John David Ward

(May 30, 1944 - June 1, 2023)

"And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, 'I need a caretaker.'  So, God made a farmer."  Paul Harvey speech to the FFA 1978.

John D. Ward, beloved husband, father, son, friend, gentleman, farmer and "professional gambler" (aren't all farmers?) passed away at home on June 1.  John lived his whole life in Sycamore where he farmed land that has been in his family for five generations.  He attended the University of Wisconsin and graduated from the Farm Short Course.  He married Betsy Kylen, his high school sweetheart, in 1966 and together they had two children, Stephanie and Stephen.  John and Betsy loved throwing parties and in 1978, he and Betsy, along with seven other couples started a Potluck Bridge Group that continues to bring together many of their lifelong friends.

Born in St. Charles, IL, he grew up in Sycamore and moved to the farm when he was 12.  He expanded the buildings and acreage and modernized the operation many times.

John loved his family and his community. He served on the Sycamore School Board and helped establish the Sycamore Education Foundation.  He served on the Farm Bureau Board and the Oak Crest Board, and he proudly served on the Kishwaukee Hospital fundraising committee.  At the time of his death, he was serving on the Fire Protection District Board and was a Sycamore Township Trustee. He also enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren's activities, cheering on their achievements.

He is survived by his wife, Betsy, his daughter Stephanie (Palmer), son Stephen and his wife Jolene (Campea); his grandchildren Joran Palmer, Dalton Palmer, Dayton Ward, and Sarah Ward. Also his brother, James Ward, his wife Bonnie (Ayers), their sons, Jim and Joe, and their families.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Dayton Ward, and his mother, Phyllis (DeBruyne) Ward.

Sycamore and the Green Bay Packers have truly lost one of their greatest fans.  He lived by the motto, "Life offers more in Sycamore." Known to many as "The Country Mayor," he enjoyed talking to his many friends and was willing to support Sycamore in many ways.  In 2017, he was honored to have been selected as the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce's Clifford Danielson Outstanding Citizen of the Year.

John was cremated and a celebration of his life will be held on Thursday June 8th, from 4-6 PM at Finch Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service at 6:00 PM with Father William Etheredge officiating.  Private burial service at Elmwood Cemetery to follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family to be established at a later date. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to: Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL, 60115 (815) 758-3841.