Michael 'Mike' Robert Ward, 77

Michael was born July 23, 1948, in Chicago, the fourth of 10 children of Robert and Marianne Ward. He died of natural causes June 26, 2026, at Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene. He courageously battled an illness for two and a half years. He was surrounded by loved ones and passed away peacefully.

He graduated from St. Francis High School in Wheaton, Ill., in 1967 after two years at St. Joseph's in Westchester, Ill. He attended Colorado School of Mines, Regis University, and MATC in Milwaukee, and graduated from DePaul University in 1974 with a BS in Commerce. Mike maintained a very close relationship with three school buddies who all met in the second grade: John, Tom and Larry.

Mike enjoyed a loving family life, which, along with his other interests, led him to the Pacific Northwest and Coeur d’Alene in 1976. With a depressed local economy, he found employment at Kaman Bearing in Osburn, then briefly worked for Central Pre-Mix before joining the Kootenai County Assessor’s Office, first as a residential, then a commercial appraiser. It was here that he met the love of his life, Carol Kolb. They married at the Fort Grounds Chapel in the summer of 1984. With Carol came an instant family to love and care for: Stephanie, Thom and Tim.

Mike’s expertise as an assessor led to his recruitment by the Washington Department of Transportation and ultimate retirement. He worked for years on the acquisition of right-of-way for the North/South freeway in Spokane and various projects in the Seattle area. Afterward, auto restoration, travel, enjoyment of action movies and Gonzaga women’s basketball consumed his days.

Mike was predeceased by his wife, Carol, in 2008, and two nephews: Christopher Ward and Kevin Ward. He is survived by his nine siblings: Timothy (Mary), Sharon (Phil Hilty), Colleen, Patrick, Daniel, Terrence (Donna), Peter (Patty), Maureen, and Sheila; nephews: Stephen, David, Bradley, Tyler and Kyle; nieces: Catherine, Karen, Josephine, Sesha, Kathleen and Kelly; stepchildren: Stephanie, Thom and Tim.

Mike’s sweet and gentle soul personified the qualities of generosity, sympathy for others and helpfulness. For someone in need, he was always a friend indeed. Those who had the pleasure of interacting with him will share in the grief of the loss of our gentle giant. He will sorely be missed.

The graveside service will be Friday, July 17, 2026, at 2 p.m. at St. Thomas Cemetery in Coeur d’Alene. Yates Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. A reception will be held at the Seasons Restaurant, 209 E. Lakeside, Coeur d’Alene, immediately following the service; all are welcome. Please visit Mike’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.