Michael R. Ball, 67, of Huron

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HURON — Michael R. Ball, 67, of Huron, passed away Tuesday, July 4, 2017, at the Huron Regional Medical Center.
Memorial visitation with the family present will be Saturday, July 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. followed by a memorial service with military honors by the Huron Veterans Council at 7 p.m. at the Welter Funeral Home in Huron.
Mike was born October 1, 1949, in Fargo, N.D. to Robert and Mary Lou (Myers) Ball. He grew up in Billings, Mont. where he graduated from high school. After high school, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Navy November 11, 1967. After basic training, and mechanic/basic submarine school, he was assigned to submarine, USS T. Roosevelt in the Atlantic Fleet where he served until his honorable discharge  August 18, 1971, when he returned to Montana.
Mike had a passion for music and played in a band, touring in the upper Midwest. His band played a gig at the Plains in Huron where he would meet his future wife, Dixie Campbell, who worked there. They were married on August 10, 1983, at the Chapel in the Hills at Rapid City. After their wedding, Mike and Dixie lived in Huron where Mike was employed at the Crossroads before becoming a deputy state fire marshal. He then began a long career with the DM&E/Canadian Pacific Railroad where he worked as a Safety/HAZMAT specialist investigating derailments in the upper Midwest and Canada until his illness.
Mike touched the lives of so many: he was very involved in youth programs in Huron where he spend countless hours volunteering. He was a member of the Huron and Cavour Volunteer Fire Departments and Huron Ambulance. He treasured spending time with his family and friends; especially at their lake cabin on Lake Byron, hunting of all types, golfing, and music.
Mike is survived by his wife, Dixie Ball of Huron; two sons, BJ (Katie) Ball, and Ryan Ball, all of Huron; two brothers, David (Betty) Ball of Stevenville, Mont., and Chuck (Lou Ann) Ball of Helena, Mont.; two sisters-in-law, Tammy (Randy) Oligmueller of Miller, and Deb Thompson of Huron; mother-in-law, Betty Campbell of Huron; and numerous nieces, and nephews. Mike also leaves behind his Lake family and a band of good friends and hunting buddies
 He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Norm Sulenes; and father-in-law, John Campbell.
Visit www.welterfuneralhome.com
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