John O. Ball Jr.

Born May 30, 1939 in Pekin to John O. and Velma (Bryant) Ball, Sr., he married Marjorie A. Mitchell on December 15, 1973 in Monterey. She died February 15, 2012. He also was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Velma “Mert” Wertz, Evelyn “Evy” Stanberry and Jenny Miller and one brother, Clarence “Jonesy” Jones.

Surviving are one sister, Sandy Lohnes of Bark River, Michigan; two stepdaughters, Joni (David) Sefton of Brownstown and Lisa (the late Jeff) Heilman of Forest City; one stepson, Carl Heltzel of Green Valley; one granddaughter, Opal (Brad) Kuban; one great-granddaughter, Maeliegh Kuban and numerous nieces and nephews.

John worked for Pekin Hospital in the maintenance department for 41 years, retiring in 2001. He specialized in operating and repairing HVAC, refrigeration and pneumatic tube systems at the hospital along with boiler operations.

He enjoyed bowling in men’s and mixed leagues for many years and listening to country music, especially the Grand Ole Opry. He also enjoyed reading, watching westerns and square dancing. He was proud to remodel and restore his homeplace; completing carpentry and woodworking with both his wife and father-in-law.

He was a longtime member of St. John’s (Sand Prairie) Lutheran Church in rural Green Valley.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 5, 2022 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Green Valley. Pastor Chris Sansom and DCE William Krueger will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral Saturday at the church. Graveside services will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Walnut Cemetery in Banner. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 13443 Townline Road, Green Valley, IL 61534 or to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com