Rev. Monsignor John C. Ward

It's 60 years after Monsignor Ward was pastor of St. Anastasia in Hutchinson. His spiritual guidance and world view still influence my life. I miss him. He was a friend of Jesus.

I read with great interest the entries made prior to mine, about Father John's ministry. This is because I did not know Father John in his younger years, but had the opportunity to work with him in the last months of his life. What an honor and privilege this was! Although Father Ward (as I called him) had challenges due to his aging process, his spirit of gentleness and humor would come through. His smile and wave will be missed. My condolences and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.

Msgr Ward was a wonderful man, and a model for those giving their lives in the service of others. We lived across from St. Anastasia in Hutchinson, and I remember many mornings as an alter boy when only he and I were there. In later years, we had several rounds of golf in AZ, with Father Richard Bonnen at our side. God blessed us all with the time we knew him.

Our sincere condolence to Msgr. Wards family. He was a dear friend to the Richards family for over 45 years and graced us with his presence at church, in our homes, fishing and on the golf course. May he enjoy his reward as a faithful servent for all eternity. Our love and prayers.

Monsignor Ward, or Father John, as he was known to most of us was truly an inspiration to all. He was a man of great faith while remaining such a gentle soul.
He will be missed by all who knew him here on earth, but I'm sure he will be welcomed into the next life by a heavenly band of angels and all who have gone before him.
May God bless his family during this difficult time.

We had the pleasure of having Msgr Ward as our pastor at Holy Rosary in North Mankato. He was a great pastor, much loved by his parishioners. Even though our lives took different paths over the last 30 years whenever we saw him it was like we had just seen him yesterday. It is special for us to learn that his funeral will be at our new parish of St. Stephens. Thank you Msgr. and your family for your vocation.

Monsignor Ward for many years has been an inspiration to several generations of our family; as a model of our faith, and as a man of unfailing humor and exuberance. May God keep him close and close to all our ancestors who have gone before him.

Monsignor Ward brought dignity to his pastoral role and had genuine concern for his congregation and their well being. He had a brilliant mind and a common touch. His homilies were models of communication. He made teenagers of the 1960s proud of their faith. Father Ward was truly a teacher.