Donald L. "Duke" Ballard

Donald L. “Duke” Ballard, 75, of Prophetstown, passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at OSF St. Luke Medical Center in Kewanee.  A private family service will be held.  As per his wishes Cremation Rites have been accorded.  Vandemore Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Geneseo is assisting the family with arrangements.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Happy Tails Animal Shelter in Sterling, IL.

Duke was born on October 29, 1939 in Erie, IL the son of George D. and Dora (Nicely) Ballard.  He was united in marriage to Linda L. Bartels on April 8, 1957 in Elgin, IL.  Duke worked for John Deere Harvester Works in East Moline in the inventory department for over 30 years, from which he retired.  He was a member of the UAW.  Duke enjoyed going on fishing trips and restoring John Deere tractors and old cars.

He is survived by his wife Linda; children: Cheryl (Rodney) Mills of Morrison, IL, Wanda (Brian) McCubbin of Tiffin, IA, Donald L. Ballard, Jr. of Oxford, IA, Jill (Myron) Zuidema of Morrison, IL; 8 grandchildren,  9 great grandchildren; and sister: Diane Bailey of Erie, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 9 brothers and sisters.

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