Dale Margaret Ballone, 86, of Wakefield, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Canal View Nursing Home in Hancock.

Dale was born on July 22, 1939, in Wakefield, the daughter of Oscar and Eleanor (Lepsito) Johnson. She graduated from Wakefield High School in 1957 and went on to attend cosmetology school in Detroit before returning home to Wakefield.

On January 24, 1959, Dale was united in marriage to John W. "Jack" Ballone in Wakefield. In September 1980, Jack purchased Lakeside Memorial Chapel, and together they owned and operated the funeral home until their retirement in 2004.

Dale was a faithful member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ramsay, where she led the choir and taught Sunday school. She also previously served on the Gogebic Medical Care Board. Dale was an extraordinary seamstress, known for sewing beautiful clothes for her daughters and herself. She was the first person to call in times of need—a loving, supportive mother and grandmother who was always there for her family.

Dale is survived by her five daughters, Lynn (Michael) Pipho of Dunkerton, Iowa; Ann Margaret (Jeffrey) Burt of Bessemer; Jean (Gary Uren) Ballone of Hancock; Erin (Mark Taylor) Ballone of Algoma, Wisconsin; and Lauren (Shawn Martinek) Ballone of Lakewood, Colorado; 12 grandchildren, Evan (Katie) Pipho, Sarah (Chris) Bush, Kristin (Dani Araya) Pipho, Seth Pipho, Matthew Burt, Stephanie (Job) Smith, Garrett (Megan Horner) Uren, Isaac (Mia) Ballone, and Sky, Leosh, Kieron, and Feilim Martinek; five great-grandchildren, Moxie Jane Burt, Rose and Thea Smith, and Yemi and Sayat Araya, with twins and another great-grandchild expected; her brother, Dennis (Leslie) Johnson; her nephew, Ryan Johnson; as well as other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jack, in 2013; and her sister-in-law, Corrine Laessig.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home in Ironwood. A second visitation will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church on Friday, March 6, from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m., with Pastor Brian Hopfensperger officiating. Burial will take place in the spring at Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield.

Memorial contributions may be directed in Dale's name to Hope Animal Shelter in Ironwood or to Special Olympics.

Dale's daughters wish to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Canal View Nursing Home, who brought their mother so much joy.