Wade Owen Baller

Wade Owen Zinsmeister Baller was born April 25, 1948 in Louisville, Kentucky to Lee Roy Zinsmeister and Edith Larsen. Wade passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 21, 2024 in Provo, Utah.

At a young age, Wade moved with his mother and sisters to California. They were met there by his stepfather/papa, Edward Baller. Wade loved growing up in California because of his love for the ocean. Wade loved body surfing and could spend hours in the water. He also enjoyed playing football and basketball at John Marshall High School. Wade started working at their family hardware store at a young age, and worked there for many years. Wade met Donna Jean Perkins after his sister introduced them. After a whirlwind, the two were married in the Los Angeles Temple on November 7, 1970. Wade and Donna loved to take their family on adventures. In 1985, the family moved to Santaquin, Utah, where they still reside. Wade opened and ran a hardware store until 1988. In 1988 Wade began a grand adventure driving truck across the United States for C.R. England. He retired in 2015.

Wade has always been a friend to anyone he comes in contact with. In his final days he always kept his door open so he could see all his friends pass by. Wade loved all people, from all walks of life, and never judged anyone, but chose to love them instead. Wade was a dreamer. He could dream big, and always encouraged his children to love life and live life to the fullest. Wade was an avid sports fan. His first loves were BYU and the Dodgers. Growing up, he lived just miles from Dodgers Stadium, and some of his fondest memories are of games with his family.

 Wade was so proud of his family, and would want them all named. He is survived by his wife, Donna Jean (sweetie); his children Troy (Heidy), Shane (Suzy), Kelly Volway (Ed), Jason (Shezrae), Amber Flores (Oscar), Tyler (Erin), and Spencer; his grandchildren: Brigham, Hannah (Isaac), Maggie (Caden), and Lola Baller; Aidan (Alexandra), Andrew, Max (Elder Baller), and London Baller; Skyler, Alexandra, and Kacelyn Volway; Kabren, Treyson (Elder Baller), and Declan Baller; Elena (Aaron), Kelly Lynn, Nelsey, Alejandra, Kamilla, Oscar Jr. Flores, and one on the way; Sarah, Jacob, and Chloe Baller; Victoria, Keanna, Cali, Killian, and Kai Baller; his great-grandsons Beckham and Finn Baller; and his two beloved sisters Linda Bennett (Guy), Barbara Gull (Richard); as well as many in-laws and nieces and nephews.

 Wade was preceded in death by his biological father, Lee Roy Zinsmeister, Edward Baller (papa), mother, Edith Baller, brother Chuck Cowie, and sister Kathy Baller Leroy.

 A celebration of life will be held on January 4, 2025 at 6:00 p.m., at La Fête 120 N. University Ave. Provo, Utah. Wade’s ashes will be laid to rest, by his family, in the Pacific Ocean at a later date.