Donald L. "Duke" Ballard, 75, of Prophetstown, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2015, at OSF St. Luke Medical Center, Kewanee.

A private family service will be held. As per his wishes cremation rites have been accorded. Vandemore Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Geneseo, is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Happy Tails Animal Shelter in Sterling, Ill.

Duke was born on Oct. 29, 1939, in Erie, the son of George D. and Dora Nicely Ballard. He was united in marriage to Linda L. Bartels on April 8, 1957, in Elgin, Ill.

Duke worked for John Deere Harvester Works in East Moline in the inventory department for over 30 years, from which he retired. He was a member of the UAW. Duke enjoyed going on fishing trips and restoring John Deere tractors and old cars.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; children, Cheryl (Rodney) Mills, Morrison, Wanda (Brian) McCubbin, Tiffin, Iowa, Donald L. Ballard Jr., Oxford, Iowa, Jill (Myron) Zuidema, Morrison; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and sister, Diane Bailey, Erie. He was preceded in death by his parents and nine brothers and sisters.

Share a message of sympathy with Duke's family at vandemorefuneralhome.com.