Ball, Joe 1978-2009

BALL, VAN ZEE

Posted By: Ernie Braida (email)
Date: 11/6/2009 at 18:58:24

Joe Ball, 30, died March 8, 2009, at his home in Knoxville, Iowa. Joe was born on Friday, October 13, 1978 at Mahaska County Hospital in Oskaloosa. Joe grew up in Knoxville. He graduated from Clarinda Academy in Clarinda, Iowa in 1996.

Joe attended college at DMACC. He was employed at S & S Quarry as an aggregate materials tester for the last 4 and one half years.

Joe enjoyed the outdoors; fishing, camp fires, being with his friends and family. Joe loved to rock hunt and has an extensive collection of arrowheads. One of his most time consuming hobbies was ultimate fighting. Joe had one amateur fight but still trained and studied MMA. He loved to watch professional fights, live or from his massive collection of DVD’s. He even met a few of his idols.

The most important thing to Joe for the last five years was the love of his life, Kristin Van Zee. From their love came Gracie Mae, born January 20, 2009. The birth of his only daughter brought a light into his eyes. He lived the last 7 weeks of his life solely for Kristin and Gracie.

Joe was preceded in death by his grandparents, Barton and Vivian Ball.

Survivors include those closest to him, his fiancé’, Kristin Van Zee; daughter, Gracie Ball; mother, Pam Bennett; brother, Scott Starmer; sister-in-law, Bobbie Starmer; nephew, Devin Starmer; nieces, Mercedes and Haley Starmer; and grandparents, Les and Ramona Bennett. Joe will be missed by numerous family and friends.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 13, 2009 at Williams Funeral Home with Pastor Brian Hotrum officiating. Interment was in Marysville Cemetery, rural Marion County, Iowa.

Casket bearers were Chad Visser, Randy Vancenbrock, Chris Sage, Ryan Sotter, Dave McNew and Greg Bonnett. Honorary casket bearers were Kelly Spaur and Terry Phipps. Musical selections were “Count On Me,” a CD by Default; “If You’re Reading This,” CD by Tim McGraw and “All I Can Do IS Write About It,” a CD by Lynard Skynard. Crystal Burk sang “In My Daughter’s Eyes” by Martina McBride. Memorials may be made to Gracie Ball and Kristin Van Zee.

Williams Funeral Home March 16, 2009