Don Ham

Donald Ham, 91, of Winterset passed away on Sunday, October 28, 2018 at his home south of Winterset surrounded by his family. Donald Edward Ham was born August 30, 1927 on a farm near Lorimor, Iowa. He was the son of Ralph Edward and Mary Elizabeth (Graves) Ham and the brother of Fern (Ham) Algoe and Larry Ham. Donald attended elementary school at the Scott Center School southeast of Winterset and graduated from Winterset High School in 1946. In 1948 Donald married Rosemary Black. Their five children are Charlene (Ham) Craig of IA, Clinton of IL, John of IA, Marten of IA, and Glenn of MO. They farmed in Monroe Township for 28 years. Donald married Karen (Christensen) Duff in 1981. Donald and Karen lived in Texas, Nevada, and California before returning to Iowa and settling on a small farm outside of Winterset. With this marriage came five stepchildren: Gary Lentz of IL, Gail Duff of OR, Lynn Duff of SD, Sherry (Duff) Jipp of IA, and Marlene Duff of IA. He enjoyed his many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Donald was a member and Elder of the former New Hope Ord Church. He served as a 4-H leader, township trustee, and had been a 40 year member of the IOOF Lodge. He was charter member of the Iowa Paint Horse Club and one of the first 20 Lifetime members of the American Paint Horse Association. Donald was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Karen; sister, Fern; step granddaughter, Elizabeth Light; and step son, Lynn Duff. A memorial service will be held 10:30 AM Friday, November 2, at the Zion Church at the Madison County Historical Complex. Chaplain Lindsay Guyer will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation to Avalon Hospice – The Grace Foundation. Caldwell-Parrish Funeral Home – Collins Chapel in Winterset is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.caldwellparrish.com.