July 24, 1951 - October 12, 2024

 Carol J. Ward, age 73 of Prior Lake passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on October 12, 2024. Carol was born in St. Paul to Les and Juel Bongard. The youngest of four, she adored her siblings: Jerry, Tom and Cindy. She graduated from North St. Paul, where she befriended her “Polar Buddies,” whose relationships she cherished still, all these years later. She went on to pursue a degree in Elementary Education at Southwest State, where she later met Doug. Carol and Doug married in 1973, and together raised four children. The family moved from Redwood Falls to Woodbury, then to Hutchinson. Carol was a teacher by nature and occupation, eventually serving as director of King’s Kids Pre-school in Hutchinson.  The couple later returned to Woodbury before settling in Prior Lake.

Carol had an immense love for children. She was a mentor and nurturer to her students, her own children, and all of their friends. But her true pride was in being a grandmother. Her patience, encouragement and gentle spirit touched all who knew her.

Carol’s soul was filled by the beauty and tranquility of nature: walking the beaches in Florida, taking in the colors along the North Shore, feeding and watching the deer and other woodland friends in her own back yard. But believe it or not, she was also the Queen of Royal Flushes, and enjoyed visiting casinos, playing Yahtzee and doing puzzles with Doug, sister and brother-in-law, and other dear friends. She was generous in every way. And everyone knew she was always ready to connect, over coffee or a cup of tea.

Carol developed mesothelioma and fell ill just a few short months ago. She faced her illness with courage and faith, always assuring her family she knew where she was going and didn’t want anyone to fear. Her home was filled with well-worn, scribbled-in and highlighted Bibles. Her favorite verses adorned her bathroom mirror. She was a woman of faith. Her one wish was that her family and friends would cling to Jesus and walk with Him until we can reunite in Heaven.

She was preceded in death by infant granddaughter, Ava Joy; parents: Lester and Juel Bongard.  Survived by her husband of 51 years, Doug; children: Dan (Anne) Ward, Christy Macho, Michelle Ward, and Kate (Glen) Bruestle; grandchildren: Alex, Sammy, Dylan, Clara, Lucy, Cooper, Lola, Violet, Liam, Evie, Zeke, Tyler, Sally, Britta, and Josie; siblings: Jerry (Gail) Bongard, Tom (Barbara) Bongard, and Cindy (Jim) Grochowski; and many other loving family and friends.  

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, October 21, 2024, at 11:00 am at NorthCross Church (19400 Ipava Ave.) Lakeville.  There will be a Memorial Visitation the evening before from 5-8pm Sunday, October 20, at White Funeral Home (20134 Kenwood Tr) Lakeville.

In Lieu of flowers donations made to St. Jude Hospital

Published by White Funeral Home, Burnsville, Minnesota, October 2024