Michael Francis "Mike" Ward
SPRINGFIELD, IL - Michael Francis "Mike" Ward, 59, died at 2:23 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, at his home in Springfield.
Mike was born April 3, 1955, in Evergreen Park, Ill., the son of John F. and Rosemary Quinn Ward.
Mike earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and was employed as a historian for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. He was a member of the Illinois Association of Museums and the Illinois Association of Historic Preservation Commission.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Thomas.
He is survived by his siblings: John (wife, Mary) Ward of Lake Suzy, Fla., Mary (husband, Tom) Call of Maple Grove, Minn., Denise (husband, John) Bohn, Patrick Ward, and David (wife, Meg) Ward, all of Chicago; nieces: Emily (husband, Dave) Cory, Megan Call, and Katie Bohn; nephews, Tom (wife, Nicole) Call and Kevin (wife, Rosie) Call; two great-nieces; one great-nephew; one aunt; and many cousins and friends.
Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.
Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 9:30-10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014, at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.
Funeral Mass: 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014, at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 E. Lawrence Ave., Springfield, IL with the Rev. Christopher House, celebrant.
Private burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Misericordia, 6300 N. Ridge, Chicago, IL 60660.
Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center.
Paul Anderson
April 21, 2015
Mike and I had many fun times at the U of I. So sad to hear of his passing. My condolences.
November 11, 2014
So Sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Adele Prendergast
Terri Colby
November 11, 2014
Mike was part of a group of friends who became adults together at the University of Illinois in Champaign. Dorm buddies in Blaisdell Hall, the boys on 2 and the girls on 3, we learned about life together. Sorry to say I had lost touch with him over the years, except for a few connections here and there. Condolences to the Ward family on the loss of such a kind and fun man. We all remember stopping in Springfield during a college road trip and sitting on Mike's front porch there. So saddened by this loss and determined to reach out to others with whom I've lost touch.
Les Vann
November 11, 2014
Mike and I grew up blocks apart and were great friends during our St. Agnes days. First time i went to the state fair without family Mike and I went together. My deepest sympathies
debbie green hausmann
November 10, 2014
Mike and I were in the same class at St. Agnes Grade School. He was always so nice to everyone. Saddened to hear of his passing. You all are in my prayers.
November 10, 2014
To the Ward family, Sandy and I are very sorry for your loss. We cherish our memories of the Wards and Mike was such a big part of those memories. Our heartfelt condolences. Alan and Sandy Diedrick, Carbondale, IL.
The Sisters and Residents of Misericordia
November 10, 2014
Our sympathies and prayers for Mike and all the Ward's.
Katy Heid-Broglin
November 10, 2014
Heartfelt sympathies to the Ward family- Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Joe Stannard
November 10, 2014
Mike was one of the nicest guys I ever met. Everyone in our Class of '73 at Griffin liked Mike.
Dan O'Connell
November 10, 2014
Pat and Dave, so saddened to hear of Mike's passing. I remember a very fun night in his apartment many years ago. Cherish the good memories. My thoughts and prayers are with Mike and all of the Ward family.
November 10, 2014
Pat Ward and Ward Family, I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. Sincerely, Rob Kozimor and Family / Illinois State
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Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center900 S. Sixth St., Springfield, IL 62703
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Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center900 S. Sixth St., Springfield, IL 62703
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