Thurston Ham

Thurston Ham, 89, Edgeley, ND died Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at Innovis Hospital, Fargo, ND.

J. Thurston Ham was born July 18, 1921 in Edgeley, ND the son of Arch and Mary (Thurston) Ham. Thurston attended school in Golden Glenn Township and graduated from Edgeley High School in 1938. Following graduation he enlisted in the U. S. Army and served in the European Theatre of operations during WWII. Following his discharge in February, 1946 he returned to North Dakota and attended Dakota Business College in Fargo and served as an auditor for automobile dealers in Oakes, ND and Wolf Point, Montana. In 1952 he began his career as a Public Accountant for Cooperatives (Cenex) in North Dakota and Minnesota.

Thurston married Carol Jean (Bartz) Bethke on December 27, 1958 in San Pedro, CA. They resided in Edgeley, ND from 1958 until the present.

Thurston was a charter member of the Edgeley Knights of Columbus. In 1983, he was ordained a Permanent Diaconate of the Fargo Catholic Diocese. He delighted in performing baptism and marriage ceremonies. He also enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing and watching sports. He always looked forward to watching Notre Dame Football on Saturday afternoons.

Survivors include his wife; 1 daughter Judy Binyon, Chico, CA; 2 sons, Greg (Lizanne) Ham, Bloomington MN and Mark (Kristy) Ham, Naperville, IL; 2 grandchildren, Kellen Ham and Lydia Ham; 1 sister, Betty Lee, Long Beach, CA; 3 brothers, Phil Ham, Ontario, CA, Jim (Della) Ham, Edgeley, ND and Lee (Marlene) Ham, Steele, ND and 1 sister-in-law, Marlene (Jerry) Ham, Edgeley, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, Jerry and Bob.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 8, 2010 at Transfiguration Catholic Church, Edgeley, ND.

Vigil Service: 7:00 p.m. Sunday, November 7, 2010 at Transfiguration Church.

Visitation: Noon to 5:00 p.m. at Lisko Funeral Chapel, Edgeley, ND and 1 hour prior to services in the church on Monday.

Interment: Mount Calvary Cemetery, Edgeley, ND