Willis "Jack" Bedward

Willis "Jack" Bedward, age 77, of Lancaster, died on Tuesday, October 4, 2011, at Orchard Manor Nursing Home in Lancaster. He was born on April 11, 1934, in Wyalusing, the son of Paul and Violet (Pascoe) Bedward. Jack graduated from Bagley High School in 1952. He entered the United States Air Force and served his country for four years. He met the love of his life while he was stationed in California. On July 23, 1956, Jack was united in marriage to Barbara Salsman at Minden, NV. After their marriage the couple raised four children while residing in California. In 1966, they moved to Wisconsin and in 1979 moved to Arizona. In 2009, the couple returned to Wisconsin to be near family. Jack was a salesman for auto parts for many years. He loved working with his hands and was a Jack-of-all-trades. Jack was an avid sports fan, especially baseball. He was instrumental in forming the womens softball league in Lancaster in the early 1970s. Jack also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his loving wife, Barbara Bedward, Lancaster; their children: Paul (Pam) Bedward, Edgerton; Bob (Karen) Bedward, Lancaster; Karen (Brian) Bennett, Darlington; Sharon (Mike) Kohlstedt, Byron, IL; thirteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; a sister, Helen Mae Brody, Poplar Grove, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services with military honors will be on Friday, October 7, 2011, at 12:00 p.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home, 142 W. Oak St., in Lancaster with Reverend Larry A. Hakes officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Family and friends may call on Friday, October 7, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank the staff at Bloomfield Manor and Orchard Manor for their exceptional care.