Gene Ward, 68

Gene Ward, 68, went to the arms of Jesus on Nov. 20 , 2014. Gene passed away at home with family members by his side.

He was born on Dec. 4, 1945, to Burchard and Nell Ward. Gene grew up in Addy, Wash., where he graduated from high school and moved to Spokane where he met the love of his life, Karen. They were married May 28, 1966.

Gene was a Vietnam Veteran who proudly served in the U.S. Army 1966 through 1972. In 1973 the Ward family moved to Post Falls, Idaho, where he raised his family. Gene was a member of Operating Engineers Local 370 and worked for Hite Crane and Rigging for 43 years.

Gene loved spending time in the woods, hunting and hiking with his wife and five granddaughters. His children and grandchildren brought him great joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents Burchard and Nell Ward, and his brother Volney. Gene is survived by his wife, Karen, at home; daughter and son-in-law Frosty and Genia Wortman; son and daughter-in-law Brian and Shelly Ward; grandchildren Cortney Ward, Corina Rabidue, Chryssa Ward, and Madison and Shayla Wortman; great-grandchildren Kale, Kooper and Bella; brother Dana Ward, and sister Mary Sherman.

They family would like to thank Hospice of North Idaho for all their help and comfort during this tough time.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29, at North Country Chapel in Post Falls.

Please view and sign Gene's online registry at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.