Richard D. Ball

Richard D. “Rick” Ball, 81, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2026, on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Born June 4, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, Rick grew up in Rockford, Illinois, and lived most of his life throughout the Midwest, including 26 years in St. Charles, Illinois, before retiring to Bainbridge Island.

Rick was the devoted husband of his high school sweetheart, Kathryn Linde, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage. He was the proud father of Laura Teeuw (Jeroen), Steve Ball (Sharalyn), and Todd Ball (Dana), and the cherished grandfather of Ella, Pace and Imme Teeuw, Addison, Bennett and William Ball, and Clara, Walter and Arthur Ball.

After graduating from Rockford East High School in 1963, where he was a competitive swimmer, Rick earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1968 and an MBA from Creighton University in 1971. This led to a long sales management career in the metals industry, relocating the family seven times during stints with Alcoa and LTV Corporation. In 1985, Rick cofounded Commonwealth Metals Group in Hinsdale, Illinois, where he led the company until his retirement in 2012. 

Rick's greatest pride was his family and the full life he shared with them. He enjoyed pheasant hunting, fly fishing, handball, tennis and golf. He took particular interest in downhill skiing with his children and then grandchildren until the age of 76, primarily in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Rick also proudly served for 11 years as President of the St. Charles Soccer Club.

Retirement brought a new chapter filled with adventure. It allowed Rick and Kathy to expand their world travel to more than 30 countries, including Israel, Australia, New Zealand, and destinations throughout Europe, Central and South America. After moving to Bainbridge Island to be closer to Laura and Todd and their families, Rick embraced retirement by practicing yoga, spending time with family and friends, babysitting his grandchildren, traveling with Kathy, and enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Above all, Rick will be remembered as a loving husband to Kathy, a proud father and grandfather, a loyal friend to many, and someone who believed in working hard and enjoying the life he was given.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth R. Ball and Clara E. Ball. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; three children and their spouses; nine grandchildren; and his brother, Ronald Ball (Cecelia).

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held in Rockford, Illinois in November. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.