformed Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442.
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