Joseph Ball
November 22, 1942 - October 17, 2020
Obituary
MOUNT HOREB - Joe Ball, of Mount Horeb, Wis., passed away on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, at VA Hospice in Madison, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Joe was born on Nov. 22, 1942, in Harrison, Ark., to Leo and Bernice Ball. He graduated from high school in Postville, Iowa, in 1960 where he participated in football and baseball. After graduation he joined the U.S. Navy, serving from 1960 to 1963. In 1963, Joe married his high school sweetheart, Norma McNally. He went on to study Fish & Wildlife Biology at Iowa State University and graduated in 1968. Joe began his career at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in fishery management, then Laboratory Services at the University of Wisconsin, and finally in water quality management coordinating the statewide water quality monitoring program. He retired after 33 years and felt lucky to have had a great job that he loved.
Joe enjoyed picture framing as a hobby, which consisted of custom framing a variety of artwork, photographs and stained glass panels. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, softball, bowling, sailing, skiing and reading. He spent time on prairie restoration and establishing a butterfly habitat at his home. He served on the Planning and Zoning Commission for Blue Mounds Township.
Each spring, Joe would take his sons to Canada for a weeklong camping and fishing trip. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and neighbors. Joe always gave 100% in everything he did, serving his country, loving his family, his job, home, property and hobbies, giving us all a lot of wonderful memories.
Joe is survived by his wife, Norma; sons, James (Joan), Jared (Jill) and Jason (Kim); granddaughters, Abigail and Hannah; sister, Mary (Frank) Olson; sisters-in-law, Beverly McNally and Jean McNally; brothers-in-law, Tom and Randy (Janet) McNally; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Bernice Ball; in-laws, Leo and Violet McNally; brothers-in-law, Roland and Ted McNally; and sisters-in-law, Cecelia, Cheryl and Nancy McNally.
Memorials may be made to Mount Horeb Veterans Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com .
Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb
Funeral & Cremation Care
500 N. Eighth St.
(608) 437-5077
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Memories
KC
Kristen Clary
Other •
Norma and family, John and I are so sorry to hear of Joe's death. Remembering all the good times bowling with you. We wish you and your family Peace at this difficult time. God bless. John and Kristen Clary
DH
Dina Herbst
Other •
Many good memories with Joe and Norma. We had so much fun with them in our bowling league. Joe was such a gentle man. He made a few picture frames for me. He will be missed by many. Norma my heart goes out to you. Memories are so helpful. Sending lots of hugs and prayers for you and your family. Dina Herbst
DH
Dina Herbsrt
Other •
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
TF
The Ron Brinkmann Family
Other •
Deepest sympathy to all of the Ball family from “old neighbors on Park View Drive.” May your memories and love surround and sustain you. The Brinkmann Family
JH
James Hiltbrand
Other •
Norma and family, Our deepest sympathy to all. Joe was a very gentle soft spoken person. We will remember him with all his talent on framing and gardening. Norma my heart goes out to you. Jim and Janis Hiltbrand
EW
Edna Williams
Other •
So sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He spoke proudly of his family often while we rode the state van together for many years. My sincere sympathy to Norma and their family. Rest in peace, Joe.