Mitchell Alan Hams was born November 15, 1950 in Greenbush, son of Russel and Eunice (Lundquist) Hams. He was raised in Karlstad, attended school through 6th grade, and then the family moved to Red Lake Falls where he graduated from Lafayette High School in 1968. He worked at JCPenney for a short time.
On July 23, 1970 he entered the US Army and served his country until his honorable discharge on May 1, 1974.
On June 6, 1971 he was united in marriage to Jan Denise Joppru at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. To this union 2 children were born: Jonathan and Melissa. Following his discharge, the couple made their home in Thief River Falls. He attended the AVTI in Thief River Falls and received a degree in carpentry. Mitch began working for the City of Thief River Falls where he worked for the Wastewater Department until his retirement in December 2011. Jan passed away on April 29, 2002.
On May 23, 2003 he was united in marriage to Judy (Rosholt) Hendry at United Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, ND. The couple made their home in Thief River Falls.
Mitch and Judy enjoyed spending time at the lake and fishing, reading a book a day, gardening, and woodworking, but most of all he loved and cherished the time with family. He will always be remembered for giving a big hug. He spent most mornings with his coffee buddies.
Mitch is survived by his loving wife, Judy of Thief River Falls; children, Jonathan (Lisa) Hams of Thief River Falls, Melissa (Jayson) Sletten of Red Lake Falls, Melissa Hendry of Grand Forks, ND; grandchildren, Talasia, Jaxon, Quantae, Jana, Knute, Mara, and Ella; siblings, Loren (Judy) Hams of Hoffman, Barbara (Darrell) Martell of Red Lake Falls, Leon (Deb) Hams of Grand Forks, ND, Steve (Maureen) Hams of Red Lake Falls, Tim (Teresa) Hams of Red Lake Falls, Terry (Hope) Hams of Montgomery, AL, Scott Hams of Red Lake Falls, Liza (Wade) Cardinal of Red Lake Falls, Rose (Larry) Eckstein of Red Lake Falls, along with many nieces and nephews; mother-in-law, Marlys Rosholt; in-laws, Cindy (Bill) Maisey of Atlanta, GA, Donnie Joppru, Dean (Pam) Joppru, Cookie Overbye, Rocky (Ann) Joppru all of Thief River Falls.
He is preceded in death by his wife Jan; parents, Russel and Eunice, father-in-law, Melvin Rosholt; father-and mother-in-law, Melvin and Toots Joppru; brothers-in-law, Terry Joppru and Arlen Overbye; sister-in-law, Kyle Joppru; nephews, Kory Joppru, Christopher Martell; and niece, Lacey Joppru.
Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, with Reverend Ale Tulu Officiating. Burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Public visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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Mitchell Hams, 70
