Vera M. Ward

Vera M. Ward, 85, of Valparaiso, passed away Monday, May 20. 

She was born Nov. 22, 1938, in Winamac, to Kenneth and Roseanna (Rater) Kasten. Vera worked for 20 years as a respiratory therapist in the NICU at Porter Hospital.  A member of the Calumet Crank Club and the Moose Lodge of Valparaiso, she enjoyed traveling, especially on cruises with her husband, William. Most of all, Vera loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

On Aug. 25, 1956, in Denham, Vera married William J. Ward who preceded her in death Sept. 18, 2023. She is survived by her sons: W. Mark Ward and Kirk [Tammy] Ward; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and brothers: John and Dan Cooper. Vera was also preceded in death by her father, Ken Kasten; mother, Roseanna Cooper; daughter, Michelle Nightingale; and siblings: Tom Kasten and Betty Podell.

A visitation was held on Friday, May 24, from 4-6 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a funeral service beginning at 6 p.m.  Burial took place on Tuesday, May 28 at 11 a.m. at Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso.

(Pulaski County Journal — May 29, 2024)