Jewel Lee Ward, age 78, of Cohasset, MN, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Essentia Health – St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, MN.

Jewel was born in 1946 to Selmer and Bertha Asbjornsen in Grand Rapids, MN. She graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 1964 and then continued her education at Bemidji State University earning her degree in education in 1968. Jewel married John Ward Jr. in June of 1968. She was an elementary school and special education teacher in Coleraine and Marble, MN. Jewel and John lived in Grand Rapids prior to moving to their home on Pokegama Lake in Cohasset. Jewel was a member of the Grand Rapids Alliance Church, YMCA, and Women's PEO. She loved playing pickle ball, gardening, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and sisters, Janet Asbjornsen, and Jean (Asbjornsen) Sorenson.

Jewel is survived by her husband John Jr.; sons, John (Heather) Ward III of Angora, MN, and Kevin (Melinda) Ward of Reno, NV; siblings, Judy Bourque of Los Angeles, CA, and Jerry Asbjornsen of Phoenix, AZ; and seven grandchildren, David, Emma, Charis, Abigail, Providence, Sadie and Elliana.

A visitation will be held Friday, February 7, 2025, beginning at 10:00 AM at Grand Rapids Alliance Church with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM also at the church. Pastor Erik Kling will officiate. Burial will be at Itasca-Calvary Cemetery in Grand Rapids, MN.

Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.