Arthur L. Ward, Sr., age 87, of Gresham, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2015 in Shawano. Arthur was born on May 7, 1928 in Nakina, NC to the late Arthur and Alice (Beech) Ward. He enlisted and served our country in the United Stated Coast Guard. Arthur lived most of his life in the Gresham area, where he and his family lived on a farm. He worked nearby on a mink ranch and later in life he drove for a trucking company. Arthur was a member of St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church. He was a jokester, enjoyed working in the garden, deer hunting, and found it important to be respectful to others. Arthur is survived by his children, Margaret (Gary) Eberhard, Sr. of Shawano, Mary DuBois of Shawano, Patricia (Dave) Adkins of Gresham, Dennis Ward of Shawano, James (Judy) Ward of Shawano, Jeff (Gabriela) Ward of Gresham, Charles (Marilyn) Ward of Shawano, William (Andrea) Ward of Gresham, and Arthur (Jody) Ward, Jr. of Gresham; 12 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Grace Williams of North Carolina as well as his former wife, Lucille (Ovans) Ward. He was preceded in death by one grandson, his parents, three sisters, and two brothers. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2015 at St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church in Gresham with Rev. Joel Jores officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Military Rites will be conducted by the Gresham American Legion post #390. Swedberg Funeral Home of Shawano is assisting the family with the arrangements. The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at Birch Hill Nursing Home and ThedaCare at Home Hospice for their wonderful care. www.swedbergfuneralhome.com