Louis Paul Ward

Louis Paul Ward, 89, of Bozeman, passed away November 23, 2015. He was born March 30, 1926, in Melrose, Iowa, to Thomas Sylvester and Loraine (D’Autremont) Ward. Louis and his family moved to the Gallatin Valley in 1938. He graduated from Holy Rosary Catholic School; then, near the end of WWII, went on to serve his country in the United States Navy. After the war, Louis went on to earn a degree in Animal Science in 1951 from Montana State College where he enjoyed playing guard on the Bobcat basketball team.

Louis married Maureen Rebecca Tumelty on August 8, 1953, in San Francisco, California; together they raised a large family on a farm located off Gooch Hill Road near Gallatin Gateway. His approach to farming included staying abreast of new and innovative farming techniques, and he once earned the title of “Farmer of the Year”.

Louis loved participating in and watching sports. He especially delighted in attending his children and grandchildren’s games, seldom missing any of their sporting events. In mid-life, he grew to love the game of golf and played a round as recently as this last October.

Louis was a committed and active member of Resurrection University Catholic Parish; he also supported the community of Bozeman through his donation of time and effort to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank.

Louis will be remembered for his strong faith, wry sense of humor, and love of family.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Joe and John, and his sister, Rose Marie. Survivors include his wife Maureen of Bozeman, his 7 children, Bill (Susan) Ward of Madison Lake, MN, Paul (Karen) Ward of Bozeman, Susan (Jim) Morton of Colorado Springs, CO, Philip (Lillian) Ward of Albuquerque, NM, Rob (Alix) Ward of Seattle, WA, Steve (Mercedes) Ward of DeWitt, MI and Rainie (Larry) Murdoch of Winter Park, CO; 18 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; 5 siblings, Bob (Donna) Ward, Genevieve (Charlie) Potter, Clo (Bruce) Barnaby, Hannah (Wally) Young, and Dick (Shirley) Ward.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, November 28, 2015, at Resurrection University Catholic Parish.

Memorials may be made in his name to the Resurrection University Catholic Parish “All are Welcome, Let us Build a House” building fund, 1725 S. Eleventh Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares.com