Michael J Ball
June 9, 1947 ~ October 24, 2020
Michael John Ball age 73 of Maple Grove, MN, formerly of New Hampton, IA died Saturday, October 24, 2020, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.
A private family and extended family visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. followed by a private family and extended family Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family Parish, New Hampton, IA with Rev. Vince Rosonke celebrating the Mass. PLEASE JOIN THE FAMILY SATURDAY at 10:00 A.M.VIA FACEBOOK LIVE ON THE CONWAY-MARKHAM FUNERAL HOMES FACEBOOK PAGE. Interment will be following Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery. If desired, memorials may be made to Union Gospel Mission, Twin Cities and St. Joseph's Community School, New Hampton.
Michael J. was born in New Hampton on June 9, 1947. The son of John and Lorraine (Speltz) Ball.
Michael attended St Joseph’s elementary school and graduated from New Hampton High School. After which, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and received his advanced training. He served his country with Company D, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry, 198th Infantry Brigade, Vietnam from 1968-1970. Michael was shot while in Vietnam one week before he was due to come home. Michael was airlifted to Olathe Army Hospital, Kansas where he spent one year recuperating.
Michael was united in marriage to Judith Fisher at St. Thomas More, Newman Center Mankato, MN on August 26, 1971.
Michael graduated from The University of Minnesota Business school with a degree in Business and Accounting.
Following college Michael accepted a position with the United States Marshal service started with the Witness Protection program from 1976 -1982 in Minnesota. Michael then transferred to Los Angeles California in the Federal Drug Task Force from 1982 -1986. After Michael’s three sons were born he decided he needed a less eventful position. From 1986-2004 Mike spent his remaining career as Chief Deputy US Marshal in the district of Minnesota.
Michael also coached his sons soccer, baseball, and hockey teams. After retirement Michael accepted the position as nanny for his three grandsons.
Michael also was a member of the Knights of Columbus at St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Brooklyn Park.
Survivors include his wife Judith, two sons, John (Amy) Ball, St Michael, MN, Michael (Katie Igowsky) Ball, Maple Grove, MN, three grandchildren, Marek Ball, Jordan Ball, Isaiah Ball. His siblings, Linda (John) Hogan, Springfield, MO, Tom (Corrine) Ball, Jefferson, IA, and Jamy (Beth) Ball, Cedar Rapids, IA.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Judith in 1978, his son Patrick in 2006; and one brother Pat’rick in 1968.
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Always enjoyed conversation with Mr Ball. He was a real gem. RIP. My sincere sympathy to the entire Ball family.
Deepest sympathy to the family
I was so very sad and sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He was a great person and a wonderful friend. I will cherish many great memories of our times growing up in NH. Wow, do I have some stories. You have my heartfelt sympathy. Brad Stolz
Judy and Family, our sincere sympathy to all. Always enjoyed Mike.
Judy and family, so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Treasure the memories.
Judy deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Judy, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mike was a great guy and a great athlete. He was 2 years ahead of me in school. He was a very nice guy and always had a smile. My thoughts are with you Judy. Dan Brady.
Mike was someone I looked up to my whole life! Whether he was on the mat or the football field he went all out. He also went all out as one of the most honorable,careing,and integrity driven people l had the pleasure of calling my friend in my life! In the past few years I visited Mike a few times at his place in Lourdes. Now with his passing, I truly wish I would have found the time to do it more often. His smile when I would pull in the driveway would make me feel good all over! Now I can only cherish the memory of that smile! I will always be proud to say he was my friend! God Bless you Mike ! Heaven just became a more beautiful place, and May God bless Judy and the rest of Mike’s family! He will be missed by many!!!! Your friend Tom Straw
My prayers and sympathies are with you Judy and all your family.
My sympathies go out to you, Judy, Mike and John and your families, Linda, Tom, Jamy and your families. Mike was a stand-up guy. May you find peace as you lay him to rest.
Oh, I am so sorry for your loss 😢 I grew up down the street for Mike. Wonderful man!🙏🙏
Our deepest sympathy to u all!
