Obit: Ballard, Larry K. (1949 – 2009)
Contact: Dolores

Surnames: Ballard, Gilbertson, Fisk, Stearns, Lang, Bakken

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) February 11, 2009

Ballard, Larry K. (11 January 1949 – 4 February 2009) With Flag

Larry K. Ballard, 60, of Black River Falls died Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009, in his home.

Larry was born Jan. 11, 1949, at St. Claire Hospital in Monroe to Sanford LeRoy and Evelyn Hazel (Gilbertson) Ballard. He was raised in Monroe and Rockford, IL, and graduated from Harlem High School in Rockford and also a radio broadcast school.

He later served in the Army during the Vietnam War and served as a medic in Panama for two years.

He was married to Kay Fisk, and they were later divorced.

In addition to having lived in Monroe and Rockford, Larry had also lived in Beloit and Dodgeville. He moved to Black River Falls, one year ago.

He had been employed as a radio announcer in Rockford and, for the 20 years prior to his retirement, had been employed by Wisconsin Power and Light Company as a meter reader.

Larry enjoyed reading (especially the Bible), doing research at the public library, doing volunteer work (Bolton House and Neighborhood Food Pantry), music (especially the Beatles) and bird-watching. He also loved to spend time on his land near Richland Center.

Survivors include a sister, Bonnie (Richard) Stearns of Merrillan; his ex-wife, Kay Ballard of Richland Center; a nephew, David Lang of Black River Falls; a great-niece, Danielle Lang; an uncle, Howard (Evelyn) Ballard of Rockford, IL; a cousin, Gary Ballard of Roscoe, IL; and numerous other aunts, uncles, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, at the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, Pastor Eric Bakken officiated.

Family and friends were invited for visitation Tuesday from 10 a.m. until services at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to the neighborhood Food Pantry or the Lighthouse.

Online condolences are available at www.buswellfuneralhome.com.