Thomas E. Ward
Nov 15, 1940 - Nov 6, 2024
Berlin Heights
Thomas Eugene Ward, 83, of Berlin Heights, passed away peacefully at home Nov. 6, 2024, surrounded by his daughters.
He is survived by his four daughters, Christine (David) Stelzer of Vermilion, Karen (David) Zwemer of Vero Beach, Florida, Kathy (Mike) Gastier of Milan, and Connie Ward of Berlin Heights. His eight grandchildren include, Rachel (Alex) Wolfram, Daniel (Sarah) Stelzer, Nicholas Stelzer, Eric and Andrew Zwemer, Zoe (Luke) McCoy, Elise (Kyle) Hofacre and Ben (Danica) Gastier. Surviving great-grandchildren, Ada, Eliza, and Cal McCoy, Quinn and Henry Wolfram, and Lucas and Ruth Stelzer. Other survivors include his sisters, Pat (George) Hoag, Barb Hanna, and Kay Otto. He is remembered fondly by his in-laws, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Georgie Vartorella Ward; and parents, Eugene and Pauline Ward.
Tom was born Nov. 15, 1940, in Norwalk, Ohio. He graduated from Berlin Heights High School in 1958. After high school, he served in the United States Army Signal Corps in Germany. Upon his return, he was employed at Chemi-Trol in Fremont, Ohio. He retired as the general manager in 1989. He had a life-long passion for farming.
Tom, a resident of Berlin Heights, was a member of The Black Swamp, Northeast Ohio, and Southeast Michigan Chapters of the American Truck Historical Society. He also enjoyed membership at The Henry Ford, Berlin Heights Historical Society, American Legion Post 659, Eric County Farm Bureau, and Berlin Echoes. Tom enjoyed restoring unique antique trucks and spent many years traveling with Georgie all over the United States to display his vehicles for others to enjoy. He is remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, Papa, and friend.
Visiting hours will be from 4-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, at Toft Funeral Home, Hinman Chapel, 38 South Street, Berlin Heights. Service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, with Chaplin Melvin Sayler officiating. Following the service, burial will be at Peaks Cemetery in Berlin Township. A luncheon will follow.
Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to American Legion Post 659, 15 East Main Street, Berlin Heights, Ohio, 44814.
Toft Funeral Home, Hinman Chapel, 38 South Street, Berlin Heights, is handling arrangements.
Condolences may be shared online at
toftfuneralhome.com.
Published by Norwalk Reflector on Nov. 9, 2024.