Ward Schick

Ward Ray Schick was born on May 7, 1917. and died on February 6, 2017.  Ward shared his life, faith and caring with his family, and community for almost 100 yrs.
Ward was the oldest son of Chris and Jennie Schick, beginning his life with his identical twin Warren. The twins were born in their  parent’s home on the Fox Creek in Lincoln County, Ne. He and his twin arrived a little early and spent the first weeks of life in shoeboxes on the oven door of the wood stove.  He and his brothers and sister grew up and attended elementary school in Fox Creek Community north of Curtis, Nebraska
Ward graduated high school from the Nebraska School of Agriculture, Curtis, Ne, in 1935.  After
graduation he  worked for the State Experimental Farm in North Platte, Ne for 2 ½ years and farmed part-time on the home place.
Ward was united in marriage with Dorothy Lehn on October 18, 1941, in the Methodist Parsonage in Ogallala, Nebraska. They raised two children Sharee Lou and Ward DeWayne.  Ward and Dorothy celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary last fall. They lived all their married life except for war time in Curtis.
In 1940 Ward enlisted in the Nebraska National Guard.  In December 1941, Ward was activated into the United States Army serving during World War II. Ward was stationed in California, and then served in the European Theater in France.  Ward was injured in combat twice-the first time hospitalized in England .  Ward’s second injury occured in the Anine Jean River Crossing in France, after which he was captured by the German Army and remained a prisoner of war until liberated at war’s end. He received an honorable discharge in August 1945 and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.  Fifty years later he was awarded a POW medal.
Ward returned to Curtis and spent 10 years working for Hosick Implement delivering Skelgas and doing appliance work.  Ward worked 30 years for the United States Postal Service as a clerk in Curtis and as Postmaster in Stockville. After retirement he worked part time several years for  Brown’s Plumbing.
Ward enjoyed spending time outdoors, fishing, pheasant and turkey hunting, boating, and trap shooting. Ward was a talented woodworker who built many things for his home and children.
Ward and Dorothy enjoyed traveling, dancing and playing cards. Ward treasured his time with his children and grandchildren often completing a “fix-it” list when visiting them.
Ward served 35 years as a Volunteer Fireman in the Curtis Volunteer Fire Department.  He was one of the founding members of the Curtis Senior Center, and spent 30 years as a member of the board, working at Senior Meals as a volunteer.  He was a 70 year member of American Legion Post #95, and a member of the Curtis Gun Club. He was a longtime member of the Curtis Garden Club and the Frontier County Historical Society.
Ward was a faithful member of the Curtis United United Methodist Church and held many church offices, worked in Methodist Men and spent time helping build the new church.  Ward faithfully attended worship and Sunday School and exhibited his faith throughout his life.
Ward was preceded in death by his parents; Grandson Mark Kelly, and brothers Warren, John and Bob Schick.
He is survived by his wife Dorothy of Curtis, children Sharee and Marvin Johnson of Custer South Dakota, and Ward DeWayne and Linda Schick of Grand Island Ne.  He also leaves grandchildren Greg Schick of Kennesaw Georgia, Kim Rios of Lexington, Mary Svajdlenka of Crete, and Brenda and Lee Ketteler of Albion,
Ward had 18 great grandchildren:Kendra and Neil Hovland, St Paul,
Tyler Kleinknecht and Natasha Walters, Gothenburg, Kayla and Gary Stearley, Lincoln, Tess Kleinknecht, Danielle and Dustin Vinson of Grand Island, Deanna Tyma and Tim Hogan of Vidor Texas, Derrick Tyma of St Libory, Tony and Jessica Rios of Lexington, Ben, Julia and Penny Schick of Kennesaw Georgia, Kiera Svajdlenka of Crete, and Tori Kelly of Omaha, and 5 great great grandchildren, Savannah Hogan; Ryelee, Easton and Nataleigh Kleinknecht and Gracey Kleinknecht.
Ward also leaves his sister Merna Elson of North Platte and many nieces and nephews, one cousin and many other relatives, friends and brothers and sisters in the family of God..
Visitation will be held at Blase-Wetzel-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Curtis, Nebraska; Thursday, February 9, 2017, 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm with the family present from 4:00-6:00 pm..
Services will be held at First United Methodist Church, Curtis, NE; Friday, February 10, 2017 at 11:00 am with Pastor Emmanuel Afful officiating.
Burial will take place in the Ft. McPherson National Cemetery, near Maxwell, NE at 2:00 pm, February 10, 2017.
Memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church, 402 Center, Curtis, NE 69025 or Carl Heath Post 95.