1947
Terry
2024
Terry Ball
April 12, 1947 — April 30, 2024
Sherwood
Terry Ball of Sherwood, WI, died unexpectedly on April 30th, 2024, at Theda Clark hospital in Appleton, surrounded by the love and admiration of his family. Terry was born on April 12, 1947, in Tomahawk, WI to William and LaVerne (née Major) Ball. He met his true love, Karen Haugen, while attending Tomahawk High School. They were married on October 4th, 1969, and had two children together.
As a young man Terry grew up following in his father’s footsteps. He was an exceptional athlete and avid outdoorsman. During his time at Tomahawk High School he participated in football, track, baseball, and golf. Although he loved the physicality of football, his natural talents in the game of golf made him the perfect competitor for the UW Superior men's golf team. After sustaining an injury, he left to attend UW Stevens Point, until returning to Tomahawk to work with his father and the family business.
Terry’s family owned and operated Maple Birch Golf Course from 1913 until 1988. In 1978, Terry proudly took over the reins from his father, working tirelessly as he maintained the same level of dedication and pride as his family before him. He and Karen performed the vast majority of the work themselves. They were up at dawn ensuring fairways were immaculate, tees and greens were mowed and cups moved. If you enjoyed a drink at the bar you knew it to be spotless. It was a labor of love for the entire family.
Terry loved to be around people, whether it was at the golf course, out for dinner, or sitting next to someone at a sporting event. He was eager to start up a conversation and share his tales a plenty. These stories have been passed down to his children and grandchildren, allowing for the greatest of memories.
What Terry loved most were his children and grandchildren. His grandchildren held the most special place in his heart. Terry softened after his grandchildren were born, showing up with patience, affection, and incredible pride. If you knew Terry, you would have heard unending stories of his children and grandchildren. He took pride in teaching his children how to play golf, both of them having success in high school and beyond. His love of golf has been passed down to his grandchildren as well. He coached his grandsons on the course and at the driving range, sharing the same techniques passed down by his father and grandfather.
Terry has been a fighter as he dealt with cancer, COPD, and heart disease. He continued to receive treatments to appease those who sought more time with him. We are thankful he is at peace despite missing his hugs and stories.
Left to carry on Terry’s legacy are his wife, Karen, son Bill (Cindy) Ball, Farmington MN, daughter Lori (Doug) Smestad, Appleton, WI and his greatest loves, his grandchildren Aspen and Riley Ball and Will and Ben Smestad.
We thank all of the doctors and nurses who have worked with Terry over the past few years. We are grateful for the first responders, EMT’s, and police officers who arrived quickly and worked tirelessly to assist Terry in his final hours.
Terry did not want a funeral as pomp and circumstance were not part of his DNA. Instead a celebration of life will be held at Fish Tail Inn Bar/Grill, in Stockbridge on June 8th from 1-4 p.m. Dale, at Fish Tail, along with many others have become a second family for Karen and Terry. We look forward to sharing stories, laughing, and celebrating this remarkable man.
As a young man Terry grew up following in his father’s footsteps. He was an exceptional athlete and avid outdoorsman. During his time at Tomahawk High School he participated in football, track, baseball, and golf. Although he loved the physicality of football, his natural talents in the game of golf made him the perfect competitor for the UW Superior men's golf team. After sustaining an injury, he left to attend UW Stevens Point, until returning to Tomahawk to work with his father and the family business.
Terry’s family owned and operated Maple Birch Golf Course from 1913 until 1988. In 1978, Terry proudly took over the reins from his father, working tirelessly as he maintained the same level of dedication and pride as his family before him. He and Karen performed the vast majority of the work themselves. They were up at dawn ensuring fairways were immaculate, tees and greens were mowed and cups moved. If you enjoyed a drink at the bar you knew it to be spotless. It was a labor of love for the entire family.
Terry loved to be around people, whether it was at the golf course, out for dinner, or sitting next to someone at a sporting event. He was eager to start up a conversation and share his tales a plenty. These stories have been passed down to his children and grandchildren, allowing for the greatest of memories.
What Terry loved most were his children and grandchildren. His grandchildren held the most special place in his heart. Terry softened after his grandchildren were born, showing up with patience, affection, and incredible pride. If you knew Terry, you would have heard unending stories of his children and grandchildren. He took pride in teaching his children how to play golf, both of them having success in high school and beyond. His love of golf has been passed down to his grandchildren as well. He coached his grandsons on the course and at the driving range, sharing the same techniques passed down by his father and grandfather.
Terry has been a fighter as he dealt with cancer, COPD, and heart disease. He continued to receive treatments to appease those who sought more time with him. We are thankful he is at peace despite missing his hugs and stories.
Left to carry on Terry’s legacy are his wife, Karen, son Bill (Cindy) Ball, Farmington MN, daughter Lori (Doug) Smestad, Appleton, WI and his greatest loves, his grandchildren Aspen and Riley Ball and Will and Ben Smestad.
We thank all of the doctors and nurses who have worked with Terry over the past few years. We are grateful for the first responders, EMT’s, and police officers who arrived quickly and worked tirelessly to assist Terry in his final hours.
Terry did not want a funeral as pomp and circumstance were not part of his DNA. Instead a celebration of life will be held at Fish Tail Inn Bar/Grill, in Stockbridge on June 8th from 1-4 p.m. Dale, at Fish Tail, along with many others have become a second family for Karen and Terry. We look forward to sharing stories, laughing, and celebrating this remarkable man.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Terry Ball, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Celebration of Life
Saturday, June 8, 2024
1:00 - 4:00 pm (Central time)
Fishtail Inn Bar & Grill
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