Robert Ballou

Robert Blake Ballou, 93, passed away on September 23, 2016.  He was born September 1, 1923 to Sidney V. and Josephine (Elmer) Ballou on the family farm in southern Minnesota.  Bob married Barbara Kershaw on September 16, 1944.  They were married for 65 years until Barbara’s death in 2010.  In their retirement, Bob and Barb enjoyed traveling throughout the US and Canada.  They also enjoyed many years at their summer cabin.

Bob graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1941 and attended Duluth State Teachers College.  At Duluth Central High School, he was on the gymnastics team and was a member of the YMCA for over 50 years where he participated and coached the men’s gymnastics team.

In 1942 during WWII, Bob enlisted in the US Army and served in Europe with the 89th Infantry Division until 1946 and was awarded two Battle Stars.  In 2011, he was privileged to fly on an Honor Flight to Washington, DC with other WW II veterans.

Bob was a charter member of the Duluth Superior Symphony Chorus and sang with them until 2015.  In addition, he was a charter member of the Duluth Symphony Opera Chorus and performed in all productions for 26 years which included minor supporting roles.  At the Duluth Playhouse he performed in many musicals.  He was also a member of the Duluth Light Opera Company, Northland Opera Company, Northland Male Chorus, Loyal Order of Buckhorns, the Duluth Concert Quartet, and was a soloist in various Duluth churches.  He was a member of First United Methodist Church and participated in many of its activities for over 55 years.  He was also deeply committed to issues relating to the environment.

Bob was employed by St. Louis County in the Purchasing Department for 35 years retiring in 1982.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, his brother Stephen (June) Ballou, and sister Joy (John) Booth.

Bob is survived by his children Jeffrey (the late Jane) Ballou of Superior, WI, Joy Ballou (Jim Jantzen) of Mahtomedi, MN, and Rebecca Ballou-Buck (Ken Buck) of Hermantown; ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and brother Nathan E. (Elaine) Ballou of Richland, WA.

Memorial Service will be 11:30AM, Friday, September 30, 2016 with visitation starting at 10AM, in the First United Methodist Church, 230 E Skyline Pkwy, Duluth, MN 55811.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 218-727-3555