Katherine Haman

Oct. 28, 1935-Dec. 31, 2025

Rugby

Katherine Barbara Haman was born October 28, 1935 in Rugby, North Dakota. She died at the age of 90 on December 31, 2025 in her home in Golden Canyon, Arizona surrounded by loved ones.

Katherine was the second of ten children born to Frank and Mary Schumacker. She grew up near Rugby and attended school at a country schoolhouse. She met Clem Haman at a Knights of Columbus dance on Name’s Day. She claims that he held her hand the whole time, and wouldn’t let go, but he claims it was her that held his hand the whole time and wouldn’t let go! Either way, this hand holding grew into a love that would last 69 years. Katherine married Clem on October 27, 1953 and together they had eight children, which eventually led to 24 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren. During their marriage, she worked tirelessly in the field with her husband, completing farm chores and raising her family. She milked cows, grew and canned vegetables, and planted flowers. She taught her children to have a great work ethic and drive, which continues to be passed down through generations.

Katherine and Clemence enjoyed retirement after decades of farming. They moved to town in Rugby and enjoyed visits from family and friends. They bought a house in Gold Canyon, Arizona, where they spent their winters in the warm and relaxing sunshine. She found new friends there, who treated them both like family, something that their children will be forever grateful for. Katherine and Clem became quite the travelers during their retirement and visited places throughout the country, including Hawaii and Alaska. They also visited various places in Australia, Africa and Europe.

She had many interests and talents. She enjoyed playing cards and would often host Card Nights with Clem for their friends. She enjoyed reading, word searches, sewing her girls’ school clothes, baking, cooking, playing the organ, dancing with Clem, traveling, and visiting her family and friends. Katherine had many talents, especially when it came to gardening and cooking. She absolutely loved nurturing her flowers and watching them grow. Her yard was the most vibrant and eye-catching on the block, which was evident when she won the Rugby’s Beautification Award. Many people would drive by her house just to see her beautiful flowers. Katherine was also a wonderful cook and was known for her caramel rolls, dinner rolls and other recipes that will be passed down and enjoyed by others. In her later years, she found solace and comfort in saying the rosary, often several times a day.

Those who shared in her life were her son, Gary Haman of Rugby; Joyce (Kendall) Wedan of Peosta, Iowa; Mary Lou (Jack) Smart of Gillette, Wyoming; Pete (Linda) Haman of Douglas, Wyoming; Karen Hoffner of Maddock; Kathy (Bruce) Praska of Shorewood, Minnesota; Curt (Belinda) Haman of Dunseith; daughter-in-law Sandra of Roseau, Minnesota; 22 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren; siblings Jerome, Melvin, Frank, Larry, Duane, Isabelle Goldade, Lorraine Fritel, and Marion Rieck, numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Katherine was preceded in death and welcomed into Heaven by her husband, Clemence Haman; son, Vernon Haman; son-in-law, Mickey Hoffner; grandson, Luke Praska; granddaughter, Stacy Jaeger; parents, Frank and Mary; brother, Eugene Schumaker; great-granddaughter Lexi Hagen, numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and numerous friends.

Mass of Christian burial was held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 12 at Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby with burial in the spring in the church cemetery. Father Franklin Miller, Celebrant.

Organist: Angie Deplazes Vocal leader/Cantor: Luke Schlag

Presentation of Gifts: Great Grandchildren Scripture Readers: Katie Smart, Linda Haman & Jack Smart

Casket Bearers: Kyle Haman, Colter Haman, Travis Hoffner, Jared Praska, Connor Haman, Ryland Haman, John Haman & David Jaeger

Honorary Bearers: Lynn Haman, Michael Smart, Hunter Haman & Jacob Praska

Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby. www.funeralsbyanderson.com

Published by The Pierce County Tribune, January 17, 2026.