Sam Wollmann, age 100, passed away peacefully, Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Avantara - Huron, with his daughter and son-in-law by his side.

His funeral service was held at 10:30 AM, Friday, August 5, at the Bethel Mennonite Brethren Church, rural Yale. Burial followed in the church cemetery.  His service was live-streamed through the church's website. 

 View Sam Wollmann's Funeral Folder 

His visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Thursday, August 4, at the Kuhler Funeral Home, with his family present during that time.

Sam Wollmann was born June 6, 1922, to Andrew and Barbara (Glanzer) Wollmann at his grandparents' home near Menno, South Dakota. Several months after he was born, the family moved to a farm nearby. Dad's life on the farm with two brothers and three sisters was typical of that era, milking cows, picking field corn by hand, farming with horses, and helping threshing crews harvest their wheat.

As a teenager, he realized his need of a Savior. Dad spoke of the time and spot on the farm where he could grasp by faith his sins were forgiven. He became a member of the Salem KMB Church.

A young lady caught his eye in Beadle County, and he hitchhiked over 100 miles to see her. On May 27, 1945, Sam married Mary Hofer at Bethel Mennonite Brethren Church. A week later they boarded the train at Tripp, South Dakota, and headed to Terry, Montana, for alternative service. This time of service lasted 18 months and also took them to Fort Collins, Colorado and Lincoln, Nebraska. Dad liked to share the experience of that time and treasured the friends they made.

A memory he often talked about was Sunday afternoons singing with his family, with his mother playing the organ. This inspired a love of singing throughout his life. We as a family have many fond memories of the songs, he sang such as "I Want To See My Savior First Of All," "There Is A Reason" and "All The Way My Savior Leads Me."

After their service was completed, they began farming on Mary's parents' farm southwest of Carpenter, South Dakota, facing the challenges of life together. They spent the first 18 months living with her parents in a small 20' by 20' house. Two children were born to this home, Daniel Sam and Barbara Ann.

He farmed with his son, Dan for fourteen years. Sam was also very interested and active in the founding of James Valley Christian School. He was their secretary for many years and worked hard advocating for Christian education.

In 2004, Dad and Mom moved to Stoney Brook Assisted Living. Mom passed away a year later after nearly 60 years of marriage. Stoney Brook was dad's home for 17 years. He faithfully took care of Mom and spoke lovingly of her after she was gone.

We as a family appreciated his humor and positive attitude on life. In later years, he spent many hours making cards and reaching out to others. He often spoke of his desire to make heaven his home.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Barbara and Arlan Jantz of Carpenter, South Dakota, and Meredyth Wollmann Besteman; seven grandchildren, Joseph (Rachel) Wyatt, Daneta (Troy) Wollmann, Sonja (Kendall) Mastre, Craig (Melanie) Jantz, LaVae (Anthony) Unruh, Melanie (Ashley) Yost and Nathan (Erika) Jantz; twenty-five great-grandchildren; one sister, Naomi Hofer; and two sisters-in-law, Alma Wollmann and Karen Wollmann.

Preceding him in death are his wife, Mary; his son, Daniel; his parents; two brothers; and two sisters.

 View Sam Wollmann's Floral Arrangements