Kathleen Ham

Kathleen Ham passed away on December 21, 2024, at the age of 94 in Benkelman, Nebraska. Born on July 20, 1930, in Indianola, Nebraska, to Ferdinand and Rose (Schutte) Ostdiek. She married Paul Ham in Benkelman to which she had six children. Kathleen embodied a vibrant spirit that touched all who knew her.

Throughout her life, Kathleen exemplified the values of kindness and strength. She was a true homemaker whose passion for cooking and baking brought joy and warmth to her household. Kathleen’s love for hosting gatherings created lasting memories filled with laughter, good food, and friendly competition over games. She cherished spending time with family and friends, always dressed for the occasion, ready to celebrate the shared moments of life.

She was proud do go back to high school and graduated with her daughter Mary and then go on to college in her 50’s to receive a nursing degree. She helped so many at the hospital and home health care. She visited the nursing home weekly until her passing.

A faithful Catholic, Kathleen’s faith served as a guiding light throughout her life. Her strong values and caring character made a profound impact on her community, and she will be remembered not only for her hobbies, including playing pitch and just always having fun, but for her unwavering dedication to those she loved and served. Kathleen Ham's legacy of love, laughter, and faith will forever remain a source of inspiration to those fortunate enough to have known her.

Survivors include children Ellen (Kirk) Potthoff of Benkelman, NE, Mary Kitt of Wauneta, NE, Rich (Keri) Ham of Benkelman, NE, Donna (friend Jimmy Mullanix) Hall of Benkelman, NE, Jenny Brandt of Lincoln, NE, Vera (Brian Burnett) Robinson of Edgewater, FL; grandchildren, Ben (Renee Ruhlman) Blecha, Char (Curtis) Sohm, Dee Blecha, Nathan Rauch, Meghan (Matt) Samek, Tiffany Prososki, Kristi (Alex) McNair, Callan Kitt, Beth Kitt, Adrienne (Jason) Mathews, Jonathan (partner Brandy Warning) Ham, Wyatt (Nikki) Hall, Abbie (Craig) Conner, Mackensie Hall, Taylor, Kathleen, and Scott (Cori) Brandt and Charley Robinson; great grandchildren, Jacob (fiancé Tiffany Dortland), Joshua, and Madison Sohm, Emma, Lila, and John Jackson Baldeh, Henry and Hattie Blecha, Sven and Daisy Rauch, Peyton Samek, Christopher, Clara, and Cattie Lesiak, Owen, Reid, and Mason Mathews, Harrison Ham, Stetson Turpin, Walker and Banner Hall, Liam and Karsyn Conner, and Eliora Braverman, sister Yvonne Eggers, and sister-in-law Marilyn Ostdiek

Kathleen is preceded in death by her parents, husband Paul, grandsons Wyley Hall and Theron Kitt and sons-in-law Bill Hall and Kirby Kitt and her multiple fun loving siblings.

Family will receive friends Friday, December 27, 2024 at 5:00pm at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with a Recitation of Rosary at 6:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 10:00AM at St. Josheph’s Catholic Church with Father Eickhoff.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family to be designated later

Online condolences may be sent to the family at liewerfuneralhome.com