Dave Ward, age 75, of Erskine, MN, passed away on Tuesday, January 6th, at his home with his family by his side. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 12th, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church near Mentor, MN with Father John Kleinwachter presiding. Interment will be in Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery, McIntosh. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Sunday, January 11th, at the Carlin Funeral Home in Erskine. There will also be reviewal for one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Erskine and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

David Gerard Ward was born June 20, 1950, to Clarence and Fern Ward of Breckenridge, MN and died January 6, 2026, surrounded by his family.

The fourth of five children, David grew up playing sports and spending time with his four brothers and sisters. After graduating Breckenridge High School in 1968, David attended Valley City State University on a football scholarship for one year while working in the yard office before transferring to North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton and became a brakeman. David worked for Burlington Northern Railroad as a brakeman and conductor for 23 years out of Breckenridge, Dilworth, MN, and Grand Forks, ND. He finished his education at Moorhead State University.

David married Linda Casselman on June 8, 1974. Together, they raised four beautiful daughters in Breckenridge, then Moorhead, MN in 1982, before moving to Erskine, MN in 1991. He subsequently worked at Skyvision (Fergus Falls, MN), and Cargill (Breckenridge), before retiring in 2024 from DigiKey (Thief River Falls, MN).

David adored being a grandfather and ensured they never went hungry and were always full of ice cream. He enjoyed watching their activities, cuddling in the chair with them, and showing interest in their lives. David enjoyed reading, all things sports, history (particularly WWII), talking politics as he was a true patriot, dogs, his cats, and trapping nuisance critters. Over the years, he bonded with friends at work over shared stories and a love of food. David was an excellent cook and brought home many recipes to try out for his family which they loved (especially homemade spaghetti and jambalaya!). David is loved by his family and many friends and will be greatly missed.

David is survived by his loving wife Linda, four cherished daughters Nicki (Todd), Heather, Mandi (Travis), and Michelle (Ben); ten precious grandchildren, Michael, Taylor, Megan, Savannah, Claire, Leo, Chet, Hank, Gabriel, and Max; four very special siblings Sandra (Don), Colleen (Roger), Lanny (Jackie), and Mark (Joanie); special aunt Arlene, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Fern; his in-laws, Chet and Clara; his feisty but precious granddaughter, Ella; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and numerous beloved pets.