John Gregory Ballard

1958 - 2011

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

2 Timothy 4

John was born to Richard and Janis (McWilliams) Ballard in Edina, MN on December 19, 1958. John cherished his childhood days growing up in Jordan-days spent riding his horses, driving dirt bikes/motorcycles/snowmobiles, camping in the ravines and having fireworks wars with his seven siblings. He attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School and later Jordan High School, graduating in 1977. John wrestled as part of the Jordan Hubman wrestling team. The local paper made the following comment regarding one of John's matches: "John again did what he has done all season. He never quit and came back late in the match to take control and win". John lived this motto in life.

Following high school, John attended Dunwoody Technical Institute, graduating from the Environmental Systems program. He then began employment at Central Minnesota Refrigeration designing HVAC-R systems. After years of dedication and hard work, he was given the opportunity to fulfill a life long dream of owning his own business. John took ownership of CMR from original owners and mentors Herb Wolfgram and Emil Tabatt. For the past eleven years, John managed CMR along with a talented and loyal staff. John and Cathy will be forever grateful to their extended family at CMR for their support.

John married Cathy Luedtke on August 1, 1987, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Anoka, MN. They were blessed with two children, Giana who was born June 2, 1991 and Scott who was born July 8, 1995. The family has lived in Sartell for 22 years and they have been active members of Celebration Lutheran Church. John loved entertaining family and friends at his home and up at the lake. Lake Mille Lacs was John's fishing hot spot in the summer and winter. Golfing, boating, snowmobiling, playing guitar, playing 500 and traveling with his family were priceless past times.

Giana and Scott were John's pride and joy. He beamed when watching Scott's sporting events and Giana's dance competitions and the Nutcracker.

John was 52 years of age when he died peacefully in his sleep at his home in the early morning hours of Thursday, June 9, 2011. He battled esophageal cancer for 2 ½ years.

John is loved and deeply missed by his wife Cathy; children Giana and Scott; mother Jan (Bernie Robichaud) Ballard of Roseville; siblings Mark (Lori) Ballard of Jordan, Colleen Holm of Faribault, Craig Ballard of South Dakota, Tom (Roxy) Betchwars of Wisconsin, Mary (Charlie) Sunder of Prior Lake, Mike (Julie) Betchwars of Savage; sister-in-law Sandy Betchwars of Jordan; Parents-in-law Walt and Darlene Luedtke of Champlin; brothers-in-law Butch Luedtke of Colorado, Mark Luedtke of Champlin; sister-in-law Lavaune (Peter) Gong of New York; many nieces, nephews, an aunt and uncle. John was preceded in death by his father, Dick Ballard and brother, Pete Betchwars.

Pallbearers will be Mark Ballard, Colleen Ballard, Tom Betchwars, Mary Sunder, Mike Betchwars and Sandy Betchwars.

Visitation will be on Sunday, June 12 from 5-8 pm at Celebration Lutheran Church, 1500 Pine Cone Road North, Sartell, MN and also one hour prior to the service at the church. Celebration of Life service will be held Monday, June 13 at 11:00 am at Celebration Lutheran Church. Reverend Elizabeth Strenge and Reverend Tom Heyd will officiate.