John C. Ballmer Sr.

John C. Ballmer, Sr. the gentlest, humblest and kindest husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle went home on October 6, 2021 at the age of 86. He was the best friend and loving husband of Irene C. (Miller). John was born on November 8, 1934, to Carl L. Ballmer and Donna R. (Mohler) Ballmer in Toledo, Ohio. He graduated from DeVilbiss High School in 1953 and briefly attended the University of Toledo. Although not very fond of the water, he served in the U.S. Naval Reserves for eight years. He was an active and faithful member of Augsburg Lutheran Church for over sixty years. John’s faith was instilled in him at an early age by his parents and was the bedrock from which everything else flowed in his life. John was a giant in the automotive parts industry, working as Parts Manager for many iconic Toledo-area auto dealerships; Jim White Chevrolet, Suburban Chevrolet, Bob Eddy Buick, George Ballas Buick, Papenhagen Olds, Yark Olds and Clift Pontiac in Adrian. He eventually concluded his illustrious career, at the age of 85, working many years for Auto Value. He endeared himself to his customers, as he did with everyone he met, with his character, honesty, and integrity. Dad had that special gift of being able to diagnose a problem with a car in minutes, by just listening. His attention to detail in giving driving directions was legendary, he was the original Google Maps. He had perfected the art of engagement in talking to complete strangers, by simply getting them to talk about themselves. His life was a model of selfless love. His three children were blessed to call him “Dad” and they lived a charmed childhood because of the love he and Mom provided. He rarely missed a sporting event or special activity of his children or grandchildren. He was involved, and knew nearly all his children’s friends, and as the children grew into adulthood, Mom and Dad were at their children’s parties, because they were wanted. He is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Irene; his children: Greg (Lisa Bachmayer) Ballmer, John (Stephanie Hendrix) Ballmer, Jr., and Heather (Larry) Meyer; by his grandchildren: Nicole (Jason Wegman) Dembski, Brandon Ballmer, Grant (Becky Woo) Ballmer, Christian (Libby) Ballmer, Allison (Ryan) Schoonmaker, Haley Ballmer and Ella Meyer; and his three great-grandchildren: Michael, Matthew, and Lily Dembski. Additionally, he is survived by his brothers-in-law Ken Miller and Peter LePage, his sister-in-law Judy Desko, several nieces and nephews, and former daughters-in-law: Brenda Ballmer, Linda Schippa and Cathy Ballmer. He was predeceased by his parents, parents-in-law Wilbur and Edna Miller, sister Kathryn LePage and sister-in-law Sharon Murphy. A visitation will be held at Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 W. Sylvania Ave. Toledo, Ohio, on Sunday, October 10, 2021 from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at Augsburg Lutheran Church, 1342 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo, Ohio on Monday, October 11, 2021 starting at 11:00 AM. Burial will immediately follow the service at Toledo Memorial Park, 6382 Monroe St., Sylvania, Ohio. The family would like to thank the staffs of ProMedica Toledo Hospital and ProMedica Ebeid Hospice Residence for the loving and wonderful care they gave our Dad. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider Augsburg Lutheran Church or ProMedica Ebeid Hospice Residence.

John C. Ballmer Sr.

November 8, 1934 - October 6, 2021