Maurice Leo Ham, 85 of Spearfish, SD, passed away with his wife and daughter by his side on December 8, 2018 in Spearfish, SD.

Maurice grew up on the family ranch at Shadehill, SD where he attended country schools and graduated from Lemmon High School in 1951. He married his High School sweetheart, Marilyn Crevier on December 6, 1953 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Lemmon, SD.

Maurice farmed and ranched with his brothers eventually forming Ham Brothers Inc; each brother running their own ranch with Maurice purchasing his own ranch in 1954.

In 1957, Maurice entered the US Army and was honorably discharged in 1959. In 1962 their daughter Brenda was born. Maurice was actively involved in the community where he served on the Lemmon Coop Elevator Board from 1969-1984, the South Dakota Association of Cooperatives from 1975-1984, and Farmland's National Board from 1984-1990. He also served on the Seim Township Board. Maurice was an usher for Calvary Lutheran Church in Lemmon for 50 years and served as a Trustee and President of Calvary Lutheran Church Council.

Maurice loved all aspects of farming and ranching but tending to his cattle was always his favorite task.

Maurice's two grandchildren, Katelyn and Danny, were welcomed into the family in 1990 and 1992.

Maurice was blessed to have been able to celebrate his 85 ^th birthday on December 5 ^th as well as his 65 ^th wedding anniversary on December 6 ^th of this year.

He is survived by his loving wife Marilyn, his daughter Brenda and son-in-law Greg Johnson. His granddaughter Katelyn (Jeff) Patterson, and grandson Danny (Jordan) Johnson. He is also survived by his brother Robert Ham an sisters-in-law Martina Ham and Myrtle Ham, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Maurice was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Delphia Ham; and five siblings, Delores Evans, Donald Ham, Joyce Willette, Norbert Ham, and Melvin Ham.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM Monday, December 17, 2018 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Spearfish. Burial will follow at 2:00 PM at Black Hills National Cemetery with full military honors.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com