June C. Haram, Age 73 of Spring Lake Park, MN passed away on Sunday, September 22nd, 2013 at Arthur's Residential Care in Roseville, MN surrounded by her family after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. June is preceded in death by her beloved husband, David, and brothers-in-law Joncker Biandudi and Paul Haram. She will be deeply missed by her loving daughters Becky (Dan) Rehbein, Jackie (Todd) White, Cheri Haram, and Aimee (Tom) Smith, precious grandchildren Adam (Krista) White, Jenna (Isaac) Tuma, Kaurie (Ben) Spencer, Krista (Aaron) Esterling, Sicely White, David, Andrew, and Michael Smith, great grandchildren Gavin and Henry Tuma and a great grandchild due to join the family in November. She is also survived by her dear sister, Tamora Biandudi, brother-in-law Phillip (Barb) Haram, sisters-in-law Shirley Carlson, Susan Haram, Sharon (Randy) Schuster, numerous special nieces and nephews, and many dear friends and neighbors.
June was born on October 10th, 1939 in Mobridge, South Dakota to Fred and Mathilda Brockel. Her sister, Tamora, was born when June was 6 ½ years old and completed the Brockel family. June spent her early childhood on a farm near Mound City, South Dakota. The family did briefly explore living and working in California only to return the farm. The Brockels also tried life in Oklahoma and the Black Hills but chose to settle in the town of Mobridge, South Dakota where her family owned and operated a grocery store. June graduated from Mobridge High School in 1957 and proceeded to attend Sioux Falls College. It was there she met the love of her life, David Haram. They were married on March 27th, 1959 and brought into the world four daughters. As a family they enjoyed vacationing, good times with great friend and neighbors especially the Sorensens, and simply being together. Family fun was never far away. David and June spent many years serving their communities of Spring Lake Park and First Baptist Church of St. Paul in many different roles. For June, that included church secretary at First Baptist Church for close to 30 years.
On March 7th, 1986 June lost her one and only true love, David, and her world changed forever. She met this tragedy with courage, strength and a faith in God. She taught many how to overcome adversity with grace and love.
"Grandma June", as she was loving known by most, held many roles during her time on earth but her most treasured were wife, mom and grandma. Her family was her world and time spent together brought her complete joy. She also delighted in spending time with her sister, Tamora Biandudi. They shared many special adventures together including several trips to Italy. After David's death, June bought a cabin near Brainerd, MN and proceeded to pour her heart and soul into creating a serene place to share with others. She spent much time at "the cabin" organizing, building, decorating and tinkering. Many memories were made there including numerous family and friend gatherings and her famous "Grandma's Camp". She shared her unique and peaceful cabin with many.
Jesus was her savior, which was evident throughout her life. She brought joy to every room she entered, encouraged everyone, including complete strangers. She touched the lives of many with her generous spirit and love of life. Her smile lit up the room and her laughter was contagious. Her favorite quote was "live life to the fullest" which she not only spoke, she truly lived.
June's celebration of life will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 27, 2013 at First Baptist Church 499 Wacouta Street, St. Paul, Minnesota. A visitation will take place at the church on Thursday from 4 to 7pm and 1 hour prior to services on Friday. A private family interment will take place at Roselawn Cemetery.
A special thank you to Arthur's Residential Care and St. Croix Hospice for making her last few months as comfortable as possible.