Jon Ward

Ward, Jon D. MADISON Jon D. Ward, "Big Jon," age 72, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008, at Meriter Hospital. He was born on April 20, 1936, in Madison, to Guy and Ruth Ward. Jon was a lifelong Madison resident and grew up on the east side. He graduated from Madison East High School, where he excelled in athletics, receiving All City and All Conference honors in football. Jon attended UW-Madison, where he played football also. He worked in the family business, Hungry Hungry, and later owned and operated Big Jons Restaurant on Atwood Ave. for almost 20 years. Jon was a longtime active member of St. Stephens Lutheran Church. He was a supporter of UW athletics and a member of Mendota Gridiron Club. Jon was a skilled woodworker, enjoyed gardening, and was an avid sportsman. He was known for his sense of humor and loved spending time with his grandchildren; as they brought great joy to his life. Jon is survived by his wife, Diane; four children, Anne Newman, Terri (Andy) Whitney, David Ward, and Diane (John) Luther, from a previous marriage; two step children, Dean (JoEllen) Kielhofer and Dale (Tammy) Kielhofer; eight grandchildren, Josh, Lyndsay, Christa, Amanda, Chloe, Danielle, Ryan and Jason; and a brother, Bill (Claudia) Ward. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Arlen. Funeral services will be held at ST. STEPHENS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5700 Pheasant Hill Road, Monona, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008, with the Rev. Tim Hansen presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 25, 2008. Jon was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, who will be missed by all.