Craig A. Ward

FENNIMORE - Craig Alan Ward, age 75, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 14, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Craig was born in Freeport, Illinois on March 26, 1950, the son of Dr. C. George and Charlotte Mae (Heard) Ward. He lived in Warren, Illinois from birth until his graduation from Warren High School. Craig served with the U.S. Army from June 1972 until July 1973 being honorably discharged with a rank of E-4.

After his military discharge he returned to UW-Platteville to continue his education receiving his Bachelor of Science, Art and Education degree in 1975. The following year he entered graduate school at UW-Platteville and received his Master’s of Science in Education, Guidance-Counseling degree in 1976.

In August of 1976 he became the elementary counselor at the Fennimore School District in Fennimore, Wisconsin. He remained there for 37 years until his retirement in 2013.

Craig enjoyed being outside and appreciating nature. He enjoyed doing lawn work for his neighbors and caring for his property. He loved his house plants and would do everything to maintain their individual beauty. He developed and maintained what he named “The Fort”, a small little neighborhood park located a couple blocks west of their residency. Maintenance of “The Fort” included lawn care in summer and moving snow in the winter…so all his pets could enjoy it all year round. He also cared for the Fennimore Elementary School courtyard with beautiful flowers for a number of years.

Craig and Amy loved to travel as a couple or within a group. Travels included many of the states, Caribbean Islands, and numerous Caribbean and Mexican cruises. During the warmer months, they enjoyed boating and riding their wave runner on the Mississippi River and many other lakes and waterways. They quite often would be noticed riding their mopeds on the roads of Grant County.

Craig always thought of others first - providing encouragement, smiles, and compliments to everyone he met. He was an extraordinary man who lived in adventure, happiness, and love.

Survivors include his significant other and life partner of 30 years Amy Jo Hinrichsen; daughter, Sandra (Rick) Pohle; grandson Jack Swenson (Rachel Mills); sisters Linda (Scott) Weisinger and Diane Finn; sister-in-law Brenda Ward; Uncle Larry (Carolyn) Heard; Cousin Christine Cardino; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father Dr. C. George Ward and mother Charlotte Mae (Heard) Ward; brothers Kenneth and Lee; sister-in-law Mona Ward; and niece Abby Ward.

He was also preceded in death by his pets, J.J., Kitty, and Tiger, who were always “number one”. He is so looking forward to reuniting with them again “over the rainbow”.

In Lieu of plants and flowers, donations will be made to some of Craig’s favorite charities.