Thief River Falls – Dean Hams passed away peacefully at Sanford Hospital in Thief River Falls, on May 15, 2026, surrounded by family.
Dean Larin Hams was born in Karlstad on November 1, 1935, to Orville and Tillie (Anderson) Hams. He was welcomed home by five sisters and three brothers. His family moved to Chicago for one year and then returned to Karlstad where he attended school. He walked one mile to school every day, uphill according to him. While in school, he loved sports. He was in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He sang in the school choir, many times as a soloist. He graduated from Karlstad High School in 1953.
Dean worked for Thompson House moving until he was called into the service. He was stationed in Oklahoma for one year, came home and got married to Gloria Pearson in 1957. He then returned to Oklahoma and was later sent to Germany. While stationed there for two years, he drove a Howitzer Tank and was able to see so many neat things. When he returned home, he enrolled in barber school in Minneapolis. In 1961, they welcomed a son, Kyle Matthew Hams. He was recalled back to service in Lawton, OK. Gloria and Kyle joined him because of the Berlin Crisis. After one year, they returned to Thief River Falls, where he barbered with Benson Barber Shop for 67 years.
Dean loved sports, especially watching Kyle play basketball. He also loved hunting, fishing, and golf. He also loved dancing and being the center of attention.
Dean was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and Trinity Choir for 40 years. He was also a member of the American Legion, The TRF Archery Club and the TRF Golf Club.
Dean is survived by his wife, Gloria; his son, Kyle (Andrea) Hams, Mora; grandson, Austin (Morgan) Hams, Karlstad; Cassie (Jeremie Watson) Hams, Gilbert, AZ; four great-grandchildren: Tyson, Skyler, Ridge, and Tate.
We are thankful to have lived in our home together our entire lives and we are especially grateful for being a part of a caring family and the support of our neighbors and friends.
A special thank you to the wonderful nurses at Sanford Hospital.
One of the many ways Dean showed his love was by always having a dollar to give to the children he so loved.
The service to celebrate Dean’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Visitation will be held one hour prior. A time of fellowship will follow.
In lieu of flowers, we are requesting that donations be made to Trinity Lutheran Church.
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