Anne Ham

Anne Marie (Marek) Ham, our beloved mother, aunt, friend and niece, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and caring staff on November 18, 2018 at Renvilla Health Center in Renville, Minnesota.

Anne was born October 26, 1945 to Frank and Ida (Kemmer) Marek. Anne grew up and attended school in Casselton, ND. She married and started a family with George Siemieniewski in 1961. After a heated incident with a frying pan, Anne left in 1964 to continue raising her family with Jack Fisher near Michigan, ND; after a few years, Anne moved into town with her four children.

In 1974, Anne was reluctantly set up on a date with Michael J. Ham, by his father, Julius. Within a few months, Anne and Mike were married and in 1975 Mike adopted Kelly, Shelly, Donna and Jack. In 1978 Anne and Mike sadly lost an infant daughter, Angel. Two years later, Anne gave birth to a baby girl, Jennifer. In 1987 they moved to Wyndmere. Anne and Mike celebrated 30 years of marriage before Anne's strokes put her in a nursing home.

Throughout her life, Anne worked hard to provide for her family, often working 2 or 3 jobs at once. She held many different positions: printing at Ness Press, serving at A&D cafe and at one time owned the Wagon Wheel Tavern in Michigan. While in Michigan, Anne served as a first responder with the ambulance. Later, after she and Mike moved to Wyndmere, ND, Anne bartended and cleaned rooms at the Siesta, worked retail and was manager at Gutzmer's Salvage & Supply in Lidgerwood, ND. Despite the challenges she faced, Anne was known for her compassion and generosity toward others, and her doors (and fridge) were always open.

Anne loved music, playing cards or scrabble, gardening, and going to the casino with friends. She adored her many grandchildren, danced the waltz and polka, and was a terrific cook. Anne was known for her quick wit and if you knew Anne, you knew where you stood with her.

Anne is survived by her children, Kelly (Mary) Ham of Sacred Heart, MN, Rochelle Ham of Granite Falls, MN, Donna (Randy) Honeycutt of Mumford, AL, Jack (Carrie) Ham of Chandler, AZ, Jennifer (Mike) Holtz of Fargo, ND; grandchildren Ambir, Eli, Kaleb, Jacob, Timothy, Ketin, Terrence, Kayla, Justin, Orion and many great-grandchildren.

Anne’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Renvilla Health Center, in particular to Lollie, Benny & Michelle.

Funeral Service:      Monday, November 26th at 10:30 am at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Casselton, ND with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Interment:     St. Leo’s Cemetery, Casselton, ND.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

www.westfuneralhome.com

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