Norbert Ham, 89, died on February 26, 2018, at his home with his family by his side in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Norbert was happy to be at home and died peacefully. He lived 72 years at Shadehill, SD, before moving to Piedmont in 1998, and he recently moved to Sioux Falls.

Norbert was born to Ronald and Delphia (Kiezer) Ham on a very cold Good Friday on April 19, 1928, with the help of the neighbor, who was a midwife.

Norbert was the fourth child born into a family of seven siblings, four brothers and two sisters.

He attended school through 8th grade at Miller School, in the DeWitt Township. Walking two miles to and from school with his siblings and cousins, rain or shine. Norbert always said it was up hill both ways. He always made it to school, even if late, after all the chores where completed at home.  He graduated from Lemmon High School in 1946.

Norbert married his high school sweetheart, Mrytle Hauge, on June 20, 1948. They had three beautiful children, Alan, Barb, and Janice.

Norbert was actively involved in the Calvery Luthern Church, Lemmon, SD, and served on several boards in the community.

Born during the Depression, Norbert's work ethic was learned at a young age. It stayed with him during his ranching days. Norbert and his three brothers, Don, Robert and Maurice took over the family ranch and then eventually formed Ham Brothers.  Norbert ran a large farm/ranch for many years in Perkins County. He had the help of his son and grandchildren for many years. He taught his children and grandchildren how to be hard workers. Many days were difficult being a rancher, but he always said the good times outweighed the bad.  He loved his years on the ranch, which is currently a four-generation ranch. His wife and children were his life. His family was his first concern. He loved to come home at night to his beautiful wife, Myrtle and kids and talk about his day over a wonderful meal.

Norbert was proceeded in death by his parents, Ronald and Delphia Ham; four siblings, Delores Evans, Donald Ham, Joyce Willet, and Melvin Ham.

He is survived by wife, Myrtle; three children, Alan Ham, Piedmont, SD, Barb (Ronnie) Auwerter, Rapid City, SD, Janice (Rodney) Haag, Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren, Jennifer Ham-Kelley (Chris Kaniz), Brandi (Steven) Brassfield, Brady (Kristen) Ham, Brandon (Cori) Haag, Riley (Rachel) Haag, Ali (Brent) Baloun, Beau (Kristina) Peterson, and Dustin (Elizabeth) Auwerter; 14 great grand-children; brothers, Robert Ham, Huron, SD, and Maurice (Marilyn) Ham, Spearfish, SD.

A Visitation and Prayer Service will be held at 6:00 pm Monday, March 26, 2018 at Piedmont Valley Lutheran Church in Piedmont, SD. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:00 am Tuesday, March 27 at the church with Reverend Jonathan Steiner officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date.