Ricky D. Ball, 62

Published 4:24 pm Saturday, January 29, 2011

Ricky Ball

Ricky Dean Ball, 62, of Lakeville, died tragically on Oct. 16, 2010, after a motorcycle accident in Lakeville.

Rick was born in Austin on Dec. 23, 1947, to Donald and Elaine Ball. He attended Mankato State University where he graduated in physical education and health.

On Oct. 4, 1969, Rick married Nancy Lynnette Ball (Blakesly) at the United Methodist Church in Amboy, Minn. In February of 1970, their son Scott was born. Rick was a school teacher for several years and also coached while as a teacher. In 1983, Rick was employed with Northern Tool and Equipment as a salesman where he won numerous sales awards and contests.

Rick really enjoyed coaching his son in many sports, especially hockey. Rick also enjoyed his dogs and raising them. His passion for the last 15 plus years was riding motorcycles and taking trips with his motorcycles to see various states. In his younger years — after graduating from high school — Rick was a member of the Lancer Band, based out of Austin, and a member of the Blue Stars in LaCrosse.

He is survived by his loving wife, soul mate and best friend of 40 years, Nancy Ball; son: Scott (Rebecca) Ball; grandchildren: Bryce and Ellyse Ball; sisters, Barb (Larry) Helland, Donna Wilson, Ruth (Ross) Chamberlain, Nancy (Bob) Spain, Patty (Dan) McDonald, Steve (Karen) Ball and Kris (Tim) McInnes; brothers-in-law: Gene (Pam) Blakesly, Donald Blakesly and Tim Conklin; many other loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Donald and Elaine Ball; father-in-law, Earl Blakesly; sister, Kathy Conklin and brother-in-law Bruce Blakesly.

Funeral Services will be 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 5, at White Funeral Home, 20134 Kenwood Trail, Lakeville with visitation from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Graveside service will be at 1 p.m., Monday Feb. 7, at Pleasantview Cemetery in Amboy, Minn. White Funeral Home of Lakeville, 952-469-2723, is in charge of arrangements.