Margaret Baller

Services for Margaret Maude Baller were held Saturday, November 26, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson with Pastor Timothy Jones provided words of comfort. Hymns chosen were “The Old Rugged Cross” and “How Great Thou Art.” Interment took place at the Jefferson Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the church.

Family legacy of love for Margaret Baller: five children: Charles, Mick, Jim, Claudia, and David; 15 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and husband, Lloyd Baller (married 67 years, died 2002). Honored relatives: sister, Pauline Hall-Fauss of Norfolk, Neb.; sister-in-law, Helen Hall of Norfolk; nephew, Lanny Fauss of Gretna, Neb.; great-nephew, Bradley Fauss of Marietta, Ga.; niece, Suzanne Fauss-Raeside of Norfolk; niece, Kathy Fauss-Goodwaterof Battle Creek, Neb.; niece, Julie Hall of Norfolk; and nephew Jim Therrien of Focistall, Mo. Casket bearers were her fifteen grandchildren. Honorary Casket Bearers were Dorothy Adamson, Pearl Betts, Rolfe Blaess, Brenda Brewer, Dr. Laurie Connonlly, Ed Coover, Neva Eggimann, Sara Fleecs, P.A., Jim Giese, Vi Hoffman, Arlene Lashier, Bob and Janet Owens, Hollie Roberts, Charlotte Schmidt and Phyllis Trost.

Margaret Maude Baller came into the world on August 11th, 1915 in Merna, Nebraska. She was the third daughter of Cloe and Claude Hall. She was blessed with two sisters, Virginia and Pauline, and two brothers, Jim and Bob. The family moved to Norfolk, Nebraska where Claude started a newspaper publishing business. Margaret worked for her dad while in high school. We found in her scrapbook an article that said she was selected for the N-Ergizers, a group of leaders who cheered on and supported students in her school. She was selected to work at the Granada Theater, it was here that she met Lloyd and soon they fell in love. They married on May 27, 1935 in West Point, Nebraska. In 1937, they moved to Jefferson, Iowa, which would be their home until both of them passed away. They started a business on the square in Jefferson, Baller’s Auto and Home Supply.

Margaret and Lloyd had five children from 1938 to 1948: Charles, Mick, Jim, Claudia, and David. She was an organized and involved mom. We found so many things in her scrapbooks like 10 Ways to Make a Happy Home, hand written paragraphs about her philosophy of raising children, and ways to make sure they saved their money. The whole family helped with the store and it was a huge success. Margaret always kept the books for the business, and later in the 50’s she started Toyland in the store’s basement.

They were founding members of Trinity Lutheran Church, and all the kids were baptized and confirmed in this church. Their Christian faith in Jesus was a cornerstone of how they lived and what they believed to be important.

The kids grew up, attended college and married. Margaret was a loving mom and mother-in-law and soon the era of grandchildren began. Cork and Nancy had Chris, Julie, and Jenny; Mick and Brenda had Scott and Lance; Jim and Jan had Jeff, Jon and Joel; Claudia had Michael and Becky, and David and Connie had Alex, Kasey, and Kelsey. David also had two sons from a previous marriage, Devon and Ryan. The families all came home for Christmas and stayed in their family home for five days, all 23 of them! That is really togetherness, but Margaret loved it and never got tired of having them come.

Lloyd and Margaret retired from their beloved store in 1975 after 39 years. In 1999, they moved to the Evergreen Retirement Community. Their highlights in retirement were spending winters in California with Claudia’s family. Another highlight was the whole Baller family going to Lake Boyd every summer for a week at Mick and Brenda’s house. They spent time with each of the families and there was nothing Margaret loved more than having the family together, laughing, visiting, and playing games. After Lloyd’s death in 2002, Margaret continued on with courage through the power of the Holy Spirit, investing her time in genealogy, and creating wonderful scrapbooks which she had done all through their lives.

Margaret was a great friend to all who knew her, she was loved and cherished by each family member. She was an amazing woman who inspired us all. We had a huge 100th birthday celebration with all the family here in 2015. She lived to be 101 and three months exactly and she was filled with joy, faith, and happiness for all of that time. She went home to be with Jesus on November 11. We will all deeply miss her, yet we look forward to our heavenly reunion because of our salvation in Jesus Christ.

Memorials in Margaret’s name may be sent to Hastings Funeral Home in Jefferson.