In Memory of Theresa Catherine Otte Ward

Theresa Ward passed away peacefully at her home in Anoka, Minnesota on January 26, 2026.

Theresa was born on December 23, 1932, in Sauk Centre, Minnesota to the late Bernard Otte and the late Gertrude Jenniges Otte. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, David P. Ward, her sons, Donald Ward, infant son, and her grandson, Jacob Ward. In addition, she was the last living sibling in the Otte clan of 11 children.

In 1951, Theresa bravely moved to Anoka for employment at the Anoka State Hospital. It was in Anoka, where she met David. They were connected in their catholic faith. Theresa attended St. Paul Catholic School in Sauk Centre, MN and, in Anoka, became an active member of St. Stephens Catholic Church. She volunteered in many ways including knitting prayer shawls, serving funeral luncheons, counting financial collections, and working in the gift shop. She raised 8 children and was an efficient and effective homemaker. As the children grew older, she was employed by the Anoka-Hennepin School District and Honeywell Systems and Research Center. Theresa sewed and gifted many quilts, read countless books, played cards at the senior center, enjoyed gathering with her friends every Wednesday, and read the paper every day. She passed on many of these hobbies and interests to her children and grandchildren. A favorite family picture of Theresa was taken at the cabin in Aitkin, MN. The ground is covered in snow, but the sun is shining brightly. Theresa is sitting outside on a lawn chair, reading the newspaper. She is dressed in a snowmobile suit and stocking cap.

Survived by her daughters, Karen McNevin, Diane (Cindy Bagaus) Ward, Catherine Voss, Julie (Luther) Aadland; sons Joseph, Thomas, Jeffrey (Kathleen Jackson); 11 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Memorial Mass Friday, February 6, 2026, at 11AM at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, 525 Jackson Street, Anoka. Visitation 1 hour prior to Mass at the church. Thurston Lindberg Funeral Home, Anoka.