Michael Robert Ball, PhD

Mike Ball, beloved husband and father, was called to his eternal home on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, after a valiant battle with cancer. Mike heroically underwent many years of painful and exhausting treatments to remain on earth with his treasured family. Mike was born on December 8, 1961, in Owosso, Michigan, to the late Dr. Richard James Ball and Mary Ann (Shroyer) Ball. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his devoted wife and best friend, Pico (Mary Angela Jakovac) Ball; his heart and soul, daughter Anna (Lucas Sepanak) Ball and son Nicholas (Amanda Escalera-Torres) Ball; and his older brother and lifelong confidant and spiritual mentor, David (Angela) Ball.

Mike was blessed with a large and close-knit family upon marrying Pico which included his beloved in-laws: Jane (Jakovac) and Paul Carl, Chris (Jakovac) and Darrell Haan, Traci (Jakovac) and Tom Shepard, Bill and Tina Jakovac, and Marie (Jakovac) and Michael Armstrong. Uncle Mike was adored by his nieces and nephews and was a constant presence and support in their lives. He leaves behind: Zachary and Guine Norman, Tyler, Travis and Tony Allen, Bailey and Corey Shepard, Jordan and Riley Jakovac, Isaiah, Mia and Elise Armstrong, as well as honorary nephew Herb Alford.

Mike was baptized into the Catholic Church in 1989, and entered into holy matrimony with Pico in 1990, both at the Church of the Resurrection in downtown Lansing. They spent many years volunteering at Resurrection school while their kids attended. Mike never missed a school event or teacher conference and was a role model for his commitment to supporting his children’s education. Mike was also a member of the Church of the Resurrection’s Knights of Columbus, Council #11099.

Mike was assimilated into the extended Jakovac family in the few years leading up to their wedding. Weekends filled with family gatherings and raucous garage parties became the norm for Mike, who happily embraced these newfound traditions. Mike was greatly appreciative of how warmly he was welcomed into the Jakovac Clan. He even spent time working at Jakes’ Deli under Uncle Tom Jakovac’s tutelage.

Mike spent his formative years in the small town of Owosso, Michigan before moving to East Lansing to attend Michigan State University. A scholar at heart, Mike attained both an M.S. in Exercise Science and a PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry. The humble, self-deprecating personality set everyone at ease upon meeting Mike, yet his profound depth and intellect often shattered the false assumptions provoked by his muscular physique. In the many years Mike spent furthering his education, he never received less than a 4.0 in any class (the only time he saw a 2.0 was on Pico’s transcript).

Beneath his larger-than-life frame and gregarious personality was a deeply faithful man and introvert. Growing up on a farm with acres of open fields, forests, and ponds, Mike recognized the rejuvenating power of God’s creation. Spending time alone as a youth allowed him to expand his mind and gain strength and perspective without distractions. It was in this quiet space that he felt most comfortable.

There was nothing more important to Mike than his personal relationship with God, Pico, and his children. Anna and Nick were blessed with a father who participated and was present during their childhood. Mike was the lenient parent…asking Dad would get a “Yes” compared to “Mean Mom.” Mike made them laugh and giggle and it is evident today as adults that they blossomed under his parenting style. He made them feel unconditional love and security; for he was their rock, their fortress, their champion.

Mike had a sharp wit and brilliant mind. You had to be on your toes when conversing with him or many of his one-liners would go right over your head. He was an incredibly kind and humble soul who always encouraged and mentored students, alumni, faculty and staff during his 30-plus years at Lansing Community College. He no doubt positively impacted hundreds if not thousands of individuals looking for either a workout, to answer their questions, or just have a conversation about life. Mike was not only a teacher but in time he became a trusted advisor and lay counselor to so many people. The public no longer came to use the fitness facilities or to attend class, but came to talk with Mike Ball. The character of this man was evident in his work ethic. Mike always maintained two jobs. His career at Lansing Community College was a constant but many other positions, too numerous to include, occupied his time as well. A few include his 10 years working at General Motors as the Health Coordinator for their wellness program. He earned the respect and admiration of many as he covered shifts in three different plants. He often drove in at 3am just to reach the midnight shift and educate them about blood pressure, cholesterol, exercise or nutrition. He spent a few years as a Mortgage Consultant under the guidance of his brother-in-law Bill Jakovac. He took a spin at personal training via Snap Fitness as well as opening his own trainer’s studio with his business partner Ross. Helping and mentoring was a theme running throughout his life and so many people benefited from his servant personality.

Finally, and there is an end to this, Mike’s most treasured destination and the place that would hold many of his cherished memories from childhood until his kids reached adulthood was the Ball compound on Crystal Lake in Frankfort, Michigan. It was heaven on earth and the most beautiful place to him. It represented love and family. It was there that he learned to survive swimmers itch, bats, chipmunks, and your average supply of spiders and mosquitos that a log cabin seemed to welcome. Memorable summers with his parents and brother David, as well as cousins on the Ball side filled his days with adventure and sunburns. Fishing and crayfish hunting, exploring the woods looking for morel mushrooms and eating fresh whitefish from Lake Michigan. He cherished these memories, and they sustained him amid all his health battles. He felt very thankful and fortunate to have experienced such a wonderful childhood and that his kids were afforded that blessing as well.

Like all people battling cancer Mike faced many obstacles and fluctuated between a host of emotions. What guided and grounded him was his faith in God and that there was a purpose to his life, and his suffering. His courage, strength and astounding resilience was a testament to all who were honored to have known him, and especially awe inspiring to his family who adored him. The world has lost an exceptional human being, and his life and legacy will carry on through the multitude of people he guided.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

Thank you to the Palliative and Hospice teams at McLaren Greater Lansing for their loving and respectful care of Mike. Thank you to the Karmanos Cancer Institute of Lansing and nurse navigator Patrick Fox and oncologist Dr. Daniel Isaac for their most compassionate care of Mike. The family is forever grateful for their dedication and ability to see beyond a cancer diagnoses to the character of the man within.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Steve Mattson at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 955 Alton Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823.  Visitation will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 4-7 p.m., with a Rosary at 6:30 p.m., and again on Wednesday for one hour prior to the Mass.  There will be no visitation at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions, in loving memory of Michael, may be made to Church of the Resurrection, 1505 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912.

Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.