Perry David Ball Sr.

Ball, Perry David Sr.

Beloved husband and father, Perry David Ball, Sr., 86, of Arden Hills, MN, (formerly of Little Canada, Fergus Falls, Roseville, and Willmar, MN), passed away peacefully at home on the evening of February 17, 2026. Perry, a.k.a. "Bud" and "Uncle Bud" was born on December 27, 1939 to Donald and Mary Ball in St. Paul, MN. He was the baby in a family that included five older siblings, and he maintained special relationships with all of them until the time of their passing.

In 1957, Perry joined the MN Air National Guard in service to his state and country, and became active duty US Air Force from 1961-1962. During this time, he also received his GED from USAFE. Following active duty, he returned to the Air National Guard until 1964. Later, he continued his service in the MN Army National Guard from 1979-1989, ending his military service time as a Staff Sergeant.

Perry was a people person with a wide smile that naturally drew others in. He loved to talk, share stories, teach others and volunteer his time. This was reflected in a career path that included sales but ultimately led him to driver's education. He worked for North Star Driving School for a number of years, and also stepped into owning and running his own driving school, Safeway Driving School. These experiences eventually brought him to the State of MN where he held the positions of Driver Examiner from 1978-1987 followed by a promotion to Driver Evaluator/Driver Improvement Specialist from 1987 through his retirement in 2003. He generously volunteered his time and service through his children's activities including the Boy Scouts and the Color Guards of Merriam Park. In 1979, his Driver Examiner position took him and his family to the smaller community of Willmar, MN. There, his volunteer service continued as a board member and Sergeant at Arms at the American Legion Post #167, and as a ten year member, First Assistant Chief, and Chief in the Willmar/Kandiyohi Rescue Squad.

Perry attended St. Paul Central High School, and it was there that he met and "fell in love with a ponytail" named Marguerite "Marge" Jacobson. They were married in October of 1959 at The Church of St. Cecilia in St. Paul. Perry and Marge celebrated 66 years of marriage last October, sticking together through the good times and hard times, caring for each other in good health, sickness, and the challenges of life and growing older. Over the last few years of his life, Marge demonstrated what it meant to be a loving caregiver, and though he didn't always know how to fully express it, especially toward the end, he knew, loved, worried about, and truly appreciated her. Together, Perry and Marge had four children, eight grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

He loved watching his kids and grandkids grow up, and sharing in their lives with them. He attended many events and activities, whether it was birthday celebrations, games, performances, graduations, weddings, or family get-togethers where laughter often reigned. Perry also loved country music, and enthusiastically shared that passion through his guitar playing and singing. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and in his retirement, honed his skills in woodworking.

Anyone who knew Perry knew that he was a family first kind of man-a loving and supportive son, husband, father, grandfather and uncle. Perry is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Mary Ball, siblings, Helen Spear, Donald Ball, Jean Marah, Mary Lou Goldsmith, and Walter Ball. He is survived by his loving wife, Marguerite Ball, daughter Sheryl Cullen (Jack), daughter Sandra Pothen, son Perry Ball, Jr., daughter Nancy Schrupp (Andy), grandchildren Sean (Vetris), Michelle (Michael), Joseph (Raine), Amanda, Christopher (Hannah), Jade (Shane), Mary, Clara, great grandchildren, Henry, Oliver, and Seren, and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, 1669 Arcade Street North, Saint Paul, MN 55106, with a gathering of family and friends starting at 10:00 a.m, and a luncheon reception to follow. Private interment will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be donated to Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church.