Dale Ball

Dale Willis Ball, age 86, passed away on January 13, 2021 due to complications with Covid-19.  Dale was born on February 28, 1934 in Nestoria, MI; the son of Maurice and Norma (Johnson) Ball.  He grew up in the upper peninsula of Michigan and enjoyed the outdoors where he developed his love for fly fishing.  Dale was a graduate of Michigamme High School and Michigan Technological University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in business.  Dale served in the United States Air Force in Korea with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant as an F-86 pilot.  After serving in the United States Air Force, Dale worked for a number of different engineering companies in several countries overseas including Turkey, Germany, and England.  He met his wife, Doreen, in Hawaii and they were married in 1963.  Dale loved to travel, fly fish, sing, and tell stories.  He always had time for others and brought laughter and love to many with a quick joke or lively rendition of “Ruby” on his trusty stump fiddle.  Dale and his late wife, Doreen, enjoyed their retirement in Idaho for over 20 years.

Dale is survived by his 3 sons and daughters-in-law; Dale (Cathleen) Ball, David (Joan) Ball, and Daniel (Kate) Ball; his grandchildren; Glenna, Hayden, Gabby, Ryan, and Justin; his step-grandchildren, Caitlin and Megan; 2 brothers and sisters-in-law, Glenn (Loling) Ball and Wayne (Linda) Ball; and 2 sisters and brothers-in-law, Elaine (Cameron) Luke and Maureen (John) Ramirez.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and a brother and sister-in-law, Robert (Stella) Ball.

A memorial gathering will be held at the Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home on Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 3:00 to 7:00PM. with a celebration of life being held a 6:30 p.m. Due to the global health pandemic (COVID-19) the wearing of a face covering will be required to enter the funeral home and social distancing must be observed. Inurnment will take place privately by the family at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dale’s name may be directed to the Hospice Foundation of America, https://hospicefoundation.org/