John Ward, beloved husband and father, age 85 years of Mequon, passed away Wednesday evening, March 20, 2019. He was born January 13, 1934 in Milwaukee, son of the late Harold and Loraine Ward. He was a resident of Mequon and Cedarburg for most of his life. John served on active duty in the US Army from 1956-1958 and was in the reserves until 1960. He was married to his beloved wife Helen in Cedarburg on August 20, 1960, and they were devoted partners for their 58 years together. John worked as a carpenter for Verhalen, Inc. in Milwaukee for over 33 years and was a member of the Carpenters Union Local 2283. He was an active member of First Church of Christ, Scientist Cedarburg, the Ozaukee County Historical Society and the Mequon-Thiensville Historical Society. As a lifelong resident of Ozaukee County, John generously gave of his time in supporting the community. He served on the Mequon Architectural Board, the Mequon-Thiensville Bikeway Commission and the Ozaukee Interurban Trail Advisory Council. John and Helen were instrumental in the formation and development of the Ozaukee Interurban Trail. He also designed and built the trail kiosks on the trail in Mequon and in Tendrick Park. He was one of the founders of the Bald Eagle's Hockey team where he played ice hockey until age 80. John and Helen were named Mequon-Thiensville Volunteer of the Year in 2007. John was very proud of using his carpentry skills to build his own home. He helped renovate the former Interurban Depot in Cedarburg for the Ozaukee County Historical Society, and helped remodel Wayne's Drive-In in Cedarburg. He was always generous in his time and expertise to help friends with their projects. His favorite activities included riding his Harley, bicycling, boating, camping, hiking, traveling, skiing, woodworking and eating Helen's pies. He especially liked to photograph the places they visited and the birds he fed daily in his yard. John is survived by his wife Helen, and daughters Bonnie Ward and Julie Bass-Thompson. He is fondly known as "Uncle John" by his young friends. He was preceded in death by his brother James D. Ward and his sister Ruth Ward. He is also survived by his nieces and nephew, Kim, Karen and Paul. Visitation for John will be held on Saturday, March 30, 1-2:30 at the Eernisse Funeral Home, 1167 Washington Ave. Cedarburg followed with a time for sharing thoughts and stories celebrating John's life. All are invited for refreshments in the Community room until 4pm.