Obituaries

November 22, 1938 to May 20, 2024

VALPARAISO - Vera M. Ward, 85, of Valparaiso passed away Monday, May 20.

Vera Ward

She was born Nov. 22, 1938 in Winamac, to Kenneth and Roseanna (Rater) Kasten. She married William J. Ward on Aug. 25, 1956 in Denham, He preceded her in death Sept. 18, 2023.

She is survived by her sons, W. Mark Ward and Kirk (Tammy) Ward; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and brothers, John and Dan Cooper. 

She was preceded in death by her father, Ken Kasten; mother, Roseanna Cooper; daughter, Michelle Nightingale; and siblings, Tom Kasten and Betty Podell

Mrs. Ward worked for 20 years as a respiratory therapist in the NICU at Porter Hospital. A member of the Calumet Crank Club and the Moose Lodge of Valparaiso, she enjoyed traveling, especially on cruises with her husband. Most of all, she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

A visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. (CT), Friday, May 24, at Moeller Funeral Home 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso. The funeral service will follow at 6 p.m.  Burial will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 28, at Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso.