Frederick Ernest Ward II

Frederick Ernest Ward II, 84 years old of Cloquet, MN, was born on August 5, 1940 and passed away on April 29, 2025.

Fred had two Master’s Degrees in Mechanics and a Master’s Degree in Culinary Arts.  He served in the United States Marine Corps. Fred passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy as strong and enduring as the engines he loved to tinker with. He was known for his stubborn streak and sharp sense of humor that never faded. Fred was a true character to the very end. A lifelong gearhead, Fred spent most of his career in the automotive industry with stints as a logger and even running his own junkyard, Hillside Wrecking and Towing, a place where he found beauty in the broken and forgotten. He was a hands-on man with a deep love for fixing things, especially mechanical. He was enjoying life helping his son, Fred, at the shop doing random cleaning and helping on cars when he could.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Douglas L. Ward and Alberta (Schultz) Ward; siblings: Laurel Ward, LeAnne Stuhr and Harvey Ward; and ex-wife: Marie Ward (Hicks).

Fred is survived by his six children: Douglas Ward, Frederick Ward III, Anna Earls, Tina Randa, David Ward (Denise) and Maria Ward, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will carry forward his grit humor and love of all things with wheels. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered in every creaky tool chest and rumbling engine.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-4 PM on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at New Life Community Church, 1699 MN 210, Carlton MN 55718.

Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service of Northern Minnesota.

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