Kenneth Lee Ball

Kenneth Lee (Ken) Ball of Byron Center, age 89, passed away July 5, 2023, at The Oaks at Byron Center, Michigan, and is now healthy and whole and living with Jesus, where he is praising God for all eternity. He was preceded in death by his parents Lee and Mabel Ball; father and mother-in-law, Gerald and Gertrude Sytsma; brothers Lyle Ball and Roger Ball; precious grandson, Benjamin Scott Boomsma; brothers-in-law Peter Harkema and Howard Veldhouse and his son, Lt. Col. Jeffrey K. Ball, PhD, M.E. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, E. Joyce; daughter, Kristin Lee Bredeweg (Robert); grandchildren Nathan (Taylor) Boomsma, Brooke Boomsma, Alex Boomsma, David (Anneka) Boomsma, Austin Ball, Audra Ball, Annalise Ball, Amber Ball, Josiah (Carolyn) Ball; and great-granddaughter, Aria Ball; sister-in-law, Marilyn Ball; brothers- and sisters-in-law Jim and Ruth Sytsma, Jeri and Dan Conklin, Ron and Arlene Sytsma, Jill Harkema, Jack and Jan Sytsma; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Ken graduated from Byron Center High School and attended the University of Michigan School of Architecture. As a registered architect in the state of Michigan and surrounding states, he was a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Michigan Society of Architects, Grand Valley Chapter of the AIA, National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB), and worked for 44 years as a professional architect until his retirement as vice president of URS Corporation (formerly Daverman Associates and/or Greiner, Inc.). Ken served on several other professional and building code organizations including the Byron Center Township Planning Commission for 25 years as chairman. Ken also served in the United States Army, including a tour of duty in Korea. He and his wife, Joyce, are charter members of Heritage Christian Reformed Church in Byron Center of which he designed the original church building while serving on the building and grounds committee for over 35 years. Ken was an active member of the Heritage CRC men’s Bible study group which he so enjoyed and cherished each and every participant.

Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, July 10, 2023 at Heritage Christian Reformed Church, 3089 84th St. SW, Byron Center. Private family burial services will be held at Winchester Cemetery following the funeral. Relatives and friends may meet Ken’s family from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, July 9 at Cook Funeral Home, 2067 84th st. SW, Byron Center, and also one hour prior to the service on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Byron Center Christian School Foundation, South Christian High School Foundation, The Potter’s House Foundation, or Faith Hospice. Ken and his family wish to sincerely thank the staff at The Oaks at Byron Center for their excellent care of him during time spent there - especially to Martinique, who was his special caregiver and gave him so much love and time. The family welcomes memories and messages in the online guest book at www.cookcaresbyron.com.