Roland L. Ballard

Rolland "Dee" Lee Ballard, 66, of Gheen passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at St Raphael's Health & Rehabilitation Center in Eveleth.

He was born on December 28, 1948 at Warsaw, New York the son of Robert H. and Audrey (Hoffman) Ballard. He grew up in Warsaw. Dee joined the Navy in 1971. After his honorable discharge he lived in Florida where he was an over the road truck driver. He then moved to Great Falls, MT and continued his career as a truck driver. Dee then moved to northern Minnesota 14 years ago, settling in Togo, then Gheen.
He was a past member of the Northwood's Riders Club. He enjoyed tinkering with small motors and loved riding his motorcycle and visiting with friends.

Rolland is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Audrey Ballard; 4 brothers: Richard, Robert Jr., Raymond and Dick Ballard; and 1 sister, Audrey Cornelius.

He is survived by his children, Ryan (Tara) Dall of Gilbert, Robert Ballard of Sault St. Marie, MI, Roger (Aimee) Ballard of Warsaw, NY and Kimberly Shaw of Florida; 1 brother, Ron (Joanne) Ballard of Warsaw, NY; 11 Grandchildren, and his 2 best friends, Randy Babbs and Rev. James Rockensock.

SERVICES: Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday November 6, 2015 at the Lakeview Baptist Church in Orr. A gathering of family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service. Rev James Rockensock will be the officiant. Military honors will be accorded by the combined honor guards of Orr American Legion Post #480 and Cook VFW Post #1757. A reception will follow in the church social hall.
Burial will be at a later date in the Carpenter Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral home in Cook. To sign the online guest book or to send a condolence to the family got to: www.mlakerfuneralhome.com