FRANCES HAMM

Frances M. Hamm, of the Finlayson/McGrath area, passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at the Mille Lacs Health System in Onamia.  She was 76 years old.

Frances was born on May 9, 1947 in St. Cloud, Minnesota to Sylvester and Alverna (Merrill) Thole.  Raised in St. Cloud, Fran attended Tech High School. She married Donald Elden Hamm on January 9, 1965 and they were blessed with 2 children and 54 years of marriage before Donald’s passing in 2019.

Fran worked as an injection mold operator at Rainbow and McCourtney Plastic in the Twin Cities for a number of years.  After moving to the McGrath area, Fran worked at Merit Plating for a few years before taking a job at Knight Tool and Plastic in Finlayson.  She retired in 2010 after 21 years.

Fran enjoyed bird watching and feeding the wildlife that came to her backyard.  Annual fishing trips and tending to her gardens were her favorite summertime activities.  Fran was a good cook, especially her fried chicken and homemade noodles.  She enjoyed crafting and crocheting, going to garage sales, flea markets and thrift stores.  She loved gathering together with family and friends.  She will be remembered for her warm hugs that will be missed by all.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald, sisters, Del Ray Yanker, Arlinda Keene, and Barbara Thole; great grandchildren, Michael Douglas Bassett and Shelby Elizabeth Wren.

Frances is survived by daughter Clarise (Doug) Bassett and son Donald II (Janice); grandchildren, Joey (Matthew) Anderson, Cory Bassett, and Tara Wren; great grandchildren, Kyra Lankford, Hailey Anderson, Rebecca Anderson, Grace Anderson, Gus Faught, Charlotte Wren, and Samuel Wren; siblings, Ardis “Toots” Butera, Sy (Janie) Thole, Frank (Deb) Thole, Yvonne Colby, Kevin Thole, Jean (Roy) Kassel, Elayne (Louis Jr.) Neuman; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, September 25, 2023 at the Hamilton Funeral Homes-Akkerman Chapel in Mora with Pastor Mark Maunula. 

Visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 pm on Sunday, September 24th and again 1 hour prior to the service on Monday all at the funeral home.  

Interment will be in the Grace Lutheran Cemetery in McGrath. 

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