Diana Ward

Diana M. Ward, 64, of Waukon, IA, died Thursday, July 13, 2017, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon surrounded by her loving family. Memorial services will be held Monday, July 17th, at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon with Fr. Mark Osterhaus officiating. Inurnment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may call one hour before services Monday at the church. Martin Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements.

Diana Marie Ward was born August 26, 1952, in Waukon, IA, the daughter of Lawrence and Rita (Ferring) Ward. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Diana was one of 14 children who were raised in rural Waukon on a farm. She graduated from Waukon High School and continued her education as a nursing student. Diana was employed at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon as a dedicated nurse for 24 years until her health forced her to retire in 2003. Her patients were always her top priority. She had fond memories of her employment, co-workers, and the patients she helped. A recent hospital newsletter highlighted Diana's career, her contribution to the hospital, and the many patients and people whose life she touched. Diana was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. She loved spending time with her family especially her grandchildren.

Survivors include her daughter Tonia Guchshenkov of Waukon; three grandchildren: Tamara, Anastasia, and Keaton; five sisters: Nancy (Steve) Weis of Decorah, IA, Julie Quandahl of Waterloo, IA, Lorna Halvorson of Elkhart, IN, Mary Schulte of Denver, IA, and Carole (Jim) Gehrig of  La Crescent, MN; six brothers: Robert (Elaine) of Decorah, Dennis (Connie) of Buena Park, CA, Patrick of Waterville, IA, Gerald of Springer, NM, Thomas (LuAnn) of Calmar, IA, and Scott (Julie) of  Sioux Falls, SD; an aunt Virginia Moore of New Albin, IA; an uncle Bill (Karen) Ferring of Waukon; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents; a son in infancy; two brothers: Kenneth and Kevin Ward; and two brothers-in-law: Eugene Schulte and Edward Halvorson.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Veterans Memorial Hospital and Dr. David Schwartz for his outstanding care, personal concern, and support during her years of illness. They would also like to thank Nona and Wayne Sawyer, Becky Welper, and all her devoted friends and neighbors who were there for Diana whenever she needed them. The family would also like to say thank you to Fr. Mark Osterhaus, her church community, and Home Health Care.

Honorary casketbearers are Kay Zimmerman, Becky Welper, Nona and Wayne Sawyer, Sharon Cunningham, Dr. David Schwartz, Jill Manning, Derek Weis, Jared and Kyle Schulte, Eric Halvorson, Nathan Ward, and Jim Normann.