Prayers and sympathy to all of the family!
r.i.p.🙏✝️☮️
So sorry to hear! Our sympathy to all the family!🙏🏻
So sorry. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
So very sorry for your loss🙏
Very sorry for your loss , Judy he was a very nice person.
We are saddened to hear our good neighbor Mike Ball has passed from this world to the next where he will walk with the Lord and be free of his pain and suffering that he has endured. We will miss him walking by our house, seeing him out and about, chatting with him, hearing his stories throughout the years….seeing his children grow up and then seeing Mike and Judy both pushing the next generation grandson Merrick in his stroller. On these dark cold winter nights, we will talk with him and wish him well on his journey. Marilyn and Bob Pickard (Red House – top of hill)
With loving memories of “Michael Ball”,
Although I never had the opportunity nor the pleasure to work with Sir Michael J. Ball, our professional paths periodically crossed during the 80s and 90s. It was obvious that Chief Ball’s law enforcement presence was admired and respected by his peers. Chief Ball will sorely be missed by his USMS colleagues. My thoughts and prayers to the Ball family. Respectfully, Matthew M. Quinn
I have known Mike since the 1970s, we were co- workers with the US Marshals service in Minnesota. He was one of the most reliable and honest men I have ever known. These qualities and his work ethic allowed him to rise to Chief Deputy US Marshal. Rest In Peace my friend.
Judy and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have so many happy memories with you all. Mike was such a bighearted brother-in-law and uncle. He was always ready to help. Mike, you and family have been generous hosts for many fun family gatherings. We enjoyed hearing Mike’s many interesting and exciting stories of his long career in law enforcement. He made huge contributions to his family, community and our nation. What a tremendous legacy! With our love, Charmone and family
My thoughts and prayers to Judy and the Ball family. Mike was the Chief Deputy United States Marshal in Minnesota for the good part of two decades. I had the good fortune of not only working for him; but also being his friend. I learned a lot from Mike… from being a U.S. Marshal to being a strong family man, and a lot in between. The Marshals Service and all of us deputies crossing his path were better off for him being there. I miss and will never forget those assignments (Vienna was one of the best), meetings (Mike’s command presence was quite impressive), lunches (I’m still amazed over how much he could eat and never put on a pound), and talks (my sons don’t realize it but they benefitted from my learning and copying Mike’s parenting style). Thank you and RIP Chief!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry to hear about your loss of Mike. Mike was an outstanding individual and outstanding athlete in high school. It was an honor to be a friend of his throughout our times in high school. He always had a smile on his face and very caring personality. My thoughts are with you and your family. Darrel Lang
Sorry, Judy for your family’s loss. We certainly have a brave , caring, and well one of the best protectors angel we could ask for!
We are thinking of you. Love, Tom, Corinne, Luke, Jake, Marty, Scott and families
Dear Judy & Family, Was so very sad to read of Mike’s death. Attended both St Joseph’s GS & NHCHS with Mike. He was always a kind, fun guy. Our 7&8th grade class was taught to dance by the BVMs – yes, he was the best dancer. Judy, sending my deepest sympathy to you & your family. May Mike Rest In Peace. Prayers, Kathleen McGeough Eshelman
I first met Mike in 1978 or 1979. We were both Inspectors in the U.S. Marshal Service’s Witness Security Program. I was stationed in New Orleans, La. and he in Minneapolis. At that time we handled more relocated witnesses than any other office. We talked a lot about our experiences and asked each other for advice and tried to figure out the best practices. At that time the Witness program was a work in progress and Mike was a significant contributor to the success of that program. Mike Ball was a great law enforcement professional. A tremendous asset to the U.S. Marshal Service and a dedicated and productive public Servant. Rest In Peace my friend. You’re a hero and deserve it.
Judy and the the entire Ball family, so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you lay Mike to rest 🙏 Love, Randy & Jo Vaala
My deepest sympathy to Judy, Linda, Tom, Jamy, and your families. May God comfort you in this time of sorrow. Keep your memories close in your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God be with you through this time and beyond. MaryAnn Onken Diesburg
On behalf of the District of Minnesota we send our deepest condolences to your entire family, after Mike’s passing. We were proud to serve with him and he served well. May you all find comfort in knowing we care and we’ll never forget him. May he rest in peace.
