Sophia Ward

Sophia (Wagner) Ward
1925-2025
Sophia Wagner was born on March 1, 1925, to Balthasar and Mary (Korkowski) Wagner in Millersville, MN. She received the Sacraments of Baptism, Penance, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Millerville, MN. Sophia was preceded in death by her beloved mother in 1930 when Sophia was only five years old (she often reminded us that it was the saddest day of her life) and was raised by her cherished siblings. Sophia completed secondary education at Jefferson High School in Alexandria, MN and served as a homemaker on the Wagner family farm. Upon her brothers leaving for World War II, Sophia and her brother, Phillip, managed the family farm.
Sophia's older brother, Rudy, thankfully returned safely from the war and was visited soon thereafter by his best army pal, Alwin Ward, from New York. With blessings from Rudy, Al introduced himself to Sophia and it was love at first sight, the beginning of a lifelong love and friendship. Sophia and Al were married on a cold winter's day, December 30, 1946, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria, MN. Al's employment with Pillsbury took them to Iowa, Illinois, and finally to St. Joseph, MO, where they raised their family, built lifelong friendships, and retired. During their 62-year marriage, they built a life filled with faith, love, laughter, and adventures.
Sophia and Al's marriage was blessed with four daughters and two sons. Mary Jean (John) Remmert and Jeffrey Ward, born in Springfield, IL; David Ward (deceased) and Nancy (Tom) Ward, born in Ft. Dodge, IA; and Susan (Michael) Gallagher and Elizabeth (Ken) Furrow, born in St. Joseph, MO.
Even more blessings were bestowed upon Sophia and Al with 10 grandchildren: Travis (Michelle) Remmert, Christine (Brian) Douglas, Torrey (Todd) Landry; Robert (Courtney) Ward; Matthew (Natalia) Greene, Brian Greene, Derek (Jennifer) Greene, Stuart Greene; Kevin (Susan) Gallagher, and Kathleen (Nathaniel) Duker.
Their grandchildren blessed them with 20 great-grandchildren: Johnathan (Gianna) Greene, William Greene, Declan Greene, Harrison Greene; Jameson (Rhiannon) Greene, Kennedy Greene; Colby Greene, Logan Greene; Amelia Douglas, Alex Douglas; Charlotte Remmert; Elliott Ward, Everly Ward; Eleanor Duker, Abigail Duker, Wesley Duker, with a little brother in their mother's womb; Regan Gallagher, Rory Gallagher, and Jack Gallagher.
Sophia took immense pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren's accomplishments. She found joy in every moment spent with her family, and it is due to Sophia's and Al's efforts that the extended family has continued to create lifelong memories on family trips to this day.
Beyond her family, Sophia Ward was a living example of God's love, embodying kindness,
compassion, and grace in every aspect of her life. She touched the hearts of all who knew her
with her unwavering faith, selfless acts of service, and the warmth she shared with family,
friends, and strangers alike. She was deeply involved in her community and all who met her felt
Christ's love shining through her. While her children were in school, she actively served on the PTA and in the Girl Scout troop. Additionally, she served on the committee that founded St. Joseph's chapter of the Second Harvest Food Bank in 1981 and organized "free clothing stores" in various locations throughout the city. She also served as Chairman of Cathedral's Food Pantry and Chairman of the local Food Kitchen. In addition, Sophia served as President of the Ladies of Charity, Dean of Oblates of Conception Abbey, was a member of The Daughters of Isabella, served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and lector, as a member of the Funeral Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, and was a beloved member of the Altar Society at both Our Lady of Guadalupe and Cathedral. Her kindness and generosity left a lasting impression on all who met her.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to EWTN, in honor of Sophia Ward's memory and her passion for the Catholic Church and the organization's work to bring Catholic Mass and education to people around the globe. Contributions can be made at https://www.ewtn.com/. Your support would mean a great deal as we continue to uphold her legacy and commitment to sharing the Catholic faith with our community.
Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Parish Rosary 9:30 A.M. Wednesday at the church, where the family will gather with friends at 9:00 A.M.