Stephen "Steve" Allen Ward

WARD, PERRY, HAMILTON

Posted By: Sarah Fletcher (email)
Date: 3/31/2025 at 09:19:43

Stephen "Steve" Allen Ward, of Coralville, Iowa, formerly of Cedar Rapids passed away quietly March 26, 2025 after a long illness.

Stephen was born in Decatur, Illinois, August 12, 1947, the only child of John Jr. and Rosalie Joan (nee Perry) Ward. After graduating high school in 1965 from Maroa Forsyth High school, he proudly attended Millikin University, completing his undergraduate degree in 1969.

He married the love of his life, Martha Ann Hamilton, June 7, 1969. Through their 55 years of marriage, they celebrated many anniversaries living in many locations, ultimately settling in Cedar Rapids, Iowa where they raised their three children, Melissa, Christopher and Gregory.

Stephen took immense pride working within the technology sector, having found his workplace home with Rockwell International. He retired in 2016 from Collins Aerospace as a senior engineer. Throughout his tenure, he worked on many projects related to military and commercial aviation. Some of his favorite accomplishments were his work on commercial aviation safety and graduating from Iowa State University with Masters Degree in systems engineering.

Stephen was a long-time member of Ascension Lutheran Church. He also was active in the amateur radio, the local RC plane community, and had a lifelong fascination and avid collector of Lionel trains.

Stephen was an avid supporter of his children and their youth activities ranging from ballet, baseball, show choir and soccer.

Steve's favorite titles other than "husband" and "Dad", was being called "Grandpa". He was always thrilled to see or hear about the activities of their grandchildren while always following it up with a favorite memory of his childhood. He was a lifelong Cardinals baseball fan, and a Hawkeye fan once they settled in Iowa, always talking about what next season would look like.

Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, John & Rosalie Ward, and aunts Lillie Ward, and Leota Ward. Stephen is survived by his loving spouse Martha, his three children Melissa, Christopher (Kristen), Gregory (Aubrey), five grandchildren, many friends and extended family, and the local squirrel communities who will greatly miss their constant snacks from Steve.

A service followed by a gathering for family and friends to celebrate and honor Steve’s life is planned for Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service, 605 Kirkwood Avenue, Iowa City, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM with the service to begin at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests to please share memories of Stephen on the tribute wall. Memorials may be made in his honor to UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital Fund, St. Croix Hospice or Last Hope Animal Rescue.