General Information
Full Name: Jerry Ham
Date of Birth: April 27, 1953
Date of Death: September 28, 2013
Jerry’s life story
Jerry A. Ham
On Monday, April 27, 1953 in Shakopee, MN, Jerry Alan was born to parents John Elwood and Herminia (Criego) Ham. He was the fourth of five children. Jerry’s childhood years were spent in Shakopee. As a young boy, the mouth was always busy and contained a bright contagious smile. Jerry was all about rocks, frogs, monkeys and dinosaurs. An intelligent young man, he graduated from Shakopee High School in 1971.
Jerry proudly served as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army. Stationed in Germany, he served as an Artillery Meteorologist. During his enlistment, Jerry was also stationed in Utah, New Mexico, and Alaska. A love for Alaska, Jerry moved to Alaska and continued being a Meteorologist. Sending up weather balloons, he would compile the data and send it the weather stations. Jerry also completed military and automotive testing, in the extreme weather conditions of Alaska. In 2010, he retired and moved to Montgomery, to be closer to family.
A man of many passions, Jerry’s biggest joy in life was being a true father and grandpa. He was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Joni and Jennifer. Later in life, he was graced with four grandchildren, Patrick, Megan, Alex and Shawnee. Jerry lived each day for his family and loved being in their presence.
A love for the wilderness, Jerry spent countless hours in the woods; cross country skiing, hiking, bird watching and hunting, especially moose and his one and only caribou. He relished hiking in the woods, looking for that perfect piece of Diamond Willow. Jerry also found peace casting his line in the rivers for fish and rowing in the canoe.
At a young age, Jerry found freedom in riding motorcycles. A love he has carried throughout his life. A talented woodsman, Jerry could build anything, with the greatest accomplishment in building his dream home in Alaska. After retirement, Jerry was able to enjoy a six month trip to Australia, a place he dreamed of seeing. Jerry loved watching NASCAR, channel surfing and listening to KCHK radio station. His philosophy in life…everyday is a Saturday.
A selfless, independent and strong made man, Jerry was giving, honest and loving, with a great sense of humor. On evening hours of Saturday, September 28, 2013, Jerry passed away unexpectedly at his home in Montgomery, at the age 60. To everyone he touched, Jerry will continue to say in spirit…I love you more!!!
Deeply missed and remembered always by those who loved Jerry, daughters, Joni (William) Bass of Montgomery, Jennifer (fiancé Joshua Baird) Ham of Pekin, Ill; grandchildren, Patrick, Megan, Alex and Shawnee; siblings, Judith (Barry) Andrews of Owatonna, John (Jeanne) Ham of Coon Rapids, Jane (Gary) Reents of Villard; sister-in-law, Susan Ham of Jordan; many nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and devoted friends.
Jerry is preceded in death by parents, John and Herminia; brother, James; aunts and uncles.
Urn bearers for Jerry will be daughters, Joni and Jennifer and grandson, Patrick. Honorary bearers will be nephews, Marshall Andrews, Matthew Andrews, Trevis Becthwith, Jacob Ham, Jamie Livingston, Kyle Reents and Jarad van der Hagen.
The Celebration of Life Service will be on Saturday, October 5 at 2:00 pm, with visitation one hour prior, all at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home 104 West First Street, Jordan. The Life Tribute Specialist will be Jean Breeggemann. The Jordan Vets Honor Guard will provide military honors for Jerry.
The Ham family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Jordan Chapel. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
Visitation
When: Saturday, October 5, 2013, 1 til 2 PM
Location: Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home
Address: 104 First St. W., Jordan, MN 55352
Service Information
When: Saturday, October 5, 2013, 2:00 PM
Location: Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home
Address: 104 First St. W, Jordan, MN 55352
