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William C. Ballou, 80, of Cherokee died Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at his home.
Memorial services were held Saturday, Nov. 2, at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. Burial will be at a later date.
William Craig Ballou was born May 19, 1944, to David and Dorothy (Howland) Ballou in Sibley. William, aka “Billy,” spent his early years in Sibley until moving later to family farms near Archer and Lake Park, where he enjoyed his days playing with his siblings and cousins and helping with chores on the farm. Following his graduation from Hartley Community High School, Billy enlisted in the Army Reserves military police unit out of Pocahontas.
He was united in marriage on June 5, 1965, to Sandra Zemke at Newell Methodist Church. To this union two children were born, Cassandra and Jason. Following his divorce in 1990, Billy was later united in marriage to Denise Dierenfeld on July 30, 1994, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. From this union, Billy acquired children: Marcus, Amanda, Deanna, and stepchildren: Tina Akin, Cora Akin and Seth Akin.
Billy enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing and talking on the phone with his siblings, and trucking across the country until his retirement.
He is survived by his wife, Denise; children and stepchildren: Cassandra (Ballou) Woods and husband Gerry; Jason and Erin Ballou; Amanda (Ballou) Price and husband Houston; Deanna (Ballou) Grant and husband Ryan; Marcus and Jenna Ballou; Tina and Kevin Dewey; Cora and Ed Mcbride; and Seth Akin. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Wyatt Ballou and wife Megan; Mackenzie Ballou and fiancée Caleb Hess; Grace Ballou; Bryce Ballou; Hudson Ballou; Patrick Price; and step-grandchildren: Kayla Drast; Craig Dewey; Sami Kist; Stormie Akin; and Sky Akin. Bill is also survived by his twin sisters, Cynthia Jeffery and Susan Morrow; and many nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather Carl Rau; siblings: Patricia, David Jr., Judith and Donald; and brothers-in-law, Cliff Muilenburg and John Jeffery.
