Neil Ward

Neil passed away December 18 after struggling with Huntington’s Disease for many years. Through all those years he handled that struggle with amazing strength and grace.
Neil was born on February 3, 1948, in Mankato, MN, to Herbert E. and Shirley L. (Treanor) Ward. He was the oldest of three boys. The family lived in Mankato, Thompson, Iowa, and then moved to Corona, California in 1964. Neil graduated from Corona High School in 1966. He graduated from California State Fullerton in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in art and a secondary teaching credential. Neil worked full time during all of his college years.  He married Donna Jean Horswell on August 2, 1970, in Mankato, MN. The couple made their home in Corona, CA, until they moved to Albert Lea in September 1973. Neil’s career was in the graphic art departments for various printing companies.  Over the years he worked for Universal Cooperatives and Trades Publishing in Albert Lea, Davies Printing in Rochester, Schmidt Printing in Byron, and Game Tech in Albert Lea.  Also during the 1980s, he operated an advertising business, first Jesse Ward Advertising with his friend, and then Neil Ward Advertising. During his healthy years Neil was an active member of the Albert Lea Art Center, the Albert Lea Y’s Men club, and the Southern Minnesota Club of Printing House Craftsmen. Neil enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating and downhill skiing trips. For over thirty years he was a member of a 500 card club.
Neil is survived by his wife, Donna; brother, Jeff (Cheri) Ward of Corona, CA; nieces, Kara (Larry) Prescott, Natasha Ward, Christy (Nelson) Diaz, and Jackie (Aaron) Shires; and five great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother and sister-in-law, Kent and Rose Ellen Ward.
A special thank you to the staff of Station One at the Good Samaritan Center for the care they gave Neil.
Please send any memorials to either the Good Samaritan Society, or to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, 505 Eighth Avenue, Suite 902, New York, NY 10018.