Michael Keith Ballard
Michael Keith Ballard
Obituary
Guest Book
Michael Ballard Obituary
Clive, Iowa resident Michael Ballard, 68, passed away peacefully in Hospice March 14, 2023, holding the hand of his beloved wife Julie.
Mike was born September 9, 1954 in Princeton, Ill to Stanley and Letha Ballard, joining his older sister Aleta. His father was a Methodist minister and the family moved frequently in Illinois and then Iowa. He graduated from Murray High School, Murray Ia in 1972 and moved to Des Moines shortly thereafter.
Mike's primary career was in computer programming. He quickly became an expert in the Java programming language and traveled all over the country as an independent contractor to share his expertise. He made countless friendships along the way and valued those relationships.
Mike's first marriage produced a son, Kenneth, and daughter, Jennifer. It was in 1993 that he met his second wife, Julie. Julie had two children from a previous marriage, Melissa, and Carmen-who Mike raised as his own. Mike happily stepped up to help raise their granddaughter as well. Michael and Julie were married for 28 wonderful years and enjoyed riding on their Harleys together, as well as working on their business, and spending time with their family. The hobby of his passion was collecting comic books and he read them all. He proudly amassed a collection of over 30K books through the years.
In 2012, Michael and Julie started a real estate business. Mike worked tirelessly on rehabilitating homes and focused on providing quality and affordable housing in Des Moines. His family is very proud of his work ethic and generous heart.
Michael is survived by his wife, Julie; his children Jennifer Carroll (Brendan), Melissa Berzett, and Carmen Straughn; grandchildren, Brian Carroll (Kaitlin), Devin Carroll, and Journey Berzett; his sister-in-law, Jean Mayberry; niece Michelle Walker (Johnnie), and nephew JJ Fenceroy.
Mike is preceded in death by his son, Kenneth Ballard; sister Aleta; and parents. Mike was a great man and he will be forever missed as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.
View All Photos
Add Photos to Memorial
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Donna E
May 2, 2023
Julie, Mike was such a blessing but of course you already knew that. My son and I are honored that we got to meet him and that when there were issues he took care of things promptly etc. Such a great person with a great sense of humor and down to earth. Glad he brought you along with him so my son and I got the honor of meeting you as well. Sending you love and hugs.. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Paula
March 25, 2023
I never met Mike personally, but over the internet I could tell what a remarkable person he is. I truly valued the friendship that was made with both Mike and his lovely wife Julie.
He will be missed by many.
Karen Kittell
March 25, 2023
Julie, I only met Michael once but knew right away he was a keeper. I'm glad that you found your person. I only wish you'd had longer with each other. May your family, friends, and faith see you through this time. Hugs Julie
Joyce
March 25, 2023
What a wonderful Facebook friend Mike and Julie have been to me .His friendship has meant a lot and I'm still in disbelief . Mike helped me with computer issues , and I enjoyed his posts , and jokes .
I'm sure he's out of pain and I do know we shall see him again someday . I know Mike was a wonderful husband, Father,Grandfather and friend to many . May he now have eternal peace without pain . Praying for the family as they grieve. ✝❤
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Abbie C.
March 25, 2023
Mr. Mike was always so wonderful to me as a young girl. I remember the days when I was sick and my mom would take me to work and there he would be a smile on his face even though I didn’t feel the best. It was through him that I met one of my good friends, Journey. I remember the times her and I would be running around the house, and he was always so welcoming.
Julia Faulks
March 25, 2023
I always thought of him as Michael, because that’s what his Facebook profile had his name as. And my husband’s name is Michael! Always thought it was pretty cool that they were Michael & Julie, and we were Michael & Julia. After seeing Julie saying things about him, I saw that she called him Mike. So after that, I started calling him Mike. But for some reason, he was still always Michael to me!
I see & post so many things that I know he would have commented on! Dang! I miss him so very much! Love you Julie! ❤❤
Joyce Mall James
March 24, 2023
I think both you, Mike, and Julie, were lucky to find each other. You, Mike, made your wife smile and not beat on her staff. That made us lucky also. I am sure, Mike, that you were a big reason for that smile on her face. It has been nice having you share this journey you both just took with all of us. A brave man and his brave wife. Love and memories.
Amy Frazier
March 24, 2023
He loved his Wordle game on Facebook! I took over for him when he got sick for the last time. I will always remember his good attitude! ❤
Blake Richards
March 24, 2023
It's hard to put in just a couple sentences, but to me Mike was a Great man, Friend, and Neighbor. I'll never forget the first day we moved into this neighborhood 6 years ago, Mike and Julie were the very first neighbors to welcome us, he will truly be missed by all.
Colton cart
March 24, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will miss you always.
Karen Stadie
March 24, 2023
Such a great guy with the biggest smile and heart. Mike is and was such a loved fellow and his love will forever be in our hearts. Thanks for the smiles until we meet again.
Cathy Hull
March 24, 2023
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Julie
March 24, 2023
I loved that man for almost 30 years and really wanted another 30 more. He was so special and will be so missed not only by family but countless friends. He was generous, witty, and loving. He gave his all to every challenge that faced us. Thank you for all the kind words... it is comforting to know that Mike touched so many lives. That legacy was important to him.
Jane Macrander
March 21, 2023
Julie, I´m so glad you had someone who made you so happy for so many years. My thoughts are with you and the rest of Mike´s loved ones. He touched a lot of lives.
Carolyn Reeh
March 21, 2023
Sorry for your loss - it was a pleasure working with him these past 15 years - always patient and managed to have a great attitude through all the craziness!
Jean N Mayberry
March 20, 2023
I'll never forget his huge smile and even bigger laugh. Aleta was always so proud of her "little" brother and I hope you are now together eating, drinking, and laughing it up. I'll never forget how you and Julie welcomed me into the family, it meant so much to Aleta and I. I'm so sorry for your loss, Julie. Give everyone a big Mike-sized hug for me.
Patti H
March 20, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending lots of hugs.
Cathy Umphenour Divine
March 20, 2023
Mike: Your historic stance and battle through your final challenge moved me beyond words. I never met you in person, but the memories you left in my heart will live with me as I take my last breath. Your courage care and tenderness as you were an amazing husband to Julie will guide my footsteps for many years to come. As I now have such an amazing role model to guide my relationship with my soul mate and loving husband Michael. Thank you for the many seeds you planted in my heart!
Joy
March 20, 2023
Julie and family, I met Mike my first day at CDS. New person in a new town. He always made me feel welcome. On to Farmville, Facebook, renovations, his family and his Bazingas on wordle. He will be missed. Sending lots of love and prayers.
Mary
March 19, 2023
Remembering the day we were cleaning out the attic and I thought I saw a bat flying g around the room but it was just Mike´s shadow in the light of the ceiling fan - he got a good chuckle out of that - remembering that time and that day will always make me smile. Love you Jules.
Susi & Steve Faith
March 19, 2023
I never had the pleasure of meeting Mike in person, but I enjoyed our banter on FB where his wit & wisdom were on display. I know this works could sure use a lot more like Mike. The love of his family, and especially for Julie, was obvious. I can only imagine the wonderful reunion going on right now. RIH, Mike...
Julia Faulks
March 19, 2023
I will miss this big guy so much! We never met in person, but became close on FB. I will miss his witty humor. Julia & Michael Faulks
Ann Glover
March 19, 2023
Julie, I am so sorry for the loss of your hubby. He sounds like a wonderful person. My heart is with you
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Ballard's name
How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Ballard's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
