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Philip Ball Obituary
Philip D. Ball
Nov. 2, 1943 - Nov. 20, 2023
ATKINSON - Philip D. Ball of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away from dementia on November 20, 2023, having just turned 80.
Phil was a proud resident of Madison for many years, and advocated for many civic projects he believed in: Madison Tenants' Union, keeping MATC campus downtown, "No Wright Elephant," no TIF funding for Edgewater... too many to include all here.
He fought with tenacity and humor. As a man who fiercely adhered to his principles, he earned the respect of his allies and his opponents.
Friends are planning a celebration of life at the Cafe Carpe in Fort Atkinson on Sunday, April 28, 2024, beginning at 2:00 p.m. E-mail [email protected] or [email protected] to request information.
"Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there; I do not sleep..." - I am the determined mountain biker whooshing by I am the creator of the savory pot roast so carefully jammed into the Dutch oven I am the political gadfly buzzing in your ear I am the delicious cardamom coffee cake causing your belly ache I am the passionate one hyperbolically describing the things they love or find amazing. I am the excited math tutor. I am the devourer of bowls of ice cream I am the patron of squirrels. I am the generous friend, greeting you with joy. I am the one who cannot think of your name. I am the steadfast ally working for a common cause I am the brilliant one you listen to and think, "Huh? What is he talking about?" - "...Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there; I did not die."- Clare Harner
Thanks to Marge for her 99.9% success rate with getting Phil to shower and to Paul for his 100% failure rate when arm wrestling Phil. Heartfelt thanks to Mary, Phil's homecare nurse from the beginning, who kept us steady through the difficult days. Our deep gratitude to sweet Olivia, whose nurturing and practical way with Phil made his days brighter. And, most importantly, special thanks to dear Karl, who cared for Phil with humor, compassion and love for the last two years of Phil's life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Philip Ball
Mary Kay Baum
April 28, 2024
Billy Feitlinger
April 19, 2024
I will be out of town for Phil's celebration. I have so much admiration for Phil. We worked on a number of city issues including the downtown MATC campus. I have fond memories of our efforts including several times telling Phil after disagreeing with him on our strategy "we are on the same side, and you are fierce about our disagreement in private. Phil loved Madison and felt very strongly about the downtown MATC, its students and its impact on the City of Madison. After our meetings in the city council room, even when I was frustrated at times, I knew I could count on Phil's support, counsel, and help in our efforts.
I was very fortunate to get to know Phil. He taught me alot in so many ways. Billy Feitlinger
Mary Rehwald (formerly Mary Radke)
April 19, 2024
During my mid-30's I had a crush on Phil, so it was the disco era at the Cardinal Bar, and I would put on my white blouse and velveteen black jacket and go there on early Friday evenings. He was so much fun. I remember one night when he talked with wonder about the flowing lava he had seen in Hawaii.....He is probably one of the few people I have met who made me want to explore the whole planet.
I don't know if I can make it on the 28th, but if there is anyone in Madison who could drive me to Ft. Atkinson, I would be so grateful. as I no longer drive. My phone number is 608-820-1712, and my last name used to be Radke. Thanks. -Mary Rehwald
Jim Rowen
February 25, 2024
Our friend Phil was our unofficial, generous Madison uncle who´d spirit our boys away in his battleship-sized blue Pontiac convertible for a movie downtown, popcorn from the candy counter and sundaes for `dessert´ at a favorite hideout- his pal Nick´s Badger Candy Kitchen on the Capitol Square. Then the three of them would sail back into the house on a spectacular sugar high and relive for our entertainment every giddy moment of the day. Phil also brought to the work world a similarly uncomplicated and refreshing commitment to fair play, follow-through and honesty, so if things got difficult you always wanted to be allied with Phil because that would put you on the right side of the angels, too. Jim Rowen, and for Susan, too.
Lucy Mathiak
February 13, 2024
Rest in Power, Phil. You were a cherished friend since the day I came to retrieve Natasha from your house. Your wise counsel during the Edgewater TIF fight was in valuable. Our bond over veterans deepened my admiration. Wish we had cloned you. You were an inspiration.
Bert G Zipperer
February 11, 2024
Thank you, Phil!!
We here in Madison live in a better city because of all you did to help us live up to our higher calling. You cared about others and you organized and took action. You built a better world for those who came after you.
Thank you -- from all of us who learned from you and who were inspired by your life of action and principle.
Fred Milverstedt
February 11, 2024
Here's to ya, Phil.
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