Burnell B. "Burnie" Ballard, 85, Loves Park, died at 12:33 p.m. Sunday, November 9, 2008 in his home. Born November 13, 1922 in Lafayette County, Wisconsin, son of Arie B.and Hilda (Lofgren) Ballard. Rockford resident since 1941 coming here from Blanchardville, WI. Married Bessie S. Watson in Oregon IL. on April 4, 1970. She died on May 19, 1989. WWII veteran of the U.S. Army Airborne where he served in the Phillipines and New Guinea. He received a Purple Heart for his outstanding service to our country. Employed as a Department Foreman with J.L. Clark Manufacturing Co. for 44 years, retiring in 1985. Member of Belvidere VFW Post #1461, the 11th Airborne Reunion Association and the American Legion. He loved gardening, fishing and bowling. Since retirement, Burnie has been a willing, tireless, community volunteer. He first volunteered for Rockford CONTACT where he compiled over 1000 hours on the telephone hot-line, then following the death of his wife, he started volunteering for Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center. He took home-care training in 1990 and served many families for over 16 years. "I would like everyone at Northern Illinois Hospice & Grief Center to know that I love them all because of what they do, who they are and what they represent. I was proud to have been a part of their organization and it has been one of the highlights of my life". He was a loving, caring and dedicated father and grandfather. A selfless man who gave of his time and love freely and will be missed forever by all the hearts he touched. Survivors include his daughters, Judith Morris and Nancy Gariepy; grandchildren, Kimberly (Benny) Salamone, Alan (Pam) Woolbright, Renee Ballard, Rita (Tim) Ballard, Teresa Ballard, Tiffany (Tim) Dudek and Ryan Ballard; 15 great-grandchildren; brothers, Howard (Evelyn) Ballard and Russell Ballard. Also predeceased by parents; son, Ronald Ballard; sisters, Alice, Betty and Evelyn; brothers, Sanford, Orville, Harold and Glen. Visitation from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2008 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Please note that the funeral will be at the other chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. on Friday at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Dr. William Richard Kerr, Sr. officiating. A visitation will also be held from 9:00 a.m. until time of the service on Friday. Burial in Willwood Burial Park. Memorials may be made to Northern Illinois Hospice & Grief Center, 4215 Newburg Rd. Rockford, IL. 61108. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.