Ted Ballinger

Ted Ballinger, age 66 of Fairbury, died on September 13, 2007. He was born on November 16, 1940 at Longmont, Colorado, the son of James and Juanita Briney Ballinger.

Ted was a hard working man. A Man who loved life and knew how to live it to its fullest. He had the unique ability to bring laughter into the saddest of situations and was well known for his mastery of slight of hand and his wonderful sense of humor. As Marvel The Magician, he and his loving wife Cora were the life of every party or gathering they attended by putting on magic shows that would mesmerize young and old alike. His wonderful skill at creating balloon animals instantly made children adore him and adults admire him. Many of the shows they performed were donated to help various charitable organizations.

In 1977, Ted met his future wife and soul mate Cora. They enjoyed 30 wonderful years together. Ted worked as a heavy equipment operator for 41 years and was considered by many to be the best in the business. His expertise at handling heavy equipment is credited with saving many people’s lives. Several years ago, Ted and Cora moved to Fairbury where the fit right into the warmth of small town living. He found great comfort relaxing in their new home, playing his guitar. Ted was friendly to all he knew and strangers were simply folks he had yet to meet. He was always there, ready to lend a helping hand to everyone or anyone who need help getting something done. An excellent carpenter, he was known as the “handyman of Fairbury”.

Ted loved sharing his vast knowledge and skills by teaching others—as a guitarist, magician and as a crane operator. Cora and Ted loved decorating their home for the holidays, especially Halloween. Their haunted house was an annual event and people came from miles to enjoy their hard work. Ted will probably be remembered most for his delightful, entertaining sense of humor. It was impossible to be around him for very long without laughing. His repertoire of jokes was endless. Often times, if the mood was getting dreary, he could lift people’s spirits and stir things up by saying, “I’m not the one to instigate any trouble, but……. And it worked every time. Our remembrance of Ted brings much laughter and love.

Ted is survived by his wife Cora, children Debbie, James, Bonnie, Brent, Shairse, Dirk, Heath, Billy, Johnny and Jimmy, sister Caroline Gogerty, brother Fred Ballinger, 5 grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Services will be on Monday, September 17, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Gerdes-Meyer Chapel in Fairbury with Pastor Paul Carpenter officiating.