Merle W. Ballou Jr.

Merle W. Ballou, Jr., 86 year old resident of Randall, MN passed away Friday, January 17, 2014 in Randall, MN. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, January 23, 2014 at the Randall Presbyterian Church in Randall, MN with Rev. Rob Bellin officiating. Burial will take place in the Randall City Cemetery in Randall, MN. Friends may call from 4-7 P.M. on Wednesday and from 9:30-10:30 A.M. on Thursday at the Randall Presbyterian Church in Randall, MN. Arrangements are with Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls. Merle was born on April 21, 1927 to the late Merle and Mabel (Betts) Ballou on the family farm outside of Randall, MN. He was united in marriage to Harriet Tompkins on June 21, 1950 in a small country church in Culdrum Township, Morrison County. On January 16, 1951 Merle enlisted into the US Army and honorably served until his honorable discharge on August 16, 1952. In 1966 Merle opened Ballou Plumbing and Heating where he was the proud owner and boss for many years. His keen wit and vast knowledge of the plumbing and heating industry was unlimited. Merle made many friends with employees, customers, wholesale reps, and other business owners. He and Harriet enjoyed having breakfast with the salesmen that would come early in the day to see him. Merle loved and spent many hours talking on the phone doing “research” as he would call it. In his free time Merle enjoyed hunting, fishing, bird watching, traveling, and restoring old things that were broken. Merle loved his grandchildren and occasionally would have to give them a “proper” send off, and was also known to give them advice on how to improve their life. He also loved his great-grandchildren and was a little easier on them. Merle was member of the Randall VFW, Charter Member of the Randall-Cushing Lions and a supporter of the Randall Presbyterian Church. Merle is survived by his children, Duane (Sharon) Ballou of Randall, MN, David Ballou of Randall, MN, Diane (Terry) Balaski of Randall, MN, and Doug Ballou & fiancé Pat Schmid of Randall, MN; brothers, Fred (Bonnie) Ballou, Norman Ballou, and Marvin Ballou; 19 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren. Merle was preceded in death by wife, Harriet Ballou; and parents, Merle and Mable Ballou. Casketbearers will be Merle’s grandchildren.

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Merle W. Ballou Jr.

April 21, 1927 - January 17, 2014