Charles Ward

Charles "Chuck" Edward Ward, age 57, of Sisseton, South Dakota passed away Monday, March 9, 2015 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota. Funeral Services will be held Monday, March 16, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist-Presbyterian Church in Browns Valley, Minnesota with Rev. Anna Williamson officiating. Organist will be Janet LeClair with special music provided by Todd Johnson. Burial will be in Wilmot Cemetery, rural Wilmot, South Dakota at a later date. Urn bearers will be Kirk Gruby, Jered Gruby, Vince Owen, Verlyn Beaudreau, Francis Crawford, Mark Keoke, Rodney Aas, Gilbert Kohl and Daniel Nickolauson. Honorary Urn bearers will be the Browns Valley High School Class of 1976. Military Rites will be provided by WM Krensing American Legion Post #58. Visitation will be Sunday, March 15th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the United Methodist-Presbyterian Church in Browns Valley. Visitation will continue Monday morning, one hour prior to service time at the church. Charles Edward Eagle was born November 3, 1957 in Sisseton, South Dakota to Wallace and Harriet Eagle. Harriet became very ill and died shortly after Chuck was born. Chuck was taken in by Lewis and Betty Ward shortly after Harriet's death. There was never any legal adoption paperwork done; it was a handshake between Wallace and the Ward's, "My son must keep his last name and be raised Catholic." Lewis and Betty honored Wallace's wishes and attended Lutheran and Catholic services on Sunday mornings. Chuck kept his last name until his eighteenth birthday when he was legally adopted by Lewis and Betty. Chuck attended and graduated from Browns Valley High School where he was active in band and wrestling. He recalled many wrestling trips with the LeClair family. After high school Chuck entered the United States Navy from 1976 until 1980. Chuck spent most of those four years at sea in the areas of the Philippines, Japan and Iran. He was based out of Bremerton, Washington (near Seattle) where he shared many fond memories. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Chuck returned home and enrolled in Alexandria Technical College and later graduated from Law Enforcement training in Pierre, South Dakota. In 1981 Chuck began his law enforcement career working for the Browns Valley Police Department. He was united in marriage to Cindy Smith in Sisseton. To this union four children were born. After a year with the Police Department Chuck began working for the Sisseton Wahpeton Tribal Law Enforcement Office at Agency Village, South Dakota. He would spend the next nineteen years working there, eventually becoming the Chief of Police. Chuck later worked for the Roberts County Sheriff's Department, Browns Valley Maintenance, South Dakota Department of Transportation and recently was a security guard at Coteau Des Prairies Hospital in Sisseton. Chuck was always a "people person" and enjoyed his time spent the staff and nurses at the hospital. Chuck enjoyed fishing, being outdoors, meticulously maintaining his yard, watching the History Channel and most of all spending time with his children and grandchildren. He made many trips to Grand Forks, North Dakota to attend games with his grandkids. He collected US Navy hats and NASCAR memorabilia. Chuck will be remembered for his ability to forgive. He never held a grudge even to those who had done him wrong. While serving as the Chief of Police his officers knew Chuck would do anything for them, and they likewise, would do anything for him. Chuck is survived by four children: Chad Ward of Browns Valley; Charla Ward of Browns Valley; Cody Ward of Sisseton; and Cole Ward of Grand Forks, North Dakota; five grandchildren: Ty, Jordan, Callie, Cooper and Brayden; his mother Betty Ward of Wilmot, South Dakota; his longtime wife, companion and friend Cindy Ward of Browns Valley; sisters: Ember (Pat) Dady of Sisseton; Melody Gruby of Browns Valley; and Mercy Ward of Wilmot; brother Wallace Eagle Jr. of Waubay, South Dakota; special daughter-in-law Courtney Ceroll; and foster brother and sisters: Jason DuMarce, Vernita White, Alpha Bissonette and Amy Thennis. Chuck was preceded in death by his father Lewis Ward, biological parents Wallace and Harriet Eagle and brother Robert Eagle.

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Visitation

United Methodist Presbyterian Church

• Sunday, March 15, 2015
• 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
• Email Details
• 418 Ash Street SE
  Browns Valley, MN 56219

Directions

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Funeral Service

United Methodist Presbyterian Church

• Monday, March 16, 2015
• 11:00 AM
• Email Details
• 418 Ash Street SE
  Browns Valley, MN 56219

Directions