Robert J. Ballard

Robert James Ballard (Bob) passed away Friday, April 25 at the age of 78. He was born in Waukesha on August 5, 1946, to parents Robert and Mary (née Blando). He grew up on the family farm with his parents and 5 siblings.

After graduating high school, Bob served in the United States Air Force. Following his service, he returned to Wisconsin and met his future wife Joyce while earning his undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from UW-Waukesha and UW-Madison. He subsequently went on to earn his master’s degree in Engineering Management from the Milwaukee School of Engineering.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years Joyce (née Zick); children Jeff (Jo), Katie, and David (Aubrey); grandchildren Liam, and Matthew; siblings Ron (Josie), Sue (Mike), and Sara (Karen); sister-in-laws Joyce and Linda; and many other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Richard and Andy.

After a long career in engineering and technology, in retirement he continued his enjoyment of card games, added a love of pickleball, and spent more time with family and friends. When not in his home office, he liked to visit new places like Belize, Costa Rica, Cuba, Scotland, Panama, England, Iceland, and many places in the US.

On Friday, May 2, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 818 N. East Avenue, Waukesha, WI 53186, at 10:00 a.m. visitation begins. At 11:30 a.m. there will be a Mass of Christian Burial. Luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org) or to World Vision (www.worldvision.org).