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Duane Ball Obituary – 8/9/2021


Duane (Gary) Ball, 78 of Delano, MN passed away peacefully Aug. 9, at home, surrounded by family, following a long, courageous battle with COPD. During this time, he kept his positive attitude and friendly smile.

Gary was born June 23, 1943 in Mt. Lake, to Virgil and Grace Ball. He has two brothers, Doug and Dennis, and one sister, Doreen Wendel.

He attended country school in Jackson. He grew up on a farm, where he developed a love of horses.

Following graduation in 1961, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He married Beulah (Bea) Kimbrell March 7, 1964.

They were married for 57 years. They had two children.

Gary worked as a salesman most of his life. He retired from Detector Electronics in Bloomington in 2005.

Gary loved working on small engines – he always had a shop at his home, Other hobbies included working on his 1938 burnt orange Ford, tinkering in his garage, and modifying anything mechanical. He loved his family and friends, trips to Menards, teasing his grandkids, and anything sweet.

He is survived by his wife, Bea; daughter Angie (David) Christians of Delano, and son, Kevin (Raina Saastad) of Devils Lake, ND; grandchildren: Matt (Bekah) Christians, Andrew Christians, Michael (Makenna) Christians, Ryan Christians, Samantha Zavala, and Kailey Ball; great-grandchildren: Savanah Ball, and Audrey and Luca Christians; siblings Dennis Ball, Savage, and Doreen Wendel of Boise, ID; and many nieces and nephews.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Douglas Ball.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be planned at a later date.

A big thank you to Delano Fire Department and First Responders, Ridgeview Delano Clinic, Ridgeview Hospice, and support from many family and friends.

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