Dennis Wright Ward

Dennis passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 22, 2025, at his home at Scottish Rite Park in Des Moines, IA. Born on December 14, 1936, in Des Moines to Carl David Ward Sr. and Mary Edythe (Wright) Ward, he was also the brother of Carl David Ward of Hollister, MO. Dennis's parents and brother all preceded him in death. Dennis was a true embodiment of hard work, resilience, and service, devoting himself to his daughters, grandchildren, friends, his beloved wife, and the many communities in which he was deeply involved.

A graduate of Roosevelt High School's class of 1956, Dennis continued his education at the College of Pharmacy at Drake University, earning his BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 1960. That same year, he became a registered pharmacist-a profession he embraced with dedication for decades.

Dennis owned and managed Ward Pharmacy on University Avenue and 35th Street in Des Moines from 1960 to 1977, while also operating a pharmacy in Fort Dodge, IA. In 1977, he began a 22-year career with Abbott Laboratories, where he distinguished himself in multiple roles across Des Moines, Indianapolis, and Chicago. His tenure included work in the Pharmaceutical Division, the Cardiovascular/Thrombolytic and Neuroscience products division, and Developmental and Coordinating Pharmacy Programs. He returned to Des Moines in 1990 as a Thrombolytic Specialist serving Des Moines and eastern Iowa. Among his many professional honors were National Pharmaceutical Council Member, Abbott Medical Representative of the Year and five consecutive years on the Abbott All-Star Team, including serving as captain in 1986. He was also past president of the Polk County Pharmacy Association and co-founder, vice president, and president of the Northwest Pharmacy Association.

Upon retirement, Dennis and his wife, Rosemarie, built a home on West Okoboji at the site of their original lake cottage, while maintaining an apartment in Des Moines. They moved to Scottish Rite Park in 2023. Dennis remained active in the Okoboji community, serving as board member and secretary of the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum, a member of the Rotary Club, a volunteer with the Lakes Art Center, Commodore of the Okoboji Yacht Club in 2000, and board member of the Okoboji Sailing School and Race Committee. Dennis contributed forty years of service to the Okoboji Yacht Club. Dennis also ran a pharmacy for a month in Tanzania through Outreach International.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 67 years, Rosemarie (Gargano) Ward; his daughters, Lynn Kenney of West Des Moines, Liz Ward of New York City, and Katie Swanson of San Luis Obispo, CA; six granddaughters-Sara Rodemyer (James), Mary Kenney, Mercer Winer, Caroline Swanson, Scout Winer, and Ella Swanson; one grandson, Jack Kenney (Diana); and two great-grandchildren. Dennis is also survived by three son-in-laws, Tim Kenney of West Des Moines, Andy Winer of New York City and Chuck Swanson of San Luis Obispo. Dennis has also cherished his relationships with sister-in-law, Cre Ledbetter of Northbrook, IL and her two daughters, Lisa Burkhardt of Ponte Vedra, FL and Maryann Milowski of Mundelein, IL.

Dennis was an avid pool player, card player, and sports enthusiast, and stayed active bicycling and playing basketball. He and Rosemarie cherished their winter travels to Naples, FL and Sonoma, CA during his retirement. Dennis's grandchildren will remember Dennis for their summers at the Lake with endless boating excursions, amusement park rides and pool and card games.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum, https://arnoldspark.com (reference "In memory of Dennis W. Ward").

Dennis will be remembered for his warmth, his sense of humor, and his steadfast commitment to family, community, and profession.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com

Arrangements by Iles Dunn's Chapel