John Ballew
May 01, 2016
John Ballew, 96 passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2016.
There will be a visitation held from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, Iowa.
John was born April 30, 1920 to Richard and Marie Ballew near Moravia, Iowa. He served in the U.S. Navy for seven years as Chief Storekeeper aboard the USS Cepheus AKA 18. John was a talented carpenter and had a couple of his remodeling jobs appear in Better Homes and Gardens magazine. He was an avid hunter and went fishing in Canada for over 55 years. John loved telling colorful stories of his childhood and WWII.
John is survived by his daughter, Deborah (Dave) Burford; grandchildren, Lynn (Jeremy) Bement, Rick (Darcy) Stougard, Tiffany Burford, and Haley (Nate) Funk; great-grandchildren, Kaylee (Tim) Deaton, Erin and Josh Knight, Michael and Kalli Stougard, Zac Zyzanski, and Sydney and Jon Bement.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances and daughter, Sandy Reeves.
We would like to give special thanks to family friend and caregiver, Shirley Scougal.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of the donors’ choice in John’s memory.
John was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He carried this message in his wallet:
“The Peace of Wild Things by Wendell Berry
When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief.
I come into the presence of still water and I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light. For a time, I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.”
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Becky Dittmer
05/18/2016
Dear Deb & family, we are so sorry to hear of Big Johns passing. We have so many fond memories that we will keep in our hearts. Praying for peace in your hearts. Take care.
Cheryl Allard
05/04/2016
I am so sorry for your loss Deb and family. I know from the stories you told that he was a man who lived life to the fullest. I hope that brings you some comfort at this sad time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers
Ken and Marilyn Houdek
05/03/2016
Our deepest sympathy to all of John's family. He was a wonderful brother-in-law and friend. He always seemed so happy whenever we stopped to visit. He will be missed.
LeRoy & Susan Kodet
05/03/2016
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to John's family !! Have so many memories of John and Frances when they would come to the farm. Let your wonderful memories be your healing with his loss !!
Nancy
05/03/2016
Sending my sympathy to Deb and family. I remember the visits from Uncle John and Aunt Frances when they would come to our farm south of Renville, Minnesota. John always had a smile and chuckle to offer......
Chuck Erb
05/03/2016
I'll miss ya buddy! I will always cherish the memories of so many great Canadian fishing trips and the great stories you shared from the past. I can still hear your chuckle and the grin on your face when you brought in that elusive northern pike that hangs on your wall. And as I'm sitting there on Lake Savant in a few days, surrounded by the beauty and serenity of the wilderness, I'll wipe away a few tears and place a few walleyes on a stringer for you. So long friend!
Tom Ballew
05/03/2016
So sorry to hear of the passing of my Uncle John. I loved him dearly and he will be missed. Good to know he was with family who loved him.
Dee Shelton
05/02/2016
I am very sorry for your loss.