Date of Birth:
Saturday, March 4, 1950
Date of Death:
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Age:
75 years old

Edward D. Ward

Edward Dale Ward, 75 of Byron, passed away at St. Marys Hospital on October 9, 2025, after a short hospitalization. He had many medical miracles over his life, helping him surpass nine lives a few times over, but his body was too tired to keep fighting this time.

Ed was born on March 4, 1950, in Lake City, MN, to Lloyd and Myrna (Gruhlke) Ward. He had a special bond with his uncle Charlie Gruhlke and spent time living with him as well. He had three sisters, Marion, Waunita, and Ruby, as well as two brothers, Allen and Roger. He was married twice, to Dianne and Deb, giving him his daughters, Kare (Rich) Callaghan of Peoria, Arizona, and Brandy (Steve) Claffy of Kasson, Minnesota. He also had two stepdaughters, Heather Connelly of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Katie (Travis) Wiskow of Byron, Minnesota. Grandchildren Jordyn Callaghan, Abby and Jensen Claffy, Brenna (Sam) Bobendrier, Christian Connelly, and Dante (Jaime), Mason, and Preston Wiskow. Great-Grandson Colson Wiskow.

From a young age, Ed was destined to work with his hands. Over the years, he worked in many crafts, including farming, auto mechanics, welding, fabrication, building, electrical, concrete, and all things racing. Cars were his passion, and he never quite got over selling his muscle car in preparation to be drafted into the service, which never came. He loved racing and building cars. There are many stories over the years involving him from racetracks across southern Minnesota and Iowa, a legend of sorts, good, bad, or ugly – and he carried that with pride. He had his own success in driving late models, but his obsession was more with the mechanics of the car. He had a knack for racecar setup and engine building. He was especially known for his builds in the pre-crate engine days, resulting in several eventful nights at the racetrack when their engines would get claimed. He thrived in helping life-long friends or young new drivers learn how to work with their car and the track, and to see them win.

Ed was one of a kind. His mind worked in a unique way, and he could fix most anything. There may not be a more stubborn person ever born, but he was always up for a good deal, a swap of work, or to help out a friend.

Ed was like many in the racing community, and funerals are not their idea of a good way to spend the day. Instead, he will be cremated and laid to rest where he was happiest at a local dirt track, and a celebration is being planned for the spring.