July 26, 1932 – Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Service Information
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo
February 3, 2009
2 PM
Visitation Information
Murray Edwin Ball
July 26, 1932 to January 27, 2009
Murray Ball of Rockford (Greenfield), MN passed away following a brief and sudden illness, spending his final days surrounded by loving family members.
Murray was born in Durand, MI, to parents Chrystal (Vincent) and Leon Ball. Following high school graduation in Owasso, MI, Murray enlisted in the US Army and served during the Korean Conflict. After returning to the states, Murray graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Agricultural Engineering. A position with General Mills, Inc., brought Murray and his family to MN. During his 30+ year career at GMI, Murray was a Food Engineer and became leader of development teams that created numerous successful breakfast cereals and snack foods. Murray collected several US patents for new machinery and food processing processes while at GMI and was also an active member of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers. Following retirement from GMI, Murray launched a new career as a consultant and worked for Schulze & Burch Biscuit Co. in Chicago, traveling back and forth from his home in MN to IL each week.
Even with his full-time work and family responsibilities, Murray was able to dedicate time to one of his first loves, farming. Over the years, Murray grew his farmstead in Western Hennepin County to 300 acres, focusing on grain production and beef cattle. He was recognized for his use of innovative and technologically advanced approaches to farming.
Murray also loved traveling to new places and experienced many different cultures from Bangkok to Brazil, with Costa Rica and Dominican Republic being two of his favorite places to visit.
Murray is preceded in death by parents, Chrystal and Leon Ball, sister Eileen Ball, brother Robert Ball, sister-in-law Ruby Ball, and by infant daughter Mary Beth. Murray will be greatly missed by children Samantha Ball Zeman (Fred) of Orono, Meredith Provance of Oakdale, and John Ball (Sarah) of Buffalo; granddaughters Ellie and Ava Ball; sister Marion Williamson (Gerald) of New Port Richey, FL; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, and numerous friends.
Funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at 2:00 pm at the Peterson Chapel, Buffalo. Visitation will be 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Monday, February 2, 2009 with a prayer service at 7:30 and additional visitation two hours prior to the funeral service on Tuesday. Private burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to American Heart Association or American Cancer Society. Serving the Family… The Peterson Chapel- Buffalo. 763-682-1363 www.thepetersonchapel.com
Murray was an incredible person, with a warm heart, a rare charm and an unyielding passion for improving everything he worked on. He will be sorely missed by all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him and working with him. As I’m in Chicago, I regret that I will not be able to attend the services.
Missy and Sam-
It has been so long since our days of 4-H, but know that I am sending my sympathies on the death of your father.
Uncle Murray was such a charismatic person! I will forever remember the bits of wisdom he shared with me. He was an incredible man who left behind a wonderful legacy. I share stories of him with my children and they soon feel like royalty for being related to the guy that made yummy cereal! I regret that we cannot make it to Minnesota to formally say good bye. I wish to share my condolences with Sam, John and Missy. I also want to say sorry to Aunt Marion. I know that you will all miss him so.
Sincerely,
Margo and Family
murray was a kind,softspoken,witty man.We shared many good times together.He was a great friend, and will be deeply missed. my condolences to the ball family.