Janice Dorene Mae Ward

Obituary

Janice Dorene Mae Ward (Engst) was born on November 25, 1936, in Bismarck, North Dakota to Tony and Helen (Johnson) Engst. She was baptized as an infant into her Lutheran faith on June 6, 1937, in Lisbon, North Dakota, and later confirmed in her faith as a youth at St. Matthews’s Lutheran Church in Clarissa, Minnesota. Janice received her education in Clarissa and was a graduate with the Clarissa High School class of 1956. She attended St. Cloud State University from 1972 to 1974, majoring in English.

On August 5, 1956, Janice was united in marriage to Arvid Ward at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Clarissa, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with three daughters, Toni, Tami, and Teri. Janice and Arvid made their home in Hector in 1958. Janice moved to Hutchinson in 2020. They shared 65 years of marriage until the passing of Arvid on January 10, 2021.

Janice worked as a CNA for McKenna homes. She enjoyed taking her “ladies” to church, movies, and out to eat. Janice retired in 2011.

She was very community orientated and was involved in Hector Friends of the Library, Red Hat Club, birthday club, and bible study. Janice served two times on the Hector City Council and was a supporter of the Hector Pool.

Janice loved her family and her home. She was very hands on with all of the family-owned businesses and instilled the importance of a good work ethic. Janice was an avid reader and shared the love with her children and grandchildren. She loved baking with her grandchildren as well. Many amazing memories of Janice were family meals, holidays, and birthdays. Janice was the kindest, most loving person, and taught us all that family, faith, and love were the most important possessions to treasure. She will be greatly missed!

Janice passed away on Monday, May 3, 2021, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, at the age of 84 years.

Blessed be her memory.

Janice is survived by her:
Children, Toni Babatz and her husband, Brian, of Jordan, MN,
Tami Henning and her husband, David, of Alexandria, MN;
Grandchildren, Patrick Maresch and his wife, Connie, Nathaniel Maresch and his wife, Teddy, Cassie Kiecker and her husband, Trevor, Matthew Henning and his wife, Jody, Christine Henning and her significant other, Matt Hodgman, Amy Jo Hopkins and her husband, Seth;
12 Great-Grandchildren;
Son-in-law, Ed Chermak of Hector, MN;
Sisters-in-law, Karen Ward of Clarissa, MN,
Donna Ward of Clarissa, MN;
Sister-in-law, Ellie Engst of Park Rapids, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.

Janice is preceded in death by her Parents, Tony and Helen Engst; Husband, Arvid Ward; Daughter, Teri Chermak; Grandsons, Tyler Chermak, Tristan Maresch; Brother, Ron Engst.