Edward "Ed" Joseph Ward Jr., 74, of Baxter, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at MercyOne in Newton, Iowa. A memorial service will be held this summer, and services are pending yet. Ed was born on October 13, 1950, in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, to Edward and Regina (Dean) Ward Sr. He grew up in Wilkes Barre where he was known as "Ned". Ed attended and graduated from Wilkes Barre High School in 1968. Following school, he worked for the railroad. Ed moved his family to Baxter in 1989 where he raised his children at. He began working at Mal-Mart and became a Service Manager and remained working there until his retirement. Ed loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and enjoyed going to all their activities. He also enjoyed riding his bike and completed multiple Ragbrai's, camping and being outdoors, bowling, paintballing, carving pumpkins with the kids, and going to parades. Those left to cherish his memories are his children Amie (Roy) McHugh and Patrick Ward; grandchildren Tess, Ella, and Daniel McHugh; siblings Mary Lou Ward and Jay (Rosie) Ward; niece Chrissy Ward; nephews Jason Ward and Michael Ward; many cousins; and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Fredregill Funeral & Cremation Care has been entrusted with the care of Ed.