Russel O. Hams, 90, died on Friday, April 27, 2012 at his home in Red Lake Falls, MN surrounded by his loving family under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Monday, April 30, 2012 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Red Lake Falls with Rev. Gary Graff officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM, Sunday, April 29, 2012 at Bethany Lutheran Church with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the funeral service Monday at the church. Russel Omer Hams was born on December 9, 1921 to Delbert and Lois (Simmons) Hams in Kittson County, MN. He was baptized at First Lutheran Church in Karlstad, MN. He attended rural schools near Karlstad, MN. He entered into military service in October of 1942 and served until October of 1945. He was in the Army Infantry, Company B, 363rd Battalion, 91st Division. Russel served in Italy. He received the Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster. After returning home from the service, he was united in marriage to Eunice Lundquist on November 7, 1946 at Halma, MN. Russel worked as a mechanic for various places and had many other jobs throughout the years. He was very interested in how things worked and liked to know how they worked. He enjoyed working with wood and baking his "famous buns." Russel enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Eunice, of Red Lake Falls, MN, 10 children: Loren (Judy) Hams, of Hoffman, MN, Barbara (Darrell) Martell, of Red Lake Falls, MN, Mitch (Judy) Hams, of Thief River Falls, MN, Leon (Deb) Hams, of Grand Forks, ND, Steve (Maureen) Hams, of Red Lake Falls, MN, Tim (Teresa) Hams, of Cortland, OH, Terry (Hope) Hams, of Montgomery, AL, Scott Hams of Minot, ND, Liza (Wade) Cardinal, of Red Lake Falls, MN, foster daughter Rose (Larry) Eckstein, of Red Lake Falls, MN, 24 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, one brother Arlie Hams, of Red Lake Falls, MN, and many other relatives and friends. Russel was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers: Stanley, Louie, Gordon, Elwood, and Arnold, four sisters Eva Bakke, Della Moberg, Marcella Hams, and infant girl, one grandson Christopher Martell, and daughter in law Jan Hams, and several nieces and nephews. ORGANIST: Kathy Englund SOLOIST: Everett Englund SELECTIONS: One Day At A Time, Precious Lord Take My Hand SOLOIST: Jocey Hams SELECTION: Red River Valley CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Softly and Tenderly, I'll Fly Away PALLBEARERS: Brian Martell, Jonathan Hams, Nathan Martell, Jeff Martell, Justin Hams, Jordan Hams, Michael Hams, Andy Hams, Ethan Hams HONORARY PALLBEARERS: all of Russel's Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren MILITARY HONORS: Red Lake Falls American Legion