Joe Van Haelst's Potato Soup

During our January Dinner in Bushnell, many asked for Joe's famous Potato Soup recipe. So, after much coaxing, here it is:

In a pot mix,

4 cups of water
4 cups of cubed potatoes
1 cup diced carrot ts
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced onion

Cook until vegetables are tender. Caution, do not drain.

Broth

1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup of flour
2 cups of milk
1/2 cup of any kind of cheese you like (I use Velveeta)
2 cups diced ham

In a pan, melt butter, add flour and stir until smooth. Add milk a little at a time until smooth. Add cheese and ham. Add salt to taste. When hot and cheese is melted add to vegetable mixture and serve.