Kenneth J. "Ken" Ward Sr., 77, of Elkhart, passed away Saturday afternoon, August 7, 2021, in his home with his family by his side. Ken was born on October 25, 1943, in Chicago, the son of the late Joseph C. and Lillian (Regh) Ward.

On February 4, 1983, he married Sue C. Sobucki in Hazelcrest, Illinois. Surviving is his wife Sue C. Ward; a son Kenny J. Ward Jr.; daughter Michelle Marie (Bill) Niles; three grandchildren Casey Marie (Jerry) Casson, Mike (Julie) Ward, Samantha "Sam" Ward and three loving great grandchildren, Avery and Emma Casson and Isabella Niles; also surviving are his three brothers, Tom Ward, Jim Ward and Robert (Karen) Ward; he will be missed by his Labradoodle Snickers; and is now reunited with Buster, his faithful yellow Labrador.

In accordance with Kenneth's wishes, cremation was chosen and will take place at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart. Mass will take place on Friday, August 20, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1405 N. Main St. Elkhart with an hour of visitation prior from 10-11 a.m. Memorial donations may be given to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.

Kenneth was the retired area manager for Gerber Baby Products for many years and also worked for Weller Truck Parts in South Bend. Ken was a member of the Harold Viking Lodge #13, in Tinley Park, IL, Simonton Lake Home Owners Association and St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.

Ken loved all outdoor sports, (except basketball) he weas a huge fan of the Chicago Bears, White Sox and Blackhawks, and a loyal Notre Dame Football follower. He loved living on Simonton Lake, riding in his pontoon and all the other things that lake life had to offer.  Ken was a kind man and had a great sense of humor. He will be missed and was much loved.

A memorial mass for Ken, will be celebrated on August 20, 2021, beginning at 11:00 a.m. with visitation with the family 1 hour prior at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church 1405 N. Main St. Elkhart. Father Jason Freiburger will officiate. Per his wishes, cremation was chosen. The family has entrusted care and arrangements to Billings Funeral Home.  Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Ken may be sent to www.billingsfuneralhome.com

The family requests memorials to the church instead of flowers.