Sam's funeral was this afternoon at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Watertown, S.D. Sam and I first met in a young adult's group at First Lutheran, Sioux Falls, S.D, in 1962. Just discharged from the Marines I was back at Augustana to finish my degree. The last year I was at Augie, '63-64, I lived at First Lutheran and served as night watchman and assistant custodian. Sam's fiancée, Mary Quam, was the church secretary. So, Sam and Mary, Joanne and I, were longtime friends.
We never lived in geographic proximity but always stayed in touch over the years. When Joanne died Sam was very helpful to me as I grieved. When Mary died the next year I tried to return the favor. Most of our communication was online, seeing each other on occasion. Sam was the master of short email's. Often the entire message was contained in the subject line.
When his daughter, Susan, informed me that he was in hospice she suggested a time for me to call him. Sam and I had a special conversation via phone on Wednesday and he died on Saturday. These last years since Joanne died we had a deep bond and I'll certainly miss him. Rest in peace good and faithful servant.
Takk for alt,
Al
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