Ward A. Fitzke

Jan. 14, 1922 - July 22, 2018

Ward Alton Fitzke was born Jan. 14, 1922, to Herbert and Anna (Harms) Fitzke at Glenvil. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Glenvil. He graduated from Glenvil High School and started farming west of Fairfield. Ward married Lucille Philippi on Sept. 7, 1947, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bruning. They worked together farming and built a farmstead along Highway74. In 1980, they built a home in Glenvil. They moved to Good Samarian Village in Hastings in 2012. Ward was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and served as chairman and treasurer and on other committees. In the fall of 2012, when he moved to Good Samaritan Village, he joined Peace Lutheran Church in Hastings. He sang with the Chorus of the Plains for 29 years and also served on the Clay County Extension and Ground Water boards, school board and Glenvil Cemetery Board. Ward enjoyed music, woodworking, traveling and working with his son and grandsons on the farm. He is survived by his wife; children, Sandra (Alan) Rosenboom, Elwyn (Linda) Fitzke, and Janet Fitzke; four grandsons: Jay (Heidi) Rosenboom, Brent (Laura) Fitzke, Kent (Angela) Rosenboom, Tyler (Amber) Fitzke; and 13 great-grandchildren. Ward was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Alene, and husband, Herman Valentine; brother-in-law, Harvey Penning; brother-in-law, Cliff and wife, Norine Philippi; brother-in-law, Don and wife, Frances Philippi; nephew, Richard Philippi; step father, Leon Herman; step sister, Erma Block and husband, Elwin; and step brother, O’Dale Herman. The funeral celebrating Ward’s life will be at Peace Lutheran Church at 906 W California Ave., Hastings, at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 28. After lunch, interment will be at the Glenvil Cemetery. There will be a visitation Friday, 1-8 p.m., with the family present from 6-8 p.m., at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to Peace Lutheran Church of Hastings, Immanuel Lutheran Church of Glenvil or Crossroads Mission of Hastings. Private condolences may be sent to the family at www.lbvfh.com. Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home & Cremation Center is serving the family.