Delbert ‘Skip’ Clare Ward

Delbert “Skip” Clare Ward, 85, of Charles City, Iowa, passed away Thursday, April 17, 2025 at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City, Iowa with his loving family by his side.

A graveside celebration of life for family and friends will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Charles City, Iowa at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 26, 2025, followed by a luncheon at the Sleep Inn, 1416 S. Grand Ave., Charles City, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, please consider placing a donation in Skip’s name to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Charles City, Iowa or The Alzheimer’s Association.

Skip was born Aug. 18, 1939 in the Charles City Hospital to Delbert William and Mildred (Parker) Ward.  He graduated from Charles City High School in 1958, where he was an outstanding wrestler, placing 4th in State and District Champion that same year.  In his senior year he met the love of his life, Myrna Litterer, they were married at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Greene, Iowa on Nov. 8, 1959.  Of this union three children were born, Greg, Deena and Dave.

Skip worked at White Farm for 35 years mainly as Head Paint Mixer until the plant closed in 1993, retiring from Fox River Mills, Osage, Iowa in 2001. Skip was always busy doing something. He spent many hours helping Ed and Anne Exline on the farm, fixing cars and tractors, restoring a 50 Mercury and building a horseless carriage, both of which he and Myrna drove in many parades. He also did a lot of woodworking in his shop.

Skip and Myrna enjoyed camping, motorcycling, snowmobiling and going for rides. His love for his family was always the most important, taking so much joy in whatever was happening with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Skip is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Myrna, son Greg Ward, daughter Deena Downs (Steve Kloberdanz), and son David (Wendi) Ward. Grandchildren: Emily (Matt) Frein, Alan (Kelsey) Ward, Parker (Jessica) Downs, Danielle (Jarret) Mulholland, Jared (Shelley) Burns, Jayde (Levi) Hilton and Kelly Ward (Alia). Great Grandchildren: Lilie, Greg, Kate, Cora, Cohen, Violet, Ava Clare, Sophia, Tavien, Aniyah, Jace, Noa, Owen, Isla, Kayson, Marley and Hollis. Brothers-in-law: Stanley (Lois) Litterer, Gary (Sally) Litterer, Ron Litterer, sisters-in-law Judy Litterer, Shari (Dale) Proctor and many nieces and nephews.

Skip was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Leonard and Vera Litterer, sisters, Tootie (Earl) Post, Louise (Hugh) Cagley, Barbara (Jim) Lensing, bothers, Arnold (Esther) Rolph, Vilas Ward and brother-in-law Dale Litterer.

The family would like to thank Good Shepherd Health Center for the wonderful care given to Skip, especially the CNA’s, Nurses and Chaplin. Also thank you to St Croix Hospice and Pastor Leeper.

Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, 1205 South Main Street, Charles City, Iowa 50616 is in charge of local arrangements. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall for the family at www.hauserfh.com.