WM. Ben Ballinger

Ben was born December 17, 1939, in Longmont to William Benjamin Ballinger, Sr. and Anne Marnich. He was a fifth generation Coloradoan with his family being one of the original settlers in the area.

Ben attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School before graduating from Longmont High School in 1958. He lettered in baseball for four years as their catcher on successful Trojan teams. He attended one year at Mesa State, Grand Junction, playing baseball that year.

Ben married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen Sims on April 29, 1962, in Longmont.

Ben worked with his father in cement construction beginning in high school and continued to partner with him in their business, WB Ballinger and Son Cement Contractors. The best of friends and work partners, they provided a growing Longmont with flat work, curb and sidewalks for over 40 years. Ben would retire in 2005.

Ben’s love for the game of baseball was never lost as a player and coach. After high school he played for many years on several fast-pitch softball teams. Never losing his love of the game he later took on a personal responsibility to coach Longmont Little League with zest and enthusiasm to see Longmont boys and teams continue to be competitive.

Enjoying the outdoors and Colorado’s wilderness, Ben was an avid hunter of elk, deer, and antelope and he enjoyed hunting with his friends, son, and daughter. He enjoyed many years fishing with his father at local and state lakes in Colorado. He also loved his Land Rover and driving his kids on off-road trails to remote camping and fishing sites. He later enjoyed taking his granddaughters to Rocky Mountain National Park to hear the elk bugle and enjoy the outdoors. His time in the mountains was an indescribable joy.

Another of Ben’s passion was spending time at Bandimere Speedway supporting his son-in-law and granddaughter drag race.

Preceding him in death are his parents, sister Cathy Winter and daughter-in-law Denise Ballinger.

Surviving is his wife Kathi, son Brent, daughter Stacie (Ron) Goscha; granddaughters, Marrisca (Riley) Juvan, Rheanna Goscha, and great-grandson Milo William Juvan; cousin once removed Gerald Oakley and numerous nieces and nephews.

A reception & remembrance gathering for Ben will be held Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Howe Mortuary Reception Room, 439 Coffman Street, Longmont, Colorado 80501.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association in Colorado, 5600 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Ste 300, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 or a charity of your choice.

Cremation is entrusted to Howe Mortuary & Crematory of Longmont, Colorado.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Ballinger family.