Leonidas "Leo" James Ballard-Van Gundy

-Tribute by Kristin Ballard:
Leonidas (Leo) James Ballard-Van Gundy
January 16, 2014 — September 19, 2025
Age 11 years, 9 months, 3 days

With hearts full of love, we honor the beautiful life of our son Leo, who passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025, surrounded by family. Anyone who met Leo instantly knew they were in the presence of someone extraordinary. He radiated peace, kindness and joy. He loved laughter- especially fart noises and the silliness of people being their truest selves. He reminded everyone around him that being genuine and good was the best way to live. He taught us more in his 11 years than many learn in a lifetime – how to love deeply, laugh freely, and find wonder in everyday moments. His presence was a gift and his legacy will forever be carried in the hearts of those who knew him.

Leo’s personality was peaceful, playful, curious, and full of delight. He loved dancing and music, discovering around his pond, seeing his Cack Cacks (ducks), reading nighttime books (his favorite: Goodnight Lightening McQueen), drinking chocolate milk, eating chips, going kayaking, playing baseball at the Miracle League and figuring out how cars worked.

Leo had a special bond with dogs and animals, and loved exploring the outdoors. He had a special bond with his fur sister Lily and they both made sure they were always close to one another. Leo was gifted a special needs bicycle by S&S Apparel at his only fundraiser, which gave him the opportunity to ride a bike along side his cousins and was an integral part of his physical therapy.

Though his life was shortened by Batten Disease, Leo’s life was full of adventures. He participated in many activities, each one opening new doors for others to walk through. He was the first child to receive infusions at Mayo Clinic for children with Batten Disease, paving the way for other children to receive the same treatments in Des Moines. He proudly served as a Kid Captain at Iowa State for a football game and basketball game, he threw the first pitch at an Iowa Cubs game, and saw his very own race car light up in the Make-A-Wish Jolly Holiday Lights. That same race car at Jolly Holiday Lights not only made Leo’s wish come true to have his own special tribute, but the funds for his display helped another child see their Make a Wish come true as well, in true Leo fashion, always wanting to help others. Leo was a part of many organizations that meant a great deal to him and our family, including the Batten Disease Support and Research Association (BDSRA), Tori’s Angels, Miles for Miracles, Make-A-Wish, and the Miracle League among many others.

Leo is deeply loved and is survived by his parents, Kristin Ballard and Travis Van Gundy (Ashlin); his fur sister and best companion, Lily Ballard; his step-brother Liam Bennet; his grandparents Randy and Pam Ballard and Debra Van Gundy; his great-grandmother Gerrie Clay; his aunt Jennifer Smith and cousin Dawson Smith; his aunt Karmin (Cord Ramirez) Ballard and cousins Mili Ramirez, Bink Ballard-Ramirez, Benny Ramirez, Opal Ramirez, and Alfie Ramirez; his uncle Jacob (Shannon) Ballard and cousins Chloe (Kiza) Ndume, Isaac Ballard, Eli Ballard; his aunt Amy (Matt and cousin Bennett) Van Gundy and a host of extended family and special friends. He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents James and Louise Ballard, Ronald Clay, Don and Deloris Holcomb.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Leo’s devoted nurse, Deb Buse and bath aide, Adam Whitney who lovingly helped care for him for more than 5 years and became a treasured part of his life.

A celebration of Leo’s life will be held at a later date by his mother.

In lieu of flowers or monetary gifts, his mother kindly asks that donations be made in Leo’s honor to the Make-A-Wish foundation or the Forever Home Dog rescue (where his fur sister was adopted from).

Though our hearts ache with his absence, we are endlessly grateful for the time we had with Leo. His spirit - peaceful, curious, playful, and endless love and laughter - will forever dance in our lives and in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

"We will live to honor your spirit with love, grace, and joy going forward".


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-Tribute from Travis Van Gundy:
Leonidas "Leo" James Ballard-Van Gundy, age 11, passed away on September 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Leo was born on January 16, 2014, in West Des Moines, Iowa, to Travis Van Gundy and Kristin Ballard. Leo lived his life with unmatched strength, courage, and joy despite facing the challenges of a rare and progressive disease, Batten Disease.

Throughout his life, Leo’s infectious spirit touched many, and he became a symbol of hope and resilience for those affected by Batten Disease. He was an active member of several organizations dedicated to supporting families facing similar challenges, including the Batten Disease Support and Research (BDSRA) Foundation, Tori's Angels, Miles for Miracles, Make-A-Wish, and Miracle League.

Leo’s love for life was evident in the moments that brought him joy. A couple of highlights of his young life was the honor of throwing the first pitch at a Cubs game and being kid captain in an Iowa State football game, memories he cherished deeply. Leo was also granted the gift of a Make-A-Wish trip to Disneyland. Leo had a special bond with a custom bike generously gifted to him by S&S Apparel, which gave him the freedom to ride and experience the world in new ways.

A lover of Disney, Leo was especially fond of Lightning McQueen from Cars and could often be found watching his favorite movies, dancing along to the tunes, with his favorite car in his hand. He enjoyed playing in water and wrestling with Dad. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandparents doing many activities. Music and dancing were also central to Leo’s world, and he was known for his joyful energy when dancing to live music wherever he found it.

Leo was deeply loved and is survived by his parents, Kristin Ballard and Travis (Ashlin) Van Gundy; his brother, Liam Betten; his grandparents, Debra Van Gundy, and Kim (Jerald); his aunts, Amy (Matt) Nerdahl, Ayrin (TJ) Burns; his cousins, Bennet Nerdahl, Madalynn and Myles Burns; special friends, TJ, Liz and Willow Brooks, and a host of beloved extended family and friends.

Leo was preceded in death by his grandfather, Ronald Van Gundy; and his great-grandparents, Don and Delores Holcomb.

A Celebration of Life, hosted by Leo’s father, will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway; 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Travis and Ashlin Van Gundy.

Leo’s memory will forever be a light in the hearts of those who knew him, and his strength and joy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to be part of his journey.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.Hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.

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