Our deepest sympathy to the family. Having grown up in Chickasaw County and working in law enforcement there for many years I have heard of Michael over time. Douglas J. Strike U.S. Marshal Northern District of Iowa
Our deepest sympathy to you Judith and your family. I worked for his mother and grandparents for a short time. You look so much like like Grandfather Ben!
R.I.P. Dave O’Flaherty EDNY
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. You have our deepest sympathy and are in our thoughts. Roger & Phyllis Whiteman
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Judy, keeping you and your family in our prayers🙏
With loving memories of “Michael Ball”, our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Judy and family, We are so sad and sorry to hear about Mike’s death. What a great guy! Always a smile, always a day brightener running into Mike Ball! As little cousins we were in awe of Mike and turns out he was very deserving of our respect. We are at our daughter and family in Maryland so will be mourning with you from here. Hugs to you all! With sympathy & love, Cathy & John Lechtenberg
Judy and family: Mike worked hard from the time he was just a kid. He accomplished so much and I know his family was his most cherished treasure. May God hold you all close as you grieve his loss. Wish you could have had him many more years. Joyce Fisher
Judy and family. You have our deepest sympathy for the loss of Mike. Mike was a kind gentle man who always had a smile on his face. May God bless you and comfort you during this time of loss. Gary and Terry Ball
Judy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless
Mike was such an important part of New Hampton. Sending sympathy to his family and friends. I hope your memories and the knowledge that so many people admired and appreciated him will comfort you.
I just learned of Mike’s passing and want to express my sympathy to the entire family. While I didn’t know Mike well as he was ahead of me in high school, I certainly remember him and want Linda, Tom and Jamy to know I am thinking of you all at this difficult time. I will forward a memorial to St. Joe’s in Mikes’s memory. Ed Kennedy Plymouth, MN
Judy, John, Michael and family: Our hearts ache along with yours . Mike was so special to our family and will always carry a special place in our hearts. I am so very thankful for our last visit on my parents’ deck and getting to share a good hug. A wonderful man. I was blessed to grow up next door to you and send my love. Amy Gordon Enderlein
Judy, Where has the time gone? It seems like it was just yesterday that we were at “SPINNERS” in North Mankato, waiting for Mike to get off work at Madsen’s. You had driven your Opel, from New Hampton to Mankato, so you and Mike could spend time together. We were young and carefree. These are times I will never forget. From one Navy veteran to another, please take care, and remember you and Mike and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Ed
Sorry for your loss. Bob and Jane Carroll
We are so sorry for your loss our dear neighbors. Michael was a wonderful family man and will be greatly missed. You all are in our prayers.
We have happy memories of our neighbor, Mike! Your warmth and humor will be with us forever. Thanks for being our friend.
Deepest sympathies
Linda, Tom and Jamy, know we are thinking of you at this difficult time. Hugs
Mike was an extremely loving and caring person above all he loved his family and he knew how to serve his country & citizens he knew, he knew how to love , & to serve and protect his family his country and citizens Michael the Archangel called Michael home to help him serve and protect all of God’s people Michael is a very devoted angel and he knew how to share and love all those who were involved in his life and citizens of his country he was a very strong and loyal loving and caring individual ,and loved by all those who knew him. God bless Mike for all of his devotion & loyalty to his family & fellow man & all of those who dearly loved him. I love you Mike, may always be our gaurdian angel.
Dear Mike, John, Judy and family, We are deeply saddened by the news of Mikes passing. We wish you all peace during this difficult time.
Judy, Would like to express my condolences to you and your family on your loss. I truly enjoyed getting to know Mike over the years. I always looked forward to our yearly meetings . He was just a wonderful man to talk to.
Dear Judy & Family, We were so saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. Please know that you & your family are in our thoughts and prayers. John & Kathy Hassman
Sorry for the families loss. Sending prayers to the family
I was fortunate to know Mike and looked forward to our Chief Deputy conferences to visit with him. He was a good person and he will be missed by many. My prayers and thoughts are with his family.
I miss Mike. I have stopped at the cemetery to visit. It is a nice peaceful spot.