Obituary: John Levi Ball, 83, of Ludington

July 23, 2024

John Ball

John Levi Ball, 83, of Ludington, passed away Thursday, July 18, 2024, at his home. He was born February 22, 1941, in Ludington, to L.D. and Mary (Verschueren) Ball, the second of 14 children. John was a graduate of Ludington High School, Class of 1959.

John was a quiet and gentle man who loved his family and was very proud of all of them. He was a hard worker and worked many jobs, including the Illinois Tollway, putting up fencing, an EMT for Ludington hospital, and retired from Dow Chemical after 20 years.

On January 29, 1966, in Berwyn, Illinois, John married Victoria “Vicki” (Mockus) Ball, and she survives him along with: their children, Steve (Tammy) Ball, Karen (Don) Krueger, Daniel (Julie) Ball, and Kristine (Max Canham) Ball; grandchildren, Caleb, Colin, Connor, Carson, and Colton Krueger, and Tyler, Adam, and Sarah Ball; step-granddaughter, Ashley Nordberg and step-great-grandson, Raylan Schuff; brothers, Joseph (Carol) Ball of South Carolina, Thomas (Millie) Ball of South Carolina, and Charles Ball of Ionia; sisters, Mary Musial of Ohio, Martha (Ken) DuLac of Florida, Priscilla Nicewander of Ionia; sister-in-law, Sally Strysik of Illinois; and brother-in-law, Frank (Patti) Mockus of Florida.

John was preceded in death by: his parents, L.D. Ball and Mary Ball; brothers, David (Sharon) Ball, Levi (Darlene) Ball, George Ball, and Henry Ball; sisters, Levina (Walter) Engelberg and Catherine (Philip) Bailey; an unnamed baby sister; a grandson, Steven Ball Jr.; and in-laws, Joe Musial, James Nicewander, and Michael Strysik.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon, Saturday, July 27, 2024, at St. Simon Catholic Church, 702 E Bryant Road, Ludington with Fr. Wayne Wheeler presiding. The family will receive friends Saturday from 11 a.m. until time of Mass at the church. Interment will be held in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Weare Township, Oceana County.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to HELP Ministries, P.O. Box 97, Ludington MI, 49431, www.help-ministry.org, or Lakeshore Food Club, 920 E. Tinkham Avenue, Ludington, MI 49431, www.lakeshorefoodclub.org.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.