Steven Allan Ward

STEVEN WARD

DOW - Steven Allan Ward, 67, passed away peacefully at 12:30 a.m., Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Evercare of Jerseyville.

He was born in Chicago, Illinois, the eldest of five children born to Allan and Dorothy Ward, both of whom preceded him in death. He grew up in the Chicagoland area, where he developed the curiosity, work ethic, and problem solving skills that would define the rest of his life. He was active in Boy Scouts and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He later attended University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He later began his career centered around project management in machine design, packaging, and automation.

He married Mary Patricia Luby on July 7, 1984 in Monona, Wisconsin, and together their marriage was blessed with three sons and many years of partnership, faith, and family. They began their married life in the Madison, Wisconsin area, where they lived until 1987 before settling in Naperville, Illinois, where they remained until 2008.

In 2008, Steve accepted a position with Principia College in Elsah as the Physics Lab Manager and later worked as the Observatory Manager, Director of Sustainability, and Machine ShopManager. While working there, he earned his master’s degree at Missouri University of Scienceand Technology in Manufacturing Engineering and later spent time teaching engineeringcourses. He always enjoyed working with students to share his practical knowledge and experience.

Serving in church was highly important to Steve. He was a faithful and active member of First Church of Christ, Scientist, in both Naperville and Edwardsville. He taught Sunday School, volunteered countless hours with the upkeep and maintenance of the churches, served on church boards, and was always willing to step in wherever something needed to be done.

He was a natural problem solver and was known by family and friends as someone who could fix almost anything and always enjoyed working on projects or building something. He took pride in being self-taught, self-sufficient, and was naturally curious about how things worked. More than anything, he enjoyed using his knowledge and skills to help others.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Pat Ward of Dow; his three sons and a daughter-in-law including Matthew and Lauren Ward of Chesterfield, Missouri, Michael Ward of Farmington, MO, and Kevin Ward, of St. Charles, Missouri; two sisters, Susan Ward of South Carolina and Nancy Ward of Wisconsin; along with many extended family members, colleagues, church friends, and former students who were impacted by his character, kindness, intelligence, and willingness to help.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Jeff Ward and Russell Ward.

A Memorial Service will be held at 4 p.m., Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. 

Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Steven Allan Ward, please visit our floral store.