Dale R. Ballard

Dale Robert Ballard, 85, of Gladwin, Michigan passed away at his home on Tuesday, August 7, 2018. He was born in Toledo, Ohio on April 15, 1933 to Willard & Grace (Capron) Ballard. On December 7, 1978 he married the woman of his dreams, Marlene Sebald in Bay City, Michigan, and they shared 39 wonderful years together. Dale was a veteran of the United States Navy, proudly serving his country from 1951-54 during the Korean Conflict, USS Gilbert Islands. He retired in 1989 from Goodyear Tire in Bay City. He had lived in Gladwin County for the last 2 years, previously residing in Bay City, Rhodes and Sugar Springs, and he was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church. He was a nature lover and an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting and traveling to new places. Dale was a very loving and caring father and husband. He worshiped his relationship with his wife and best friend, who will forever cherish his memory Marlene Ballard of Gladwin. He is also survived by his 3 sons: Mike Ballard of Montreal, Canada; Patrick (Jennifer) Calahan of Elma, Washington; Dale (Maggie) Bennett of Lawton, Oklahoma. His children blessed him with 6 beautiful grandchildren: Michael, Dustin, Julia, Brendon, Alex and Madison. He will be dearly missed by his brothers: Alan (Diann) Miller of Temperance, Michigan; Will (Nancy) Ballard of Oregon, Ohio; sisters: Barbara Ruffert of Walbridge, Ohio; Louise McClain of Toledo, Ohio; brother in-law: Glenn (Rebecca) Sebald of Anchorage, Alaska; sister in-laws: Karen (Randy) Bock of Ubly, Michigan; Gayle (John) Nicol of Cass City, Michigan; Debbie (Al) Heikkla of Mason, Michigan; Peggy (Neal) Lee of Kinsman, Ohio; several nieces & nephews and his best buddy, his cat “Abe”. He is preceded in death by his parents; step-parents; infant sister; 2 sisters: Rojean and Donna; daughter in-law: Debbie Connick; in-laws: Arthur & Joan Sebald. Honoring his wishes, cremation will take place and Memorial Services will be conducted on Saturday, September 8, 2018, 11:00 A.M. with visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M. at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Gladwin, Michigan. Those wishing to send an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers are asked to consider Mid Michigan Home Care or Christ the King Lutheran Church Discretionary Fund. Arrangements are in the care of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home, Gladwin, Michigan. www.hallkokotovichfuneralhome.com