Raymond N. Ward

Raymond Nathaniel Ward, age 86, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on August 7, 1939, Ray was the son of the late John Ward and Elizabeth Ward (née Mulholland). He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Ward.

Ray was the beloved husband of Sue Ellen Ward (née Wolfer), with whom he shared a lifetime of love, partnership, and family. He was a devoted father to Brian (Krishna) Ward, Janeen (Mark) Steinhoff, and Christopher (Allison) Ward. He was also a proud and loving grandfather to Gabriel, Miranda, Joshua, Jacob, Dylan, and Carter, each of whom brought him immense joy.

Ray’s educational journey began at Maryville Academy in Des Plaines, IL and continued at St. Gabriel Elementary School in Chicago, IL. Ray graduated from St. Rita of Cascia High School in Chicago, IL and then earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Ray honorably served his country in the United States Army. During his military service, he was stationed in Karlsruhe, Germany, with the 7th Army Maintenance and later in Bad Kissingen, Germany, with the 14th Armored Cavalry.

After completing his military service, Ray embarked on a distinguished fifty-year career as a Licensed Professional Electrical Engineer with Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc. (UL) in Chicago and Northbrook, Illinois. Throughout his career, he was dedicated to protecting the public by testing countless electrical and consumer products to ensure they met the highest standards of safety. His expertise and leadership earned him opportunities to travel throughout the world as a member of several international standards boards, where he helped develop and shape global electrical safety standards and codes. His work left a lasting impact that continues to protect people around the globe.

Ray will be remembered for his intelligence, integrity, quiet strength, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Whether serving his country, advancing public safety through engineering, or caring for his family, he approached every responsibility with dedication and humility. His wisdom, kindness, and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ray’s legacy lives on through his beloved wife, children, grandchildren, extended family, friends, and the countless lives made safer through his life’s work.