Denise Ward

Denise Marie Ward, 50, of Waukon died peacefully of a heart attack Monday, February 10, 2020 at her home. Memorial services were held Saturday, February 15 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon with Fr. Mark Osterhaus officiating. Burial was at St. Mary’s Hanover Cemetery in rural Waukon.

Denise Marie Ward was born December 4, 1969 in Waukon, the daughter of Gary and Ramona (Schwartzhoff) Ward. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Hanover Catholic Church in rural Waukon. Denise graduated from Waukon High School in 1988 and attended Capri Cosmetology School in Waterloo. She lived in Cedar Falls, where she worked for Razor’s Edge. Denise moved back to Waukon and worked for her parents at GP’s City Club for several years.

March 7, 1998, she married Wayne Johnson in Waukon. They later divorced but remained friends and were committed to raising their children together. Denise worked for Allamakee Community Schools, Mulligan’s as a waitress, Fareway in Waukon, and various other jobs. She was currently working for TASC, where she was recently awarded Employee of the Month honors.

Denise was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. She enjoyed music, cooking, arts and crafts, snapchatting, and spending time with family and friends. Denise had the most giving heart and would do anything for anyone.

Survivors include her children, Molly Johnson and Sam Johnson, both of Waukon; her father, Gary Ward of Waukon; three sisters: Tracy (Dave) Ryan of Burr Oak, Sheryl (Rick) Way of Montgomery, IL and Janice (Jason) Bloxham of Hortonville, WI; her nieces and nephews: Spencer, Hannah and Zachary Bloxham, and Justin, Natasha and Austin Ryan; and many uncles, aunts and cousins. She is preceded in death by her mother, Ramona.

Honorary casketbearers were her nieces, nephews and many friends. Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.