Ward Allen Close

Ward Allen Close, 94 years, of Erie, MI, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2026 in the Promedica Monroe Regional Hospital. The son of Charles and Gertrude (Baker) Close he was born March 10, 1932 in Carleton, MI. A 1950 graduate of Monroe High School, he studied agriculture at Michigan State University but became a heavy equipment operator and longtime member of Operating Engineers Local 324. He married Carol Dusseau in 1954 and together they started a residential excavating business in 1972.

Ward was a longstanding member and supporter of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Erie where he served on many committees for the church and school for many years. He was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Council #7413 and served as their recording secretary for several years.

A loving father, he enjoyed camping and hunting in his free time.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Close; children, Peter (Joanie) Close, Mary (Bob) Murphy, Bryan (Barb) Close, Michael Close, Ward (Claudia) Close, Charles (Julie) Close; 23 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; and a sisters-in-law, Alice (Howard) Close and Sharon (Paul) Dusseau.

He was preceded in death by his two sisters and their spouses, Rhea (Edgar) Lantz and Elsie (John) Roberts and three brothers and their spouses, John (Doris) Close, Frank (Joyce) Close, and Howard (Eunice) Close.”

Visitation will be Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Urbanski’s Bedford Funeral Chapel 8300 Lewis Ave. Temperance, MI. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Erie, MI. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph School, Erie MI.

Online condolences may be shared at www.bedfordfuneralchapel.com .