Robert Patrick "Pat" Ward

Robert Patrick “Pat” Ward, Jr., age 81, passed away peacefully Sunday, January 12, 2025, at his home with his family at his side. Pat was born in Milwaukee, WI, May 24, 1943, son of the late Robert Patrick Ward, Sr., and Mary Jane Ward (nee: Carey).

Pat graduated from Assumption High School in Davenport, IA in 1961, and later earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from UW Parkside in 1985. Pat was a machine operator at JI Case Company for nearly 40 years. He retired from Case in 2001, and later went on to work for Ascension All Saints in the maintenance department for several years. Pat became a dedicated volunteer at Racine Literacy Council, Habitat for Humanity, and the Lion’s Club. He impacted countless people with his patience to teach, capacity for skilled labor, and compassion for the disabled.

Pat proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1964 to 1968. After training at Offutt Air Force base in Nebraska, he was deployed to Thailand where he did reconnaissance during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant.

On May 23, 1968, Pat was united in marriage to his wife of 55 years, Virginia “Ginny” Ann Mindjik. Pat and Ginny travelled the country during summer breaks from school, camping with their children. Together they made priceless memories visiting national and state parks, monuments, and historical sites. Pat and Ginny’s excursions included several cruises, with one to Alaska being their favorite. They also vacationed in Puerto Rico and Mexico.

Pat was loved dearly and will be sadly missed by his children: Linda Seidl, Dan (Sandy) Ward, Jim (Sara) Ward, Katie (Dan) Langendorf; grandchildren: Lea (Terrence) Burgess, Ian Petersen, Thomas Ward, Rachel Ward, Emily Ward, Joshua Ward, Nick Langendorf, Paige Langendorf; great grandchildren: Justin, Bryston, Austin, Harper, Jayce and Aiden; Brother, Michael Ward and sister Betsy (John) Falk; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Pat was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia “Ginny” Ann Ward, and great granddaughter, Dallas Petersen.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday January 31, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. with a Memorial Service celebrating Pat’s life to start at 4:00 p.m. Private interment with military honors will be held at Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Town of Dover. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Racine Literacy Council.