Kathryn "Kay" A. Ward

Kathryn “Kay” A. Ward, 90, passed away on December 4, 2025, peacefully at SSM Hospital. She was born in Buffalo, NY on September 14, 1935, to Carl and Dorothy (Hagan) Pfeil. In June of 1956, Kay married the love of her life, William “Bill” Ward. Together, they kept busy raising a family of seven children, with additional blessings of twenty grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. Kay was a member of Community Church and loved the weekly teachings, praise and worship. She believed in God and that through Jesus Christ we can all be saved. We are at peace knowing mom is with God and those with whom she has been blessed to reconnect. One of Kay’s favorite sayings was GRACE through FAITH. Kay loved her involvement with Woman’s Aglow, Prison Ministries, and numerous church ministries throughout the years. She was a faithful servant.

Kay’s children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were the sparkles in her eyes. They all brought her great joy and all benefited from her candy drawer and homemade muffins. Kay had an extreme love and devotion to her family. She spent endless hours at all of their activities and events. Kay was God-filled, selfless, kind, gracious, and her life is woven in all of us. She is our hero and angel.

Survivors include her children, Wendy (Dan) Buehrens, Laura (Greg Bauer) Ward, Kathy Cook, Brad (Mary) Ward, Beth Smit and Angie (Bob Holsman) Ward; daughter-in-law, Kathryn Ward; grandchildren, Ben (Kelly Meyer) Ward, Michael Ward, Jessica Ward, Kate (Jake) Kohlman, Rebecca (Adam) Hettenhaus, Mariel (Aaron) Bohnsack, Toni (DJ Payton) Bartolutti, Giuseppe (Katelyn Altmann) Bartolutti, William (Sarah Engstrom) Bartolutti, Christina (Chris) Michael, Ryan (Shara) Cook, Kayla (Rob) Egli, Megan (Landon) Miller, David Ward, Amanda Smit, Eric (Chelsey) Smit, Jon (Jenny Wang) Schultz, and Jacob Holsman; great-grandchildren, RJ, Brooklynn, Kennedy, Remington, Millie, Henry, Abraham, Oliver, Elena, Lennon, Rilee, Emelia, Coralyn, Landry and Lennox. She is further survived by brothers-in-law, Bob (Helen) Ward and Don (Genny) Burroughs.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bill, husband’s parents, a son, Perry Ward; two sons-in-law, Dave Cook and Brian Smit; and two grandchildren, Kimberly Ward and Christopher Schultz.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 – 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 13th at Community Church Fond du Lac, N6717 Streblow Dr. A service celebrating Kay’s life will begin at 11:00 AM with Pastor Adam Utecht officiating.

Cremation has taken place and a private inurnment at the Chapel of the Risen Christ Mausoleum Calvary Cemetery will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kay’s name are appreciated.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to mom’s caregivers Jean Kopecky and Karen Silah.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com