Ward Allen Swenson

Ward Allen Swenson, better known as Ward Allen, the weatherman of WITI TV 6, born October 8, 1934, in North Dakota, to Lucille and Roy; passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 7, 2022, at the age of 87. Ward Allen and Albert the Alleycat, won a national award for the best weather program. Ward was the first TV broadcaster to bring weather education directly to children by visiting the area schools. He was retired and resided in Theresa, Wisconsin. Ward started his broadcasting career working part-time at the local radio station KDIX and as a disc jockey at the teen dances, while attending High School, where he graduated in 1953.  In 1954, he and a buddy joined the Army Airborne. Stationed at Fort Bragg, he became a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne division.  Ward enjoyed the excitement of jumping out of planes and made over 50 jumps.  After his two-year stint in the Army, he attended the State Teachers College and the University of North Dakota from 1956 to 1960. He worked at KNOX Radio and TV in Grand Forks, North Dakota, where he met his first wife, Jacquolyn (Jackie). They married in 1958 and had four children.  In mid-1960, he was the Weatherman at KSOO-TV in Sioux Falls, South Dakota for two years, prior to his opportunity to join WITI-TV6, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ward Allen remained a Weatherman on Channel 6 for eighteen years. Ward married Nancy in 1990. He was always an entrepreneur.  Together  they owned several businesses, which included commercial and retail greenhouses in Oak Creek, a Dance Hall for weddings called the “Public House” in Theresa, and the current business “Custom Accessories Garters” for weddings, proms, and special occasions; a company he and his wife Nancy enjoyed throughout his retirement. Ward is preceded in death by his parents, his brother and sister and their spouses, and first wife, Jacquolyn (Jackie). He is survived by his wife Nancy, four children and respective spouses, a brother, and sister-in-law. He was a proud Grandfather to five, and two Great Grandchildren. He’d always say: “It was a delight to hear about their achievements through the years.” Ward was warm and charismatic and a great storyteller who loved to laugh. He was also avid reader of hundreds of books including reading the Bible every morning and he had a ‘Special’ prayer at dinner. Ward will be missed; especially our memories of sitting on the deck on beautiful days with the pergola shading and enjoying a cool breeze with Nancy, family, and friends. We love you, Ward

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