Michael Ward Obituary

Obituary of Michael Guy Ward

December 6, 1959 - February 20, 2026

Michael Guy Ward. Age 66 of River Rouge.

Michael Guy Ward passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026 at home, surrounded by his wife and all of his girls.

Born on December 6, 1959 in Gibraltar, Michigan, he was the son of Richard and Marie, later adopted by Joan Phillips. He was a master electrician, home inspector and public safety commissioner.

Michael "Mike" cared deeply about his community and taking care of the people he cared about. He was known for his quick wit and unconventional humor – he would always try to make people laugh. Mike loved hunting, but loved animals, so he'd go for the food, the beer, and his friends, and in nearly 50 hunting seasons, never tried to get a deer (or so he claimed). Mike spent his happiest days in his garage in Caseville wrenching on his Corvette or by a bonfire with a beer and his family. He was always prepared for anything and recommended everyone have a "bug out bag" ready to go – he always had his.

He married the love of his life Karen Ward, née Mandernach, on March 12 1988, and they shared over 40 years together. Together they created a life full of love and took care of everyone around them.

Michael is survived by his wife, Karen, and his daughters Melissa (James) Harvey, Janine (Jackson) Robar, Kimmi Ward (Keith Sabuda), Kerrie Ward and Alisha Mandernach (Bobby Leffew). Mike is survived by his adoptive mother Joan Phillips. "Papa" is also survived by his five beautiful grandchildren James Michael Harvey, Benjamin Harvey, Mila Ward-John, Terrence Ward-John, and Rory Robar. Mike lived his life believing that a family is what you make it - beyond this short list there are many many people that he considered his family and he loved like brothers, sisters and loved as his own children and grandchildren.