Jay Ward

Dates

August 29, 1958 - May 11, 2024

Obituary

Jay Ward, 65, of Mitchell, SD, died Saturday, May 11, 2024, at his home in Mitchell. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Thursday, May 16, at Bittner Funeral Chapel. Burial will be at St. Mary of Mercy Catholic Cemetery in Alexandria.

Jay Charles Ward was born August 29, 1958, to Alvin and Helen (Kayser) Ward in Mitchell, SD. Jay graduated from South Dakota School for the Deaf in 1978.

Jay was united in marriage to Collette Archambeau on June 17, 1995 in Sioux Falls, SD.

Jay was employed with Coca Cola in Aberdeen, Dakota Pork, and most recently at Krohmer Plumbing in Mitchell until his retirement.

Jay is survived by his sons, Kane and Chase; four very special granddaughters who meant the world to him, Makalla, Kadalyn, Leia, and Ellie; and siblings, Jody Scheetz of Parkston, Darla Johnson, Dawn Hanson, and Kelly Ward all of Mitchell.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Collette; parents, Alvin and Helen; mother-in-law, Mae Archambeau; and numerous loved ones.

Service

Date
Thursday, May 16, 2024

Time
10:30 AM

Location
Bittner Funeral Chapel
805 W Havens Ave
Mitchell, SD 57301

Cemetery

St. Mary of Mercy Catholic Cemetery
Alexandria, SD

Posted by Clark lee on June 26, 2024

I remember growing up in the old neighborhood with all you kids. We had a great time back then. Sorry to learn about Jay passing.

Posted by Jon Arnold on May 17, 2024

Sorry for your loss. I first met Jay in the 70's at the skating rink in Mitchell, a fine young man.

Posted by Gary Pesicka (Eau Claire, WI) on May 17, 2024

I grew up across the street from Jay and his siblings. We had a wonderful neighborhood full of kids and I have fond memories of countless days and evenings playing various games with whomever was around. Not a 'couch potato' to be found in those glorious days. I also call Jay's disability but mostly in the context of him being just another of the neighbor kids who wanted to play. We made effortless accommodations to include him and he added to the enjoyment. In retrospect he provided a very valuable life-lesson in that I subsequently worked with numerous individuals with various disabilities who did their jobs with competency and pride. Like Jay, they wanted a chance to be part of the gang and they were. Reading Jay's obituary I gather that he had a successful, productive career but most importantly he had a loving family. He overcame a significant disadvantage early on but, to me, succeeded in every important facet of life: a life well-lived. My condolences to his family. I'm glad Jay was part of my formative years.

Posted by Mary eichman on May 16, 2024

Dawn, so sorry for the loss of your brother Jay he will never be forgotten and always had a laugh or two to share.. I'll never forget the days at the pool working the concessions that dad had, and my sister Laurie going to votech to take classes to learn sign language cuz ofu2bros Jay&Kelly.pl& Tiimmy P. she shared a lot of what she learned with me so I could interact with those three who her and my and everyone that worked the concessions favorites.. hugs and prayers @my thoughts and prayers are with you Dawn HUGS stay strong !Mary

Posted by Mary eichman on May 16, 2024

Dawn, so sorry for the loss of your brother Jay he will never be forgotten and always had a laugh or two to share.. I'll never forget the days at the pool working the concessions that dad had, and my sister Laurie going to votech to take classes to learn sign language cuz f ur 2bros& Tiimmy P she was supposed to pass it on but I don't believe she did if so I don't remember. But my thoughts and prayers are with you Dawn stay strong Mary

Posted by Tama Backlund on May 16, 2024

Dawn and Darla and families, I am so very sorry for your loss. Prayers being lifted for strength and peace.

Posted by Janice Johnson on May 15, 2024

My sympathy to you, Dawn, and your family!

Posted by Sabrina & Eric Jangula on May 15, 2024

So sorry to hear about Jay’s passing. Our thoughts & prayers are with his family & Kelly … 🙏🕊️🕯️

Posted by Karen sonne on May 15, 2024

Dawn and family I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Hugs and prayers to you all.

Posted by Robert and Joyce Keimig on May 15, 2024

Our deepest sympathy and prayers in the loss of Jay.

Posted by Vince VerDouw on May 14, 2024

You'll be sorely missed by beloved people. 🕯🪽🕊

Posted by Vince on May 14, 2024

Rest you soul in peace, my friend, Jay. Good man! Ill always remember him fondly.. Please accept my condolences to Kelly and the whole family. 🕯🪔🕊🪽

Posted by Lynna Filter on May 14, 2024

Kane, I'm so sorry for your loss, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. All my Love and Hugs to you all.

Posted by Deb Hohn on May 14, 2024

My sincere sympathies to Jays family.

Posted by Cyndee Emmons (Yusten) on May 14, 2024

My sympathies to Jay's family.

Posted by Jeff Radel on May 14, 2024

So sorry to see you go, buddy. You were such a great help to me and Mr Erickson when I started SDSD back in 1976. RIP Buddy

Posted by Jackie Christiansen (Clark) on May 14, 2024

Deepest Condolences to all of you and your family

Posted by Marilyn Bollock on May 14, 2024

So sorry to here of your loss Jodi. Prayers and hugs

Posted by Charolette Peterson on May 14, 2024

Dawn and family so sorry for your loss! Prayers for all 🙏

Posted by Deb Oftedahl on May 14, 2024

Darla and Dawn and family, I am so sorry to see this. May God comfort you all during this difficult time.

Posted by Jen Larsen on May 14, 2024

Dawn and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Posted by Cathy on May 14, 2024

Sorry for your loss. I always remembered of Jay and Kelly we lived in Aberdeen and we attended to deaf school too. He is sorely missed

Posted by Tyler soulek on May 14, 2024

I love you Uncle, watch over us all

Posted by Sandy Hoeltzner Riedlinger on May 14, 2024

Dawn and Darla, so sorry for your loss! Thoughts and Prayers to all!

Posted by Colleen Helling on May 14, 2024

Darla and Dawn so sorry to hear about your loved one’s passing, my thoughts and prayers are with your families!

Posted by Barb Dulaney on May 14, 2024

So sorry for your loss he will be missed May God bless you all take care

Posted by Dave Strohmayer-Rural Office of Community Services on May 14, 2024

So sorry to hear of Jays passing. ROCS deepest sympathies.

Posted by Clay and Tina Johnson on May 14, 2024

Darla, Dawn, very sorry to hear of your loss. Remember Jay from our early days in Mitchell. You will be in our prayers and thoughts.

Best Regard

Posted by Cathy on May 14, 2024

Sorry for your loss. I always remembered of Jay and Kelly we lived in Aberdeen and we attended to deaf school too. He is sorely missed

Posted by Kelly Edwards on May 14, 2024

Darla and Dawn you are all in our thoughts and prayers

Posted by Roxie Ackman on May 13, 2024

Dawn and Darla I am so sorry for your loss. You are both in my prayers.

Posted by Brad and Michelle Hoeltzner on May 13, 2024

So sorry to hear about Jay's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.