John “Ward” Josephson, 70, of Whitehall, MI and formerly of Rock Island, IL peacefully joined his heavenly Father on the evening of Tuesday, March 29, 2022.

Ward, the son of Elizabeth Ann & Clifford Ivar Josephson III, was born on August 7, 1951 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Davenport, IA. He spent his childhood growing up in Rock Island, IL and his summers swimming, sailing, and getting into trouble around Sylvan Beach with his eight siblings.

In 1969, Ward graduated from Rock Island High School and shortly thereafter headed west to ski and study Business Administration and Political Science at Utah State University in Logan, UT. After college, he returned home to the Quad Cities where he began his decades long career in the Jewelry industry and met his future wife of forty years, Lydia Edens. During his time as a professional Jeweler, he received recognition as a Registered Jeweler with the American Gem Society and was a graduate of the Diamonds program from the Gemological Institute of America. Over the years, he worked at C.I. Josephson Jewelers and Samuels Co. Inc. until he opened his own retail store, J. Ward Josephson Jewelers. In 1998, Ward relocated his family to his long-time second home, Whitehall, MI, where he continued his career at Krautheim Jewelers of Muskegon and Jensen Jewelers of Hudsonville.

Throughout his retirement, Ward found enjoyment in fishing, gardening, coin collecting, and spending time with his family, most of all his three grandchildren. Those that knew Ward, or “Senator” as his friends liked to call him, will forever remember his sense of humor, wit, kind heart, and smile; all of which will be dearly missed.

Ward is survived by his wife, Lydia “Dee Dee” Josephson, son John Josephson, daughter Sarah (Trevor) Klemkosky, grandchildren Gwen, Reese, and Trevor Klemkosky Jr.; brothers, Christian Josephson, Peter Josephson, William (Mary) Josephson; sisters, Nancy Hildebrand, DeeDee (Robert) Burg, Elizabeth (Mike Becker) Josephson, Amy Josephson, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and sister Martha “Mardi” McIntire.

Cremation has taken place and no formal funeral service is scheduled, rather, the family will host a Celebration of Life in Ward’s honor at a later date. In lieu if flowers, contributions may be made toward Ward’s grandchildren’s college fund.

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