Leona Gertrude Ballman

LEONA PEPPEL BALLMAN Leona Ballman, age 89 of Port Hope passed away March 18, 2008 at Baylor University Medical Center of Dallas, TX. She was born July 12, 1918 to the late Ernst and Frieda (Rathje) Fluegge in Oliver Township. About half a year later they bought and moved to a farm in Chandler Township, which is still in the family today. Leona was baptized, confirmed and married in St. John`s Lutheran Church of Berne. She went to the Soule School Through the Eighth grade, graduated from the Elkton High School in 1936, then attended Central Teacher`s College for 2 years, to get a limited certificate to teach for 10 years in the rural schools. She taught at Robinson School 7 years, Lawitzke School 1 year, at the Red School for 2 years, all in the Port Hope area. During that time on August 24, 1940 she married Edward Peppel of Port Hope and lived on the Peppel Farm. Then they joined the St. John`s Lutheran Church of Port Hope. They had 3 children; Robert born on January 9, 1944, Donald born on January 9, 1949 and Dale born on March 19, 1952. In 1957 she began teaching again in the 3rd and 4th grades at the Port Hope Community School for 16 years. Leona continued her education and received her B.S. Degree at Central Michigan University in 1959, with taking more courses for a permanent certificate. In 1973, Leona changed from 3&4th grades to teach Kindergarten, reading readiness, 7 & 8th grade literature, and Title I reading and math in the afternoons at St. John`s, and the following rural schools; Red, Eccles, Adams, Verona, Rapson, Church, Big Burning, Jericho, and Becking. The latter two closed after a couple of years. Leona Taught for 40 years, retired in 1983, but subbed until 1987. In 1967, Leona & Edwards son, Robert, died after an accident while coming home from Michigan State University, and 2 years later, husband Edward died of a heart attack. Several years later on Aug 9, 1986 Leona married Kurt C. Ballman of Detroit at the Port Hope St. John Lutheran Church by Rev. Albert Bahr. They spent their winters in New Port Richey, FL and summers at the Peppel farm near Port Hope. Kurt died of illness in 1999. Leona had been a 4-H Leader for 28 years, first at the Busy Bloomfield Club, and next the Port Hope Lightning Bugs Club, taught summer schools, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, enjoyed playing cards, and above, loved God. She was a member of MARSP, MEA Retired, Florida GM Retirees, Port Hope Retirees club, Port Hope Homemakers, & Grindstone-Port Hope Sportman`s Club. Leona is survived by 2 sons; Donald Peppel of Rockwall, Texas, Dale Peppel and his wife Kate of Rochester, Bonnie Peppel of Garland, TX, 4 Grandchildren; Justin Peppel, Julie (Raun) Flores, Adam (Carolina) Peppel, and Jason Peppel; 7 great grandchildren; Kevin, Lerin, Chyrstine, Luke, twins Joseph and Nicholas and Dominic. One sister, Alma Stahl of Bay Port, Sister-in-law Vida Fluegge of Cass City, several nieces and nephews & Cousins, especially the Woodke`s and many friends. The Step-family survivors are: 1 son Kurt (Marlene) Ballman of Rodney, Daughter Karen (Dennis) Parent of Harrisburg Township, Daughter-in-law Judi ballman of Aurora, CO. 7 grandchildren; Debbie (Steve) Walsh, Kurt J. Ballman, Keith (Kris) Ballman, John (Debbie) Ballman, Todd (Cheryl) Ballman, Donna (Steve) Calk, Alan (Kelly) Parent and 13 great grandchildren. And sister Ruth Erning. Preceding her in death were her two husbands, Edward Peppel in 1969, and Kurt Ballman in 1999, son Robert Peppel in 1967, her sister Donna Molinaro in 1995, her brother Herbert Fluegge in 2006 her 3 brothers-in-law James Stahl in 1973, Richard Molinaro in 1996, Alfred Woodke and Her sister-in-law Martha Woodke. Funeral Services for Leona will be Monday, March 24, 2008 at the St. John Lutheran Church of Port Hope at 12 noon, with Rev. Greg Eilers officiating. Burial to follow in the Lakeview Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 7-9pm in the Ramsey Funeral Home of Harbor Beach, Saturday from 1-9pm and in the church on Monday from 11 am until time of services. A Scripture Service will be held Saturday evening at 7pm in the funeral home.

Leona Gertrude Ballman

July 12, 1918 - March 18, 2008