Brian William Ball

Brian William Ball, 69, died January 3, 2017 with family at his side at the VA Medical Center Ann Arbor, after a short battle with illness. Brian was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 24, 1947 to parents Alfred and Carol Ann (Fischer) Ball. Brian grew up learning a love for fishing, hunting and the outdoors beginning at his grandparents’ cottage on Houghton Lake, grandfather’s farm in Cadillac, summers in Yellowstone Park, and Florida. Brian graduated from East Lansing High School in 1965. Brian enlisted in the United States Army in 1966 and honorably served with the 25th Infantry Division in the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968. After returning, Brian attended Michigan State University. Brian was the resident caretaker at the Ingham County Conservation League, sharing his knowledge with other sportsmen, and where his daughter was born. Brian moved to Charlotte, Michigan, where he met his dear wife Vicki and they began their life together. Brian was dedicated to his career as a skilled tool and die laborer at Linn Products, retiring in 2006. Brian and Vicki moved to Missaukee County in northern Michigan in 2009. In their retirement they enjoyed the wilderness of up north, while spending October and April fishing in Ft. Myers, Florida. Brian will always remain in our hearts as an avid outdoorsman, sportsman, pool shark, poker player, kind, quiet, intelligent man who impacted the lives of his family and friends with his creativity and quiet wisdom. Brian is survived by his loving wife, Vicki; his daughter, Annie (Ted) Harrison; two sisters and their families, Susan (Tom) Shostak, Justine, Stephen, Tamara, and Troy; Nancy (Bob) Fodor; two stepchildren, Shane Thuma and Jacque Thuma; six grandchildren, Gabrielle, Audrey, Zachary, Tessa (Phil), Tylie (Matt), and Donovan; three great grandchildren, Ryleigh, Mikayla, and Kaydence.Vicki's sisters and brothers and their families, Dianne Webb, Jacque (Jeff) Forell, Barb (Gary) Wells, Randy (Carla) Mills, Donnie (Sharon) Mills, and many nieces,nephews, cousins, and extended family. Brian will be missed by many friends, including his life-long friend Steve (Diane) Kidder. Brian was preceded in death by his parents. A service honoring Brian's life will be held Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Burkhead-Green Funeral Home, 206 W. Lawrence Ave, Charlotte, MI, with Rev. Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation will be held Saturday from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, prior to the service. The family would like to invite you to a memorial luncheon after the service at the VFW, 695 Lansing Rd, Charlotte. Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV), PO Box 14301, Cincinnati OH 45250-0